The House Of My Mother by Shari Franke
The instant #1 New York Times Bestseller. A heart-wrenchingly personal true story of surviving a controlling upbringing and finding the courage to break free.
- Raw, unflinching memoir from the eldest child of a viral family vlog
- Explores faith, control, trauma, and the long road to self-determination
- Available in Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback, and Audio CD editions
Explore The House of My Mother
The House of My Mother — Hardcover Edition
The flagship hardcover edition of Shari Franke’s bestselling memoir. A powerful first-hand account of life behind the camera and the quest for freedom.
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The House of My Mother — Kindle & Audiobook Edition
Read or listen anywhere. The Kindle edition and Audible audiobook bring Shari’s story to life whether you’re at home or on the go.
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The House of My Mother — Paperback & Audio CD Edition
The most popular format for readers who love a physical copy. Also available as a collectible Audio CD set.
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Written by Shari Franke, the eldest child of Ruby Franke, The House of My Mother pulls back the curtain on a family life that millions watched online — and reveals the hidden truth behind the carefully curated videos. Described as “heart-wrenchingly personal” and “dizzying” by Rolling Stone, the memoir charts Shari’s journey through strict religious ideology, emotional control, and ultimately her decision to reclaim her own identity.
The book sits at the intersection of memoir, family drama, and survivor narrative. It explores how public performance and private reality can diverge completely — and what it costs a child to live inside that gap. Readers looking for stories of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to speak truth will find this essential reading.
How to Read This Book
Follow these five steps to get the most from Shari Franke’s memoir, whether you are a first-time reader or returning to it for a deeper understanding.
- 01
Choose Your Format
Decide how you want to experience the book. The Kindle and audiobook editions are ideal for commuters, while the hardcover or paperback suits readers who prefer a physical copy. All five formats carry the complete, unabridged text.
- 02
Set the Scene
Find a quiet space free from distractions. This memoir deals with difficult themes — control, religious extremism, and family trauma — so a calm, unhurried environment will help you engage with the material more deeply and compassionately.
- 03
Read With Context
Shari Franke’s story is rooted in a specific cultural and religious context. As you read, pay attention to the family dynamics she describes and consider how public-facing content can differ dramatically from private reality. This awareness deepens the impact of every chapter.
- 04
Reflect and Discuss
After finishing, take time to reflect on the themes of resilience and identity. This book works exceptionally well in book-club settings — its clear narrative arc and emotionally charged chapters make for rich discussion about family, freedom, and personal accountability.
- 05
Share the Story
Gift a copy to someone who needs to hear this story. Whether it is a friend navigating a difficult family situation or a reader who loves powerful survivor narratives, The House of My Mother has resonated with over 15,000 readers and continues to spark vital conversations.
The House of My Mother — Reader Reviews
With more than 15,000 ratings and an instant #1 New York Times Bestseller ranking, here is what readers are saying.
Product quality
“I read this in one sitting. Shari’s courage to tell the whole truth — not just the palatable parts — makes this one of the most affecting memoirs I have encountered. It is deeply personal yet universally resonant.”
— Verified Reader, Nonfiction & Memoir
Ease of use
“The audiobook version is exceptional. Hearing this story narrated brings an extra emotional dimension that the text alone cannot fully convey. A must-listen for anyone interested in family dynamics and survivor stories.”
— Audiobook Listener, Religious Cults Category
Overall experience
“I bought this as a gift for a friend going through a tough time with family. She called me the day she finished it to say it changed how she saw her own situation. That is the mark of a genuinely important book.”
— Gift Buyer, Best Sellers List Reader
Watch: Shari Franke in Her Own Words
Hear directly from the author about the story behind The House of My Mother.
About the Author
Shari Franke is a writer and advocate who grew up in the public eye as the eldest child of a widely followed family vlog. After years of living a life shaped by camera-ready performance and strict household rules, she chose to tell the full story — the parts that never made it onto screen.
The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom is her debut book, published by Simon & Schuster. It debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list and has been recognized across the Nonfiction and Religious Cults categories. It is both a personal reckoning and a broader meditation on how families present themselves to the world — and what they hide.
Shari continues to speak openly about her experiences and advocates for children navigating controlling environments. Her work has reached readers across genres: memoir fans, true-story listeners, and anyone drawn to stories of quiet, hard-won courage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The House of My Mother about?
It is a memoir by Shari Franke, the eldest daughter of Ruby Franke, documenting her experience growing up inside a controlling family environment that was simultaneously broadcast to millions of online viewers. The book explores themes of identity, faith, manipulation, and ultimately liberation.
Who is the author Shari Franke?
Shari Franke is the eldest child of Ruby Franke, whose family vlog attracted a large online following. Shari’s memoir offers her firsthand account of the events behind the public-facing content and the personal cost of that upbringing.
What formats is the book available in?
The book is available in five formats: Kindle Edition, Audible Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback, and Audio CD. All formats contain the complete, unabridged text of the memoir.
Has the book appeared on bestseller lists?
Yes. The House of My Mother debuted as an instant #1 New York Times Bestseller and has accumulated over 15,000 reader ratings since its release. It is published by Simon & Schuster.
Is this book suitable for book clubs?
Absolutely. Its clear narrative arc, rich emotional themes, and universal questions about family, control, and identity make it well suited to group discussion. Many readers report it prompts meaningful personal reflection alongside the literary conversation.