North Stage
(On S. Dearborn St., just south of Ida B. Wells Dr.)
Saturday 9/12 – 5pm

Beth grew up in a Christian cult, believing that she’d become a drug addicted streetwalker if she ever left. Instead, after her escape at age 31, she forged a seemingly successful life for herself as a teacher, a wife and a mother. She also spearheaded a 16-year landmark class action lawsuit against her abusers. Writing her memoir played an essential part of Beth’s healing when it became clear that she couldn’t outrun her trauma. She is a 2025 Journey First Place Winner with the Chanticleer International Book Awards and is the recipient of the 2026 CANREADS award for Best Memoir.