The House of My Mother

A Daughter's Quest for Freedom

De: Shari Franke

Narrado por: Shari Franke

From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog 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.

©2025 Shari Franke (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

How Shari did such a great job telling her story

It’s an unbelievable , tragedy story . I couldn’t stop listening to the book. Her mom just hot worse and worse .

Extraordinary wisdom & resilience

Shari did an amazing job bringing us into these painful moments throughout her life. As someone who has adamantly fought to end the exploitation of children on social media, I thought I had a pretty good sense of what the Franke children had endured. I was horribly mistaken. Shari's experience is more heartbreaking than I could have ever imagined. Her extraordinary wisdom extends far beyond her years and the resilience she's shown should be a lesson to all.

I wish Shari and her siblings all the love, happiness, and healing they so deserve!

Another case of religious radicalism

Great story, she is a good writer though I do wish she talked about the viral moment we all witnessed when her sibling was found wandering and emaciated on his neighbor's doorstep..also she is still involved in the Mormon cult and doesn't seem to realize how Mormonism contributed to her mother's disorder (the LDS church also sent many people to Jody Hildebrandt). she mentions how she wished her mother could have aspired to something beyond just being a wife and mother but that is exactly what Mormon women are taught is their deepest purpose. I hope she can find the strength to leave the manipulative church just as she found the strength to disconnect from an abusive mother.

The sins of religious institutes

As a former Mormon the awareness of the open secrets… it’s all so captivating. She was groomed and made a victim and the church punished her and believed her perp. I’m shocked she is still in a deep held religion after going through her torment. The church should be ashamed.

Pure STRENGTH

This book was incredible and showed great bravery and courage. Shari and the other siblings will move mountains.

Wow just Wow

What an heart wrenching story. I pray you and your family can find peace and forgiveness with eachother I am so glad you shared your heartbreaking tstory Your strength and courage should be commended and hope your sibling know you were fighting for them the whole time. Forgive yourself for any mishaps that happened slong the way, God will understand your need for live and acceptance. I pray justice is served.

The raw honesty and vulnerability, and this young woman’s poise is beyond her years.

Loved every second of it. I followed this case closely and felt pangs of pain for this daughter of a raging narcissist. After hearing this book in her voice, I can say that she is a true hero to countless young women trying to escape the bondage of narcissism.

Shari is wise beyond her years!

Shari is a wonderful storyteller! I’m so glad she not only wrote a book but told this story, she has such a soothing, beautiful voice. She is wise beyond her years! I wish someone would have listened to her sooner. I pray she & her siblings are able to heal & live a healthier life full of happiness and peace.

Intriguing & well written.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Sherrie. You’re a voice for the vulnerable.

Riveting!

Such a brave thing to do. Thank you for letting us in to your story.