“fathermothergod is a heart-wrenching coming of age memoir about the implosion of a family when Christian Science dogma encounters a mother’s grave illness. It’s impossible to read this and not put yourself in the author’s shoes—this will take your breath away.”
—Lee Woodruff, author of Perfectly Imperfect and In an Instant
A riveting and heart-rending memoir, fathermothergod: My Journey Out of Christian Science exposes the monstrous feats of neglect fostered by this strange American manifestation of religious fanaticism. Tracing her mother’s decline and its lacerating consequences, Lucia Greenhouse knows the truth about Christian Science, and she tells it with passionate, righteous indignation.
—Caroline Fraser, author of God’s Perfect Child: Living and Dying in the Christian Science Church
“Lucia Greenhouse’s book is a heart-breaking reminder of how nefarious religious zealotry can be. Her story drew me in and blew me away. This is an important addition to the genre of memoirs by children who escaped religious hucksterism and are now bravely exposing it.”
—Julia Scheeres, author of Jesus Land
“[A] powerfully affecting memoir . . . Greenhouse’s skill in rendering family relationships under the intersecting stresses of illness and conflicting beliefs make the book worthwhile . . . reading. Wrenchingly courageous.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Through this memoir, readers will see how even those closest to us can remain a mystery.”
—Library Journal
“A touching book that puts a human face on Christian Science.”
—Booklist
“Rather than a journey out of a faith, this is the story of one woman’s questioning and anguish over her parents’ choices…. Teens wondering about their own faith, their parents’ expectations, and how to marry the two will find that this book resonates with them. It will also appeal to anyone wanting to know what it’s like to grow up in Christian Science…Suggest that readers have tissues close at hand.”
—School Library Journal
