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The House of My Mother

A Daughter's Quest for Freedom

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INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Heart-wrenchingly personal…dizzying.” —Rolling Stone

From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog—now the subject of a new Hulu docuseries—and the hidden abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and how, in the face of unimaginable pain, she found freedom and healing.


Shari Franke’s childhood was a constant battle for survival. Her mother, Ruby Franke, enforced a severe moral code while maintaining a façade of a picture-perfect family for their wildly popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which documented the day-to-day life of raising six children for a staggering 2.5 million subscribers. But a darker truth lurked beneath the surface—Ruby’s wholesome online persona masked a more tyrannical parenting style than anyone could have imagined.

As the family’s YouTube notoriety grew, so too did Ruby’s delusions of righteousness. Fueled by the sadistic influence of relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, together they implemented an inhumane and merciless disciplinary regime.

Ruby and Jodi were arrested in Utah in 2023 on multiple charges of aggravated child abuse. On that fateful day, Shari shared a photo online of a police car outside their home. Her caption had one word: “Finally.”

For the first time, Shari will reveal the disturbing truth behind 8 Passengers and her family’s devastating involvement with Jodi Hildebrandt’s cultish life coaching program, “ConneXions.” No stone is left unturned as Shari exposes the perils of influencer culture and shares for the first time her battle for truth and survival in the face of her mother’s cruelty.
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I could not stop listening, from growing up watching the 8 passengers to now learning the shocking truth behind the camera this book had everything. It was so special to hear Sheri, reading the words she had written and listening to her side of her shocking reality! I would most definitely recommend!

Most definitely recommend

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It was a beautifully written book that brought many emotions while listening to and as someone who has difficulty with reading and focusing, I finished the book within a few days of listening.

Sad but inspiring read

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all I can say is, what a reminder of what my childhood was like. only different was I wasn't online. thanks for sharing, thanks for being super vulnerable. Massive congratulations.

WOW

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Shari courageously shared her story, and listening to the neglect and suffering she endured deeply moved me. My heart goes out to her for the strength it took to tell her experience.

Shari’s story moved me.

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In this shocking story of resilience and courage, I found myself proud of the amazing woman who fought through all barriers to overcome her upbringing.

Endlessly Courageous

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