Beyond the Cabin

Josh is stuck. Born and raised in the Fundamental Faith in God- a cult started by his mother- the only world Josh really knows is one of abuse, neglect, and life in a house bursting with angry adults and lonely children. His only friend is his oldest brother, Malachi. He and Malachi have spent countless hours in the woods, building a rough cabin and planning to escape together.

But when Malachi finally snaps and gets away, he leaves Josh behind. Betrayed, more isolated than ever, and finding solace only in his books, Josh starts planning his own escape. Then tragedy strikes and Josh spirals with nothing to catch him and years of abuse and neglect all he can see in his future.

That all changes when Josh finally talks to one of the other cult kids, Mary, and a friendship sprouts from their love of the same books. As his relationship with Mary deepens into something that might save both of them, Josh's eyes are opened to the plight of the other children and he feels something new: fury. These children need his protection- even though Josh still yearns for freedom.

But is escape an act of betrayal? And when the time comes for Josh to face his abuser, will the battle destroy any hope for peace and freedom?

A tale of a young man seeking connection, love, and freedom while growing up in a real-life, infamous Scientology splinter cult. Based on and inspired by the author's life in The Process Church of the Second Coming.