If you’re looking for an in-depth look at Ruby Ridge that explains how the Weaver family became so entrenched in apocalyptic prophecies, this is the book to read. Fair warning, though, that it’s depressing as hell.

The chapters dealing with the history of Christian Fundamentalism are more dense, but they do give fabulous context. I can better appreciate how a seemingly normal middle class couple falls into a religious echo chamber where spewing hate is the norm. While the Weavers fell into this trap before the algorithms of social media existed, there were established networks of religious extremists with their mailing lists, meetings, and self-published books.

The book is framed nicely. Jennings opens with the initial confrontation between the family and government agents on their land. Then Jennings backtracks explaining the history of fundamentalism and the history of the Weaver family that led them to building their cabin in Idaho.

I’ve watched several documentaries on Waco and the Oklahoma City Bombings, so I had a cursory understanding of the events at Ruby Ridge where neither side made sound decisions.

Jennings lays out the facts, as best as he can gather, that demonstrate how paranoid the Weavers were and how some people in government agencies failed to grasp when the Weavers were more bluster than threat.

Given how MAGA extremists increasingly have become a louder voice in policy decisions, this book’s analysis of how tightly those cult members cling to their extremist views is important. There most certainly are some MAGA members who cannot be talked to or persuaded to see reason. They believe what they believe, regardless of facts, and they will act accordingly.

It took me a long time to read this book. Not because it wasn’t well written or compelling, but because it’s soul sucking.