This is a great title for any One Tree Hill lovers and even just for cult haters who are trying to understand how power is transferred.

It’s been so long since I’ve read a memoir! I’m so glad I read this one, because it was so good! I am a huge One Tree Hill fan and am currently doing a rewatch! Haley is one of my favorite characters, so learning more about Bethany Joy Lenz was very interesting, especially considering she was in a cult. It wasn’t one of the big ones, just a small one out in Idaho, but her experience and abuse were just as significant. It was heartbreaking to see how closed off from the real world she became, even as she was on a major television show, because of the ways her oppressors systematically took her individuality from her. On its surface, the cult she was a part looked like a Christian denomination, and as a Christian that regularly attends church, I could honestly see how it was something a young, impressionable person seeking love, acceptance, and validation could just slip into. It made me mad on her behalf that her trust was taken advantage of and she was made to believe things about God that are not in the Bible. (Honestly, I feel like we see a lot of that, even outside of cults these days.) I’m glad she was able to get out and that she was able to parse out the lies she was told and come away still having faith in God. It was very inspiring to read the last parts of her story! This would be a great memoir for you to read if you’re interested in poo culture, cult culture, or celebrities! I don’t give ratings to memoirs but I enjoyed this one very much!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of Dinner for Vampires in exchange for an honest review.

Bethany Joy Lenz’s writing style is undeniably strong and technically proficient, well paced for the most part, and engaging in tone. She has a natural voice that draws you in, and the book is at its best when she’s in storytelling mode. The narrative was generally interesting, though I found that it lagged in places and could have benefited from tighter editing.

As a OTH fan, I was looking forward to hearing more about her time on the show, both personally and professionally. Unfortunately, those insights felt sparse and somewhat surface level. I would have loved a deeper dive into that part of her life and how her career and cult involvement overlapped, especially since the show was such a significant cultural moment.

One of the most frustrating aspects of the book was how the cult experience was addressed. While it was clearly traumatic and manipulative, the account often felt like it skimmed the surface. Rather than exploring the psychological impact or the thought process that led her into, and eventually out of the cult, the book often resorted to vague statements without much elaboration. It left me craving a more introspective take.

Equally perplexing was the way Lenz continued to defend the religion that had been weaponized against her. Toward the end of the book, there was a sense of religious apologism that felt at odds with the harm she had clearly endured. This created a jarring dissonance and left a bit of a sour taste, especially when it seemed like she hadn’t fully reckoned with how deeply she was preyed upon.

The ending, unfortunately, lacked emotional payoff. There didn’t seem to be a strong moment of agency or resolution—more like the cult dissolved around her than her taking any real steps to leave it. I felt like there’s a more powerful memoir waiting to be written once she’s further removed from the experience and able to reflect with greater distance and clarity.

That said, Lenz deserves credit for her vulnerability and courage in telling this story at all.

"Dinner for Vampires" is an excellent memoir from Bethany Joy Lenz, best known for her role as Haley on "One Tree Hill." The book follows her early life so the reader understands why she was a target for the titular "vampires" of the cult. Her talent and potential appealed to the cult, and they also delighted in cutting her down so that she would stay under their thumbs. One critique I have is that it felt like the book ended a bit too suddenly - I wanted to hear more about the aftermath.

If you're a fan of the show "One Tree Hill," you will likely love this book. But it's so much more than a typical celebrity memoir. It's a true cautionary tale. I also liked that Bethany addressed the fact that people often say things like "I would never be so stupid/naive/trusting to end up in something like that." But she shows how narcissistic abuse is so insidious and often disguised as extreme concern and love, especially under the guise of spiritual guidance.

4.5 stars.

This was such an eye-opening memoir, and Bethany Joy Lenz was so brave to share her story. It makes me think back to the two times I have watched One Tree Hill, and I would have never know her life was in such turmoil. Listening to the audio was a good experience, as she read her own story. We even got a few parts that some of her One Tree Hill cast members were able to speak as well. Beliefs, especially religious, are so subjective. I enjoyed be taken along on her growth journey.

I’ve been watching OTH for the first time ever and when I saw this memoir I knew I had to read it. I love memoirs and cults (not in a weird way, just learning about them), and this book did not disappoint. Joy was so vulnerable in telling her story, and I’m glad to see that she left the cult. I also really liked the explanation of the title of the book, I literally went “Ohhhh, yes! Makes total sense!” Perfect name for the book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

It's always so hard to rate memoirs, but Lenz's reflection of her time in a cult was captivating and surprising. I picked this up because I loved One Tree Hill and it's hard to believe all of this happened during the peak of her career.

**Dinner for Vampires** by Bethany Joy Lenz
A darkly whimsical take on the supernatural, this novel combines humor, intrigue, and a dash of horror in a fresh and fun way. Lenz's writing effortlessly balances the eerie with the relatable, creating a world where vampires and everyday dilemmas coexist in surprising harmony. It's an engaging, offbeat read that's both entertaining and thought-provoking.

I loved One Tree Hill in my teen years so I was so excited when this book was announced. I had no idea what Bethany Joy Lenz experienced during filming and throughout her life. It was a really interesting memoir and I was glad I picked it up!

Thank you to Simon & Schuester for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dinner for Vampires is everything I expected and wanted from this memoir but don’t be fooled into thinking this is a good time or a new Lestat story.

