Lost Boy

By: Brent W. Jeffs, Maia Szalavitz

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

In the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), girls can become valuable property as plural wives, but boys are expendable, even a liability. In this powerful and heartbreaking account, former FLDS member Brent Jeffs reveals both the terror and the love he experienced growing up on his prophet’s compound—and the harsh exile existence that so many boys face once they have been expelled by the sect.

Brent Jeffs is the nephew of Warren Jeffs, the imprisoned leader of the FLDS. The son of a prominent family in the church, Brent could have grown up to have multiple wives of his own and significant power in the 10,000-strong community. But he knew that behind the group’s pious public image—women in chaste dresses carrying babies on their hips—lay a much darker reality. So he walked away, and was the first to file a sexual-abuse lawsuit against his uncle. Now Brent shares his courageous story and that of many other young men who have become “lost boys” when they leave the FLDS, either by choice or by expulsion.

Brent experienced firsthand the absolute power that church leaders wield—the kind of power that corrupts and perverts those who will do anything to maintain it. Once young men no longer belong to the church, they are cast out into a world for which they are utterly unprepared. More often than not, they succumb to the temptations of alcohol and other drugs.

Tragically, Brent lost two of his brothers in this struggle, one to suicide, the other to overdose. In this book he shows that lost boys can triumph and that abuse and trauma can be overcome, and he hopes that readers will be inspired to help former FLDS members find their way in the world.

Critic reviews

"[A] moving debut memoir... This hard-to-put-down, tightly woven account pulls back the curtain on what's become a perennial news story, while illustrating the impiety of absolute power and the delicacy of innocence."
--Publishers Weekly, starred review

Very interesting to hear a males story

I have listen to a lot of books from former FLDS members I thought this was a good book to see a boys side of the story

Eye opening narrative on living in the FLDS

A brave retelling of the firsthand accounts experienced by a former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints. Like many cult followings, the FDLS is filled with stories of abuse, molestation, rape, and in some cases, torture and death. This audio experience will captivate your attention from the first 5 minutes and hold your interest through to the final chapter! Although the theme appears dark throughout, the truth eventually hits its mark and provides some degree of relief. This is a true story worthy of being heard.

A male perspective on the FLDS

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lost Boy?

When Brent was talking about his panic attacks and the horrible memories coming to the surface, I could almost feel his fear and dread - I cannot imagine!

Any additional comments?

I have read a few of the books from the former female members of the FLDS and how life was on a daily basis, so it was very interesting to hear a boy's view on it. I was impressed by how highly he thought of his father, and how he said he was taught to treat women with respect. This didn't seem to be the norm in other families, where women were treated as currency, or property. So, I think his father was probably not in agreement with how badly women were treated in other families and that is refreshing to say the least. I enjoyed hearing his story and the journey of healing he had to endure in adulthood.

Wonderfully told

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Interesting and an insight into the lifestyle

What did you like best about this story?

The author told his account in a very genuine way

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could have

Wonderfully written

A matter-of-fact book about the benefits and harsh realities of FLDS life. I've listened to several books about FLDS, and this is the first book written by a male. I appreciated hearing the male perspective, and learning about FLDS life prior to takeover by Warren Jeff's.