A Thousand Tiny Paper Cuts

The Subtle, Insidious Nature of Spiritual Abuse and Life on the Other Side

By: Katherine Spearing

Narrated by: Katherine Spearing

A Thousand Tiny Paper Cuts is a raw, arresting dive beneath the glossy surface of American evangelicalism, exposing the often-invisible damage of spiritual abuse. Drawing on her upbringing in the Christian Patriarchy Movement, her former role as a ministry leader, and her work founding the nonprofit Tears of Eden, Katherine Spearing offers an unflinching look at the wounds that religious institutions cause, which are impossible to ignore, and helps you name and understand them.

The book's title evokes the nature of these injuries-small, subtle, and nefarious-cuts that bleed out over a lifetime. With piercing insight and a voice both tender and fierce, Spearing unpacks power imbalances, spiritual gaslighting, and the silent corrosion of autonomy under abusive religious systems.

From the application of shame to the shattering of trust, she exposes what happens when faith is used as a weapon, and what it takes to walk away. With moments of wit, clarity, and deep compassion, this survivor-centered narrative doesn't just expose abuse; it provides a path toward a thriving life.

A Thousand Tiny Paper Cuts is essential listening for anyone deconstructing harmful faith, supporting survivors, or daring to imagine a life beyond the confines of religious control.

Exclusive to the audiobook, you'll also find a fascinating interview with Katherine Spearing at the conclusion.

©2025 Lake Drive Books (P)2025 Lake Drive Books

Critic reviews

“With her years of experience working with and advocating for survivors, Katherine Spearing is an important voice on the issue of spiritual abuse in the American evangelical church.” —Cait West, author of Rift: A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy

Heartfelt and brave!

Appreciated Katherine’s story and the people in her life who helped her realize her power and agency.

No man is an island, and it's ill-advised to try to be one.

I very much appreciate having had the opportunity to listen to this memoir, written from the first-hand experience of a girl growing up in homeschooling circles. The hazards of a family life that is too closely guarded, too constrained, and that is directed by parents who, though highly intelligent in some senses, lack emotional intelligence and knowledge of child development, are well described. Anyone interested in the downstream effects of a particular "school" of homeschooling (there are many others) would be well served by listening to, and reflecting on, _A Thousand Tiny Paper Cuts_.

A Healing Companion in Words.

This book is such a gift. Listening to the author read it on Audible is deeply comforting—it reminds the listener they are not alone and helps them better understand their own story. The author’s willingness to share their journey makes the experience feel like having a companion through hard moments. It’s the kind of book you wake up looking forward to returning to. Brave, generous, and deeply human.

A “must read” book

Very well written. Author was informative, understanding and extremely helpful on the subject of religious abuse. Made me feel like I’m not alone. I will read it many times.