Growing up with One Tree Hill, I was absolutely enamored with our big three (Brooke, Peyton, and Haley) and it shaped my ideal for female friendships before Sex and the City ever could. It was so disheartening to see how those relationships weren’t able to transcend into the real life (on set) of Bethany Joy Lenz and to experience her first hand account of living in a cult.

I identified with this story more than I ever hoped also living in a very distinct branch of Christianity and the wild similarities between this religion and cult like mentality. We get to see how anybody can be targeted, coerced, and then ruined by these vampires especially when that someone is a growing star on one of the most exciting shows on television.

This story focuses a lot more on Joy and her time in the cult, her experiences that were shaped by them, and her struggle to get free. Don’t go into this thinking it will be like The Drama Queens Podcast at all or even Hillarie Burton Morgan’s memoir because the topic and her life is vastly different than what we have gotten to hear from these beautiful and strong women. But don’t let the heavy topic dissuade you from reading either. Through an incredibly strong voice, Joy is able to convey her story without begging you to understand but is still able to elicit so much empathy and kindness for survivors of all types. And the insights to her and Paul Johansson’s (evil Dan Scott’s) dear friendship was one of my favourite things to come from this recounting.

Thank you so much for this ARC as this was one of my most anticipated books this year and I was THRILLED to get this months before I had to start my countdown. I can’t wait for everyone to hear her story and all collectively give her a giant hug.

I enjoyed this memoir so much. I was a huge One Tree Hill fan, so this was so interesting to read (and listen to) because we had no idea that Bethany Joy Lenz was going through any of this while she was filming the show. Her writing is lyrical and engaging, weaving together moments of humor, heartbreak, and resilience. She doesn’t shy away from the darker parts of her story, making this a compelling and sometimes emotional read. While some sections feel slightly disjointed, the honesty and warmth in her storytelling keep the reader invested.

For fans of Lenz’s work and memoir lovers alike, Dinner for Vampires is a thought-provoking and deeply personal book that lingers long after the final page. A heartfelt journey worth reading.

Very enjoyable and I really like the metaphors of cults being like Vampires. It's so interesting to see how the lives of the teen stars we looked up to really were

Drawn to this initially because I followed BJL ever since her days on OTH! Wow... this was a super interesting read and shed some fascinating light on her life and experiences. Really opened my eyes and I respect her so much for what she's been through! Definitely recommend!

I was so interested and excited for this because of my love for Bethany's character in OTH. What a fascinating and sad picture of what life was really like for her for this time...I have so much more love and respect for her, for all she has been through and because of how she has come out of that and been a beacon of hope for so many!

I have been fascinated reading about cults for many years! I typically read about fictional ones but this was my first nonfiction. Lenz does a fantastic job portraying her life in a cult and bringing awareness. Although, her story is heartbreaking, her writing is powerful!

Ok… full confession, I only grabbed this because of the cover and because I love memoirs. I had no idea no idea who Bethany Joy Lenz was and had never seen the show. That said, I did enjoy this and she definitely had a story to tell, I just felt lost at times.

Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz is a stunning and heartfelt memoir that offers readers an intimate glimpse into the author’s life, passions, and personal struggles. Lenz’s voice is raw, authentic, and captivating, making this memoir a page-turner from start to finish.

Through a collection of personal anecdotes, Lenz shares the highs and lows of her journey, navigating both the glamorous and the challenging moments of her career and personal life. Her wit and humor shine through as she reflects on the complexity of relationships, fame, and self-discovery, bringing a sense of relatability that will resonate with readers from all walks of life.

One of the memoir's strengths is how deeply Lenz connects her personal experiences with universal themes of growth and resilience. She doesn’t shy away from vulnerability, and this openness creates an emotional bond between her and the reader. The writing is lyrical, with a conversational tone that makes it feel like you're sharing an evening with a friend, listening to her life story.

Dinner for Vampires is not just a celebrity memoir—it’s a deeply personal exploration of identity, self-worth, and finding one's place in a chaotic world. It’s a delightful, thought-provoking read that will leave readers inspired and emotionally moved. Bethany Joy Lenz has crafted a memoir that is as rich in introspection as it is in charm, and it’s a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh, heartfelt perspective on life’s ups and downs.

Bethany Joy Lenz shares her story and struggles with grace and humor. She is a natural story teller and invites the reader into her experiences. I feel that her story is one that I would share with my students to help them see how a good situation can quickly turn into a bad one. I also recommended this to my teacher book club and it's the one that was selected!

Heartbreaking and expertly written! Very compelling and the vampiric through line was brilliant. If it were a movie, id be yelling at the screen “don’t go in there!” “Stay away from him!” “You in danger, girl.”

Her co-stars were facing sexual harassment and abuse on set (not documented in the book but widely known) and I guess she only avoided that by being abused and manipulated in her own home. I was upset that a fan got roped in but she Joy was in far too deep to see the ramifications.

I truly believe that the most important thing in this world, in our society, is to have control over and understanding of your money. Once that’s lost, it’s the hardest road you can take because your exits are severely limited. I’m so glad she got out and took control over her life.

I was not familiar with the author but was still engrossed in this memoir from start to finish. Bethany’s writing was engaging and I enjoyed reading about her life. I gave this book five stars and would highly recommend to fans of celebrity memoirs.