BOOK REVIEWS
Book Reviews from AMAZON.COM
An inspirational and courageous tale of a young woman's survival!, March 5, 2009
By Sylviastel - See all my reviews
This author did one thing that none of the other authors about Jonestown did in
their books and for this alone, she deserves five stars. She lists the nine hundred plus
victims of the Jonestown event in the back of the book. Other books have just given
us a number and she has given us their names, birth dates, and places of birth and
former residence before Jonestown.
Apart from that, the book is interesting to read because the author was so young
and lost her brother, sister, and nieces and nephews. There is the guilt that she feels for
surviving and the long way back home to peace, love and understanding of herself. She
went to Guyana to get her son who was only 2 years old at the time. Her husband, Joe
Wilson, was one of the devoted followers of Jones and it made it very difficult for
Leslie to pull herself away.
She wanted to escape and recounts her first attempt when she was in
Georgetown to get glasses even though she stashed a pair in the bottom of her suitcase.
She and the others in Jonestown lived in a world of fear, paranoia, hunger, hard labor,
and terror by the man who led them there. I was surprised that she listed his name with
all the other victims. For Leslie, this book helps paint another portrait of the Jonestown
life and the tragic events of November 18, 1978.
If you are interested in reading about Jonestown, the People's Temple, and Jim
Jones, this book should also be included on your reading list. While Leslie was not as
close to Jones, she shows another side of those there with no way out really.
Her escape with her son on November 18, 1978 was brave and guilt-ridden for leaving
her family behind to face the certain death. This book is decently written but for the
first time in print, I see the names of 900 men, women, and children who once lived in
Jonestown.
*********************************************************************************
I read it in one day! Couldn't put it down!, May 11, 2009
By M. Malone (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
Wow. I am in my mid 20's and have heard of Jonestown here and there but
never actually knew the story of what happened in depth. All I can say is wow. It is
amazing to me that this tragedy has had so little light shown on it and the stories of
those lost and those who survived have been muffled. The author's story felt so...real.
It was heartfelt. Nothing felt trumped up for dramatic purposes. It was if someone was
telling you their life story, the good and the bad, nothing hidden or watered down. It
was a story we can all relate to. It is so hard to find a real life story. All I have to say
is...when is the movie coming out???
*********************************************************************************
A must Read for anyone who questions "Faith", April 4, 2009
By Dana L. Hall
Leslie takes you into her world with this eye opening passage through a young
persons eyes. The trials and tribulations of coming of age and trying to hold true to
who you are,can be challenge enough in life. But the added degree of living; loving;
learning and SURVIVING through Jonestown has definitely been brought to life in this
book.
This riveting story is a testimony that whatever we go through if our "FAITH" is
there it does not go unnoticed by any means. God wrapped his arms around Leslie, her
son and the others that day.
Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of
realities though not beheld (Hebrews 11:1)
*********************************************************************************
Journey with her through this wonderful read, I'm sure you would come out different
when you think of "Faith"......Enjoy
In Her Own Words, April 1, 2009
By C. L. Keithley - See all my reviews
My review is written without informing you of actual events in the book because I
want you to read it for yourself. Leslie was unselfish in writing about her life's
experiences. She brought you into her world through her words. She kept you
interested chapter after chapter. As I read the book and learned more about the reason
so many people went to Jonestown it was truly an eye opener. She made the people
real again. She not only wrote about her experiences but also her survival and how it
affected her and her son. She told you what actually happened and what she was
thinking when it happened. She spoke for those who are now silent but had a story that
needed to be told honestly. She listed everyone's name in the back of her book which I
thought was a wonderful tribute to them. She is a true testimony that "whatever" you
may be "growing" through "hang" in there and keep the "Faith" because God "WILL"
pull you through. Be a "slave to faith". Don't EVER give up on it. Faith is certain if
you just BELIEVE. Read the book yourself and see just what I mean.
BOOK REVIEWS FROM BARNES AND NOBLE
carabryn
Inside Jonestown and the aftermath -- one touching account
Reader Rating See Detailed Ratings
Posted March 30, 2009, 1:44 PM EST: If you've ever been curious about what went
on inside Jonestown -- beyond the wrenching night of slaughter -- this is a must
read. Leslie's first hand account of her own entrapment, escape and the haunting
aftermath will spell it out for you and keep you spellbound!
********************************************************************
Slavery of Faith by Leslie Wagner-Wilson
Reader Rating See Detailed Ratings
Posted February 20, 2009, 2:55 AM EST: I really enjoyed reading this book! Slavery
of Faith is very insightful, personal, funny-at-times, suspenseful, sad,
thought-provoking, and inspiring. The Author (Leslie Wagner-Wilson) delivers an
intimate glimpse into her life before and after Jonestown. Leslie's experiences beyond
Jonestown was almost as tragic as the event. What is most impressive is her faith in
God, and how it sustained her through her addictions, legal troubles, and family
suicide. Leslie is a true survivor, and she will inspire anyone whose lives have been
marred from tragedies. This book, although insightful, still raises questions...Why??
No one, not even Leslie will know the full truth of Jonestown. Leslie's story
however, will impel its readers to question and draw conclusions. Which makes it a
very fine read!
