Unfollow

Unfollow is a powerful memoir by Megan Phelps-Roper, who was raised in the Westboro Baptist Church, a homophobic and anti-Semitic religious sect. She left the church at the age of twenty-six and her journey is remarkable and inspiring. The book offers a nuanced portrait of the lure and pain of zealotry and is a must-read for anyone who enjoyed Hillbilly Elegy or Educated.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 08 October 2020
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

For those who enjoyed the thought-provoking and compelling narratives of Hillbilly Elegy or Educated, Unfollow is a must-read text that delves into the intricate and often controversial world of religious indoctrination. Written by Louis Theroux, this book offers a poignant, redeeming, and insightful account of the experiences of individuals who have been subjected to religious upbringing.

Pandora Sykes, in her review for the New York Times, praises Unfollow for its nuanced portrayal of the allure and pain of zealotry. She describes the book as a "moving, redemptive, clear-eyed account of religious indoctrination."

The BBC documentaries, The Most Hated Family in America and Surviving America's Most Hated Family, have featured Megan Phelps-Roper's upbringing in the Westboro Baptist Church, a religious sect known for its aggressive homophobia, anti-Semitism, and celebration of AIDS and natural disasters. Phelps-Roper's journey, from her early involvement in public protests at the age of five to her pivotal role in spreading the church's invective through social media, is portrayed in detail in Unfollow.

Despite the challenges and difficulties she faced during her formative years, Phelps-Roper remained steadfast in her belief in God's truth and her commitment to the church. However, in November 2012, at the age of twenty-six, she made the courageous decision to leave the church, her family, and her life behind.

Unfollow is not just a memoir; it is a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the complexities of faith. Through her candid and introspective writing, Phelps-Roper sheds light on the psychological effects of religious indoctrination, the power of belief, and the struggle to break free from the constraints of one's upbringing.

The book has received widespread praise from critics and readers alike. Nick Hornby, in his review for the Guardian, describes Unfollow as a "beautiful, gripping book about a singular soul, and an unexpected redemption." He praises Phelps-Roper's writing as "exceptional and inspiring," noting her journey from Westboro to becoming one of the most empathetic, thoughtful, and humanistic writers around.

Dolly Alderton, in her review for the Telegraph, praises Unfollow for its "gripping story, beautifully told." She describes Phelps-Roper as a "remarkable woman" and praises her ability to convey the complexities of her upbringing with "honesty, clarity, and compassion."

Jon Ronson, in his review for the New Yorker, describes Unfollow as a "gripping story, beautifully told." He praises Phelps-Roper's talent for storytelling and her ability to convey the message of the book with "power and clarity."

In conclusion, Unfollow is a must-read text for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and compelling narratives. Written by Louis Theroux, this book offers a nuanced portrayal of the lure and pain of zealotry, shedding light on the experiences of individuals who have been subjected to religious upbringing. Through her candid and introspective writing, Megan Phelps-Roper provides a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the complexities of faith. Unfollow has received widespread praise from critics and readers alike, and is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

Weight: 218g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787478015