Susan Ray Schmidt

Susan Ray Schmidt is an American author best known for her 2006 memoir "His Favorite Wife: Trapped in Polygamy," which details her experiences as a teenage plural wife in a fundamentalist Mormon sect. At age 15, Schmidt became the fourth wife of polygamist leader Verlan LeBaron in a fundamentalist Mormon colony in Mexico. After six years and five children, she left the sect in 1969 and later shared her firsthand account of life within the polygamous community. Her memoir provides detailed insights into the inner workings of Mormon fundamentalist groups and has been cited in academic studies of plural marriage practices. The book chronicles both her time living in the LeBaron colony and her eventual escape with her children to start a new life. Schmidt's work contributes to the broader documentation of women's experiences within polygamous communities in North America during the mid-20th century. She has occasionally participated in speaking engagements and interviews about her experiences since the publication of her memoir.

Readers appreciate Schmidt's direct, honest account of her experiences in polygamy, with many noting her balanced portrayal that avoids sensationalism. The memoir details daily life, relationships, and customs within the fundamentalist community through personal anecdotes. What readers liked: - Clear, engaging writing style that maintains focus on facts - Personal details that humanize all characters involved - Educational value about fundamentalist Mormon practices - Emotional depth without becoming melodramatic What readers disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in certain sections - A few readers wanted more details about her adjustment to life after leaving - Limited historical/sociological context about the broader movement Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (450+ reviews) Common review comment: "Provides unique insights into polygamous life from someone who lived it, rather than just observed it." Several readers noted the book helped them understand how intelligent people can become involved in restrictive religious movements.

His Favorite Wife (2007) A memoir detailing Schmidt's experiences as the sixth wife of polygamist leader Verlan LeBaron in Mexico during the 1950s and her eventual escape from the cult.

Favorite Wife: Escape from Polygamy (2009) A revised edition of her earlier memoir, expanding on her life before, during, and after her involvement with the LeBaron polygamist community.

Prophet's Prey: My Seven Years in Polygamy (2013) An account of Schmidt's experiences witnessing the rise of fundamentalist Mormon groups and the actions of cult leaders in Mexico and the United States.

Ruth Wariner writes memoirs about growing up in a polygamous Mormon fundamentalist colony in Mexico. Her experiences parallel Schmidt's background and cover similar themes of escape from polygamy.

Flora Jessop documents her life within and eventual exit from the FLDS church in Arizona. She focuses on helping others leave polygamous communities and shares firsthand accounts of life inside closed religious groups.

Elissa Wall provides detailed accounts of growing up in and later testifying against the FLDS church. Her writings cover forced marriage and life under Warren Jeffs' leadership.

Carolyn Jessop writes about her experience as a fourth wife in the FLDS church and her escape with her eight children. She presents insider knowledge of the power structures and daily realities within polygamous communities.

Dorothy Allred Solomon chronicles her upbringing as a daughter of a prominent polygamous leader. Her work examines the complexities of family relationships within plural marriage systems.