An inspirational and courageous tale of a young woman's survival!, March 5, 2009
By Sylviastel - See all my reviews
This author did one thing that none of the other authors about Jonestown did in
their books and for this alone, she deserves five stars. She lists the nine hundred plus
victims of the Jonestown event in the back of the book. Other books have just given
us a number and she has given us their names, birth dates, and places of birth and
former residence before Jonestown.
Apart from that, the book is interesting to read because the author was so young
and lost her brother, sister, and nieces and nephews. There is the guilt that she feels for
surviving and the long way back home to peace, love and understanding of herself. She
went to Guyana to get her son who was only 2 years old at the time. Her husband, Joe
Wilson, was one of the devoted followers of Jones and it made it very difficult for
Leslie to pull herself away.
She wanted to escape and recounts her first attempt when she was in
Georgetown to get glasses even though she stashed a pair in the bottom of her suitcase.
She and the others in Jonestown lived in a world of fear, paranoia, hunger, hard labor,
and terror by the man who led them there. I was surprised that she listed his name with
all the other victims. For Leslie, this book helps paint another portrait of the Jonestown
life and the tragic events of November 18, 1978.
If you are interested in reading about Jonestown, the People's Temple, and Jim
Jones, this book should also be included on your reading list. While Leslie was not as
close to Jones, she shows another side of those there with no way out really.
Her escape with her son on November 18, 1978 was brave and guilt-ridden for leaving
her family behind to face the certain death. This book is decently written but for the
first time in print, I see the names of 900 men, women, and children who once lived in
Jonestown.
*********************************************************************************
I read it in one day! Couldn't put it down!, May 11, 2009
By M. Malone (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
Wow. I am in my mid 20's and have heard of Jonestown here and there but
never actually knew the story of what happened in depth. All I can say is wow. It is
amazing to me that this tragedy has had so little light shown on it and the stories of
those lost and those who survived have been muffled. The author's story felt so...real.
It was heartfelt. Nothing felt trumped up for dramatic purposes. It was if someone was
telling you their life story, the good and the bad, nothing hidden or watered down. It
was a story we can all relate to. It is so hard to find a real life story. All I have to say
is...when is the movie coming out???
*********************************************************************************
A must Read for anyone who questions "Faith", April 4, 2009
By Dana L. Hall
Leslie takes you into her world with this eye opening passage through a young
persons eyes. The trials and tribulations of coming of age and trying to hold true to
who you are,can be challenge enough in life. But the added degree of living; loving;
learning and SURVIVING through Jonestown has definitely been brought to life in this
book.
This riveting story is a testimony that whatever we go through if our "FAITH" is
there it does not go unnoticed by any means. God wrapped his arms around Leslie, her
son and the others that day.
Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of
realities though not beheld (Hebrews 11:1)
*********************************************************************************
Journey with her through this wonderful read, I'm sure you would come out different
when you think of "Faith"......Enjoy
In Her Own Words, April 1, 2009
By C. L. Keithley - See all my reviews
My review is written without informing you of actual events in the book because I
want you to read it for yourself. Leslie was unselfish in writing about her life's
experiences. She brought you into her world through her words. She kept you
interested chapter after chapter. As I read the book and learned more about the reason
so many people went to Jonestown it was truly an eye opener. She made the people
real again. She not only wrote about her experiences but also her survival and how it
affected her and her son. She told you what actually happened and what she was
thinking when it happened. She spoke for those who are now silent but had a story that
needed to be told honestly. She listed everyone's name in the back of her book which I
thought was a wonderful tribute to them. She is a true testimony that "whatever" you
may be "growing" through "hang" in there and keep the "Faith" because God "WILL"
pull you through. Be a "slave to faith". Don't EVER give up on it. Faith is certain if
you just BELIEVE. Read the book yourself and see just what I mean.
BOOK REVIEWS FROM BARNES AND NOBLE
carabryn
Inside Jonestown and the aftermath -- one touching account
Reader Rating See Detailed Ratings
Posted March 30, 2009, 1:44 PM EST: If you've ever been curious about what went
on inside Jonestown -- beyond the wrenching night of slaughter -- this is a must
read. Leslie's first hand account of her own entrapment, escape and the haunting
aftermath will spell it out for you and keep you spellbound!
********************************************************************
Slavery of Faith by Leslie Wagner-Wilson
Reader Rating See Detailed Ratings
Posted February 20, 2009, 2:55 AM EST: I really enjoyed reading this book! Slavery
of Faith is very insightful, personal, funny-at-times, suspenseful, sad,
thought-provoking, and inspiring. The Author (Leslie Wagner-Wilson) delivers an
intimate glimpse into her life before and after Jonestown. Leslie's experiences beyond
Jonestown was almost as tragic as the event. What is most impressive is her faith in
God, and how it sustained her through her addictions, legal troubles, and family
suicide. Leslie is a true survivor, and she will inspire anyone whose lives have been
marred from tragedies. This book, although insightful, still raises questions...Why??
No one, not even Leslie will know the full truth of Jonestown. Leslie's story
however, will impel its readers to question and draw conclusions. Which makes it a
very fine read!
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