This is an UPDATED EDITION 2019. (First paperback edition was in 2006/ebook in 2011.) OUT OF THE COCOON is a heart-wrenching, yet inspirational tale about the author's escape from a religious cult after enduring decades of dysfunction. Take the incredible journey with her as she survives stifling oppression as a child, physical and emotional abuse as a teenager, and the ultimate tragedy: the loss of her family once she becomes an adult. See how, like a butterfly, she changes the world within her, as her external world becomes increasingly unyielding. This book is a "must read" for anyone who has experienced abuse, alcoholism, single parenthood, serious depression, or a parent's rejection. Discover more about your own life through Brenda Lee's introspective, yet humorous flight from insanity. Learn how you, too, can emerge OUT OF THE COCOON to create a future brimming with unconditional love and lasting happiness."I have to say that it was quite chilling reading Brenda's account of her childhood... because it could have been me writing the same thing. Many people are unaware of what Jehovah's Witnesses REALLY teach and how they enslave you once you are baptized, usually without complete information about this cult. Both my husband and myself and our two sons were able to break free from this cult... but even after 5 years of freedom, we are still feeling the effects of shunning and psychological damage. I hope that by reading this well-written account by Brenda, that those who may be contemplating joining Jehovah's Witnesses as a baptized member will realize how deceptive and cruel this religion is. I applaud the author for coming forth and speaking for all of us who have been devastated by the unloving and unchristian actions of Jehovah's Witnesses!" - Catherine Laszewski"OUT OF THE COCOON is a powerful and touching account of one young woman's journey to freedom from repression and religious intolerance. I picked it up one evening and couldn't stop reading until I was finished late that night. It will touch you on the deeper levels of spiritual freedom and growth." - Steve Chandler, Author of REINVENTING YOURSELF"OUT OF THE COCOON is a story about the damage a cult can do to a loving family and shows the long-lasting rippled effect that can affect a child later in life. Courage to go against the current comes from deep inside a person when it would be much easier to go with the flow. Brenda Lee is one of those who has shown such courage. Like the young man David, who picked up three stones and slung them at the giant, Goliath, Brenda Lee chose to pick up her pen to shatter the Watchtower's image, just as it tried to shatter hers. I applaud her courage, and her strength to discover the person she truly is - against all odds." - Roy Milton, Author of TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCESABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brenda Lee was born on a rural farm in Pennsylvania in 1962 and moved to Colorado in 1980. Early on, she began her love of writing through journaling and as the editor of her high school's creative writing project entitled, "Special Feelings." She graduated from college with honors in Denver, CO.Brenda writes, produces, and edits an internationally renowned newsletter that helps former cult members take flight and is involved in counter-cult work through her seminars entitled, "Understanding Cults: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Family." Since her memoir OUT OF THE COCOON was first published in 2006, she has appeared on many radio programs around the world, has delivered countless speeches, and has participated in numerous book signings. She made an appearance on a nationally televised broadcast of "The Secret Lives of Women" in September 2009.