The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom

The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom

Shari Franke

Enjoyment: 4.13Quality: 4.5Characters: 4.67Plot: 4.83

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.


From the Forum
  • Memoir Fans—Which Format Do You Recommend?

    I’ve heard really good things about this book, and I’ve binged all the documentaries about her family, but I’m not the biggest fan of memoirs. Has anyone read it? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the writing style and pacing. Also, should I go for the audiobook or read the digital version?

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  • Thoughts from 13%

    i've followed closely with articles and videos involving this family and reading this so far, I always thought it was social media and her lust for fame that made Ruby a sh*tty mother, boy was i wrong...

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