The House of My Mother
By Shari Franke
- Release Date: 2025-01-07
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Description
From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog and the hidden abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and how, in the face of unimaginable pain, she found freedom and healing.
Shari Franke’s childhood was a constant battle for survival. Her mother, Ruby Franke, enforced a severe moral code while maintaining a façade of a picture-perfect family for their wildly popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which documented the day-to-day life of raising six children for a staggering 2.5 million subscribers. But a darker truth lurked beneath the surface—Ruby’s wholesome online persona masked a more tyrannical parenting style than anyone could have imagined.
As the family’s YouTube notoriety grew, so too did Ruby’s delusions of righteousness. Fueled by the sadistic influence of relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, together they implemented an inhumane and merciless disciplinary regime.
Ruby and Jodi were arrested in Utah in 2023 on multiple charges of aggravated child abuse. On that fateful day, Shari shared a photo online of a police car outside their home. Her caption had one word: “Finally.”
For the first time, Shari will reveal the disturbing truth behind 8 Passengers and her family’s devastating involvement with Jodi Hildebrandt’s cultish life coaching program, “ConneXions.” No stone is left unturned as Shari exposes the perils of influencer culture and shares for the first time her battle for truth and survival in the face of her mother’s cruelty.
Reviews
Everyday Heroes
5By TFKarlI’m so impressed with Shari’s insight, courage and strength. I hope she becomes an inspirational speaker. Her story could lift so many out of dark worlds created by deception. I was also deeply touched by those in her life who had similar strength and courage such as her therapist, the bishop who paved the way to her therapy, and neighbors who loved unconditionally.Brave.
5By srambo22A true act of bravery and perseverance.Terrible
1By Sunshine2759I wish I could get my money back. I purchased this influenced by the reviews and I don’t see how it’s rated highly. I don’t know the whole story and half way through the book I still don’t. It appears she is an angry, self centered girl. She cites the pain of being in front of the camera yet takes the first opportunity to create her own channel. She berated her mother for falling into the Connexions cult and immediately falls for it herself. She bashes her mother for sending her brother to a wilderness camp yet doesn’t provide any context. There might be more to the story but the author provides no depth or insight, just criticism and anger that reads like a self centered teenager with anger issues. I can’t finish this book it’s so awful. Waste of money.10/10
5By PoohBooohYou are so strongThe history
5By Anonymous 123456789109763584This book was eye opening, I grew up watching this channel and noticed things here and there. It is crazy when you hear other perspectives. I wouldn’t have imagined the abuse, thank you for telling your story you are brave!Loved it!
5By EmilyJesickReally loved this book! Very detailed and answered many questions I have been wondering about this case (and family) for many years.Raw & Emotional
5By NatCot307I read this in 2 days. So emotional yet moving. Shari tells this book in such a mature and positive way.10/10 would recommend!
5By ryemitchelI believed this book was very powerful. Not only is it real in the fact of it actually happening in the public eye, but it’s also relatable. Definitely won’t regret reading this!Eye opening and Heartbreaking
5By Dad&CarlyThe story and tails, horrific childhood of physical and emotional abuse by a mother, who puts on a façade of a happy family, in the form of YouTube channel. It also reveals how convoluted and corrupt the Mormon church is. With people in power, grooming, innocent young girl, and facing no consequence, whereas she was punished for being a victim. I highly recommend reading this book. Shari and her siblings are incredibly brave.5 STARS
5By HayleeD96Such an amazing book! I don’t usually enjoy memoirs but this blew me away!
