Buy "Matches in the Gas Tank"

An empowering story of the survival of the spirit, this heart-wrenching memoir recounts a girl's stifled and abusive childhood in the Radio Church of God-a cult founded by alleged prophet Herbert W. Armstrong in Big Sandy, Texas. Rules imposed by Armstrong were arbitrary and unforgiving, covering everything from food preparation and appearance to arranged marriages and earning income for the church. Overcoming a childhood of warped teachings and deprivation, the wrath of narrow-minded, punitive ministers, and a dangerous, alcoholic father, Carla escaped the control of the church and surpassed the legacy of abuse and shame to become a highly successful corporate lawyer.

Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Bright Sky Press; 1 edition (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933979534
ISBN-13: 978-1933979533
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Order Book (Hardcover):
Order Book (Digital):

Comments About Matches in the Gas Tank

 Dr. J. Pittman McGehee, Jungian analyst, Episcopal priest, former Dean of Christ’s Church Cathedral, Houston, TX, author of The Invisible Church, Finding Spirituality Where You Are.  “The admonition ‘write about what you know,’ fits well for Carla Powers’ Matches in the Gas Tank.  In a most readable manner, her story illustrates how religion can wound.  And further she reveals how a healthy spirituality can heal.  This book is an important contribution to the dialogue among psychology, religion and spirituality.  In addition, it is a most intriguing memoir.”

 Dr. Jill Carroll, scholar, author and speaker, former director, Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance, Rice University, Houston, TX   “Carla Powers accomplishes what few are able to achieve when writing about their problematic religious backgrounds:  she bathes painful personal narrative with critical distance and maturity, and shows great compassion for herself and others.  Powers' voice is clear and intelligent, and her story-telling acumen makes for an enjoyable and insightful read.  Matches in the Gas Tank is a thoughtful memoir that will appeal to anyone interested in understanding how religion can ravage, but how faith and spirituality can also heal.”

Ron Liebman, attorney, musician and author of Death by Rodrigo. 
 “Carla Powers’ Matches in the Gas Tank is an incredibly powerful memoir of the most difficult of childhoods.  It is truly amazing—and redemptive—that she could not only survive it, but write her story with such grace and insightfulness.  This is a must read!”

Judge Eugene Sullivan, former U.S. District Judge and author of The Majority Rules and The Report to the Judiciary.  “A
ripping, riveting page turner by a women captured inside a cult.”

Selected Unsolicited Reader Comments (edited for typographical errors)

“Incredible life story. Powerful inspiration. And a great read.”  Executive Director, Not-For-Profit Organization

“Your book brought back chilling recollections of my childhood and I applaud your family’s courage and fortitude.  Your book helped me immensely.”  Armstrong Cult Survivor

“I couldn’t put it down.  It’s a very powerful narrative, and one that I connected to in so many ways.”  Ph.D. Professor of Women’s Studies

“What a tremendous book. You are an inspiration to anyone who has faced tremendous obstacles and needed to overcome them.”  Managing Partner, multi-national law firm

“What a great read.  I thought the flashback narrative worked so well, and the writing was so clean. Thanks for sharing such a personal story.”  Business CEO