You probably remember the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel. It was everywhere. Six kids, two parents, and a seemingly perfect Mormon life in Utah. But then the world watched in horror as the façade crumbled. In January 2025, Shari Franke, the eldest daughter, finally broke her silence with her memoir, The House of My Mother.
It's a heavy read.
Honestly, it’s a miracle the book exists at all. For years, Shari was the face of a brand that monetized her childhood, her mistakes, and her privacy. Now, she’s reclaiming it. The House of My Mother isn't just a "tell-all" about a disgraced YouTuber; it's a terrifying look at how extremist ideologies and "family vlogging" can create a perfect storm for abuse.
What Really Happened in The House of My Mother?
Shari doesn't hold back. She describes her upbringing as a "constant battle for survival." That's a quote that sticks with you. While millions of subscribers were watching Ruby Franke give parenting advice, Shari was living in a home where maternal love was treated like a reward for perfection—a reward that was rarely given.
The book reveals that the abuse didn't start with Jodi Hildebrandt.
That's a common misconception. People think everything was fine until the "life coach" showed up. Shari clarifies that Ruby’s "tyrannical" tendencies were present long before. She writes about being hit for making mistakes during piano lessons and the intense psychological pressure to be "perfect." Ruby viewed motherhood as a holy calling, but Shari describes a woman who lacked basic maternal warmth.
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Then came the ConneXions era.
When Jodi Hildebrandt entered the picture around 2019, things went from bad to worse. Shari describes Jodi as a "false prophet" who basically took over the family. The discipline became "inhumane." We’re talking about kids being denied food, beds, and even social contact. Shari was eventually "disowned" and kicked out of her own bedroom before she even left for college.
Breaking Down the Cultish Influence
The way Shari explains the relationship between her mother and Jodi is chilling. It wasn't just a friendship. It was a total surrender of will. Ruby became a "starstruck acolyte," and the family home turned into a site of psychological warfare.
- Isolation: The children were cut off from anyone who didn't subscribe to Jodi’s "Truth."
- The Father's Role: Shari is brutally honest about Kevin Franke’s inaction. He stood by while his wife dictated an iron-fisted upbringing.
- The Escape: The book culminates in the August 2023 arrest after Shari’s younger brother escaped through a window to ask a neighbor for food and water.
The Reality of Family Vlogging and Privacy
One of the most important parts of The House of My Mother is Shari’s take on "mommy bloggers." She’s basically become a leading voice for the rights of children in the digital age.
There are almost no laws to protect kids whose parents film their every move. Shari explains how being an "influencer child" meant she had no agency. Her life was a product. She mentions that even when she tried to call authorities multiple times before the final arrest, Utah laws made it incredibly difficult for agencies to intervene in cases of "neglect."
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She’s done with the spotlight.
Well, at least the kind of spotlight her mother wanted. Shari has been very vocal on Instagram and in the book that she wants privacy for her future. She won't be sharing her wedding or her own future kids. That’s her "gift" to herself.
Healing and the "New" Parents
Interestingly, Shari mentions she no longer calls Ruby and Kevin "Mom" and "Dad." She’s given those titles to a new couple—her former high school math teacher and his wife, the Haymonds. They were the ones who took her in when she was cut off from her biological family.
It’s a bittersweet ending.
She’s 21 now, a student at BYU, and she's back in therapy. She’s unlearning the toxic mindsets Ruby instilled in her. The book ends with a sense of "closure," but also a warning. Shari is clear that she doesn't think her mother fully comprehends the gravity of what she did. In fact, Ruby supposedly wrote Shari a letter from prison only apologizing for "not spending enough time" with her before college.
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Talk about missing the point.
Actionable Insights from Shari's Journey
If you’re following this story or reading the memoir, there are a few real-world takeaways regarding digital ethics and child safety.
1. Re-evaluate Family Content Consumption
The "8 Passengers" success was built on views. Supporting channels that film children without their consent contributes to an industry that Shari argues is inherently exploitative. If a channel's primary "talent" is a minor who can't consent to their life being public, it’s a red flag.
2. Support Legislative Change
Shari mentions the "Child Neglect Amendments" in Utah that actually made it harder to investigate her family. There is a growing movement to pass laws similar to the "Coogan Act" (which protects child actors' earnings) for children of influencers. Supporting organizations like Quiet on Set or similar advocacy groups is a concrete step.
3. Recognize the Signs of High-Control Groups
The House of My Mother is a textbook study in how cult-like dynamics (via Jodi Hildebrandt’s ConneXions) can infiltrate a family. Watch for red flags like "us vs. them" mentalities, the isolation of children from extended family, and the use of shame as a primary teaching tool.
4. Respect Survivor Privacy
Shari has asked people not to pry into her life or the lives of her younger siblings. While the book is a public document, the people involved are real humans healing from severe trauma. Following her lead by not speculating on her younger siblings' current status is the best way to support her mission.