I have always been quite fascinated by religious cults and the people living life within them. The story we receive in Girl at the End of the World is one at first of terror and shame, and later, one of freedom and redemption. I found this book to be encouraging to me–not because I was raised in a religious cult, but because I was raised in a home where discipline was given by way of spanking, as was Elizabeth Esther, the author of this memoir. I was very interested to get her persepctive on being punished for her wrong-doings. For many years I just accepted my spankings as my due, not thinking that it might be a form of abuse. Elizabeth opened my eyes further to this matter, and I think even if you were brought up in a non-disciplinary household, you will still be on the edge of your seat throughout this book, waiting to see what will happen next to this young girl who is struggling to find her way in a world of fear.

Abuse and religion are only one facet to this memoir. Elizabeth also expounds on everyday life, family, and marriage. Though it is difficult (I won’t give away any key spoilers), you should really read this book for yourself to find out what happens. And once you read it, check out some of the reviews on Amazon and the clip on Youtube from her appearance on Anderson Cooper. This is a controversial read that will hold your attention to the very last page.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  3 religious exclamations; 2 mild obscenities; 1derogatory name; 1 F-Word derivative.

Violence/Gore:  Child abuse is mentioned multiple times; injuries sustained from child abuse and discipline are described briefly; bullying is mentioned several times.

Sex/Nudity:  Minors kiss several times; mature discussions regarding sex are described; a man is mentioned to be having an affair.

Mature Subject Matter:

Bullying, body image issues, child abuse, cults.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None