On Tuesday, March 15, at 7 p.m., Irene Spencer will present Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist’s Wife on the main floor of the Illinois State University Milner Library as part of the Spring Speaker Series. A book signing will follow her presentation.

Spencer came from five generations of polygamy. As the second of 10 wives, she was the mother of 14 of her husband’s 58 children. Her story provides an intimate look at the daily struggles Spencer faced as a plural wife. During her 28 years in a polygamous marriage, Spencer gave birth to 13 children. As she travels the country, Spencer shares with her audiences how they can find the strength, encouragement and self-empowerment to enable them to be the best they can be, no matter the circumstances. Spencer interweaves humor throughout her testimony of her former, unconventional lifestyle.