Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz Book Review

About the Book:

In the early 2000s, after years of hard work and determination to breakthrough as an actor, Bethany Joy Lenz was finally cast as one of the leads on the hit drama One Tree Hill. Her career was about to take off, but her personal life was slowly beginning to unravel. What none of the show’s millions of fans knew, hidden even from her costars, was her secret double life in a cult.

An only child who often had to fend for herself and always wanted a place to belong, Lenz found the safe haven she’d been searching for in a Bible study group with other Hollywood creatives. However, the group soon morphed into something more sinister—a slowly woven web of manipulation, abuse, and fear under the guise of a church covenant called The Big House Family. Piece by piece, Lenz began to give away her autonomy, ultimately relocating to the Family’s Pacific Northwest compound, overseen by a domineering minister who would convince Lenz to marry one of his sons and steadily drained millions of her TV income without her knowledge. Family “minders” assigned to her on set, “Maoist struggle session”–inspired meetings in the basement of a filthy house, and regular counseling with “Leadership” were just part of the tactics used to keep her loyal.

Only when she became a mother did Lenz find the courage to leave and spare her child from a similar fate. After nearly a decade (and with the unlikely help of a One Tree Hill superfan), she finally managed to escape the family’s grip and begin to heal from the deep trauma that forever altered her relationship with God and her understanding of faith.

My Review:

This is a painful book to read. It is well written but the account of her drifting into a Bible study that slowly morphs into a cult is heartbreaking. The first half of the book is her venture into acting, getting auditions and acting roles. That part is a good read for anyone who would like to know what such a journey is like.

She relates how, as a Christian, she began attending a Bible study with other actors. She did not see the warning signs as the leaders became more domineering. Select Bible verses were used to defend control. The Family was to be the most important of relationships for her. And then there was the controlling husband.

For readers who grew up in Christianity, the buzz words will be familiar. The Scripture verses used will be recognized. Not allowing any questioning of leaders or to even think differently might bring back memories. The subtle and then not so subtle coercion for money too. The answers to prayers for direction that benefited the leader. The ignoring and hiding misconduct.

Lenz says she was willing to tell her story because she wants others to know the common signs and patterns of all cults, even a small one like she was in. The most encouraging part of the book is knowing that Lenz retained her belief in God. 

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Bethany Joy Lenz starred in the hit TV series One Tree Hill. Her other acting credits include Guiding Light, Grey's Anatomy, Charmed, Felicity, Suits, Dexter, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. She is also a recording artist who has released several albums. Lenz currently cohosts the podcast Drama Queens and is the founder/editor-in-chief of the broadsheet newspaper Modern Vintage News.

Simon & Schuster, 320 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)