Mattie Jo has written a delightful memoir about evangelical deconstruction, particularly purity culture. Her vibrant personality comes through on every page, making this an easy, entertaining read.
Mattie delves into what she was raised to believe, and how she eventually deconstructed hell, evangelism and mission work. She shares stories of a mission trip she went on to Indonesia and how questions began to arise for her. She talks about some of the books she read that encouraged deeper questions about Jesus, the Bible, and Christianity as a whole.
The book also explores Mattie’s dating and sexual relationships. She shares her firsthand experience so that others can hopefully deconstruct purity culture sooner than she did, and perhaps in a healthier way. Mattie was often punishing herself for having sex by having it with people who didn’t really respect her or care much about her pleasure. Some experiences were certainly worse and more abusive than others. I look forward to her next memoir where she delves into sexual abuse trauma. She also has some longer term relationships and talks about going to therapy to work through sexual trauma and navigate adult sexual relationships and ethics – which is something we probably all need! Especially those of us raised in purity culture.
Lighter topics include moving to New York; working for, living with, and relating to wealthy people; studying and becoming an actress.
I appreciated Mattie wearing her emotions on her sleeve, and building her confidence with daily affirmations. I loved her book and her exuberant, expressive and extroverted personality.
