Review of The Cult Next Door

Yorktha Mallon · Post by **Yorktha Mallon** » 14 May 2025, 18:48

The review is quite educative and I really enjoy it. The character I love the most is Judith who is smart enough to understand that Liz is already into Cult.
Another interesting aspect of the review is mentioning several cult group that initiating members under the pretext of religious groups.
Thanks for the review

Post by **Ukaegbu Confidence** » 14 May 2025, 18:50

The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone is gripping. Although I am not fascinated by cults, I'd like to read about the trauma they experience.

tulips heree · Post by **tulips heree** » 14 May 2025, 19:13

This book really opened my eyes about how a cult could be hidden behind the faces of the family life that looked normal. Elizabeth, the author, told his childhood in Manhattan which was turned out in the shadow of the control of a manipulative "spiritual mentor". What makes goosebumps, all that happens smoothly - not with physical violence, but through mental control and deep emotions.
What I like, this book isn't too dramatic but still emotional. His narrative was strong and honest, making me feel trapped and confused like Elizabeth small. But the most hit was part when he began to realize and slowly out of the circle - the process of his healing was realistic, not instant but full of struggle.
If you like the true crime story that is more psychological and personal, this must be read. This is not a story about just "heretical groups", but about how trauma and search for identity can make someone get stuck unconsciously.

Nwamaka Chukwu · Post by **Nwamaka Chukwu** » 14 May 2025, 20:37

Grief sometimes can lead to an amount of vulnerability that leaves you open to anything, but the fact that George, who was a therapist that Liz should be able to trust, was the one who turned around and took advantage of her vulnerability using his cult is really heartbreaking.

I love that Judith was able to open Elizabeth's eye to the evil of Serena and George, and I hope in all this, that Elizabeth's healing takes place completely.

Rose Angela · Post by **Rose Angela** » 14 May 2025, 20:38

The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone is a true story of manipulation and survival, following Elizabeth’s escape from a cult-like group in Manhattan.

Creole · Post by **Creole** » 14 May 2025, 20:43

This book is a classic reminder of the ease with which cults can manipulate people's minds. Over time, the leaders come to see themselves as infallible, saviours, or divinely ordered in some way. They also become intolerant of resistance. Elizabeth discovers this when it's almost too late. Still, with the timely intervention of her destiny helper, there is a strong hope for her eventual liberation from the cult's charm and spell. Your engaging review is appreciated.

Dayana Alvarado 1 · Post by **Dayana Alvarado 1** » 14 May 2025, 21:31

Liz was a normal intelligent girl with an education but she was emotionally vulnerable the cults know how to detect these types of moments and take advantage.

Michael Lartey 1 · Post by **Michael Lartey 1** » 14 May 2025, 21:49

This is a psychological thriller that reveals a quite disturbing cult operation in Manhattan. It shows how the author's encounter of being influenced by a manipulative , coercive force. I believe the context and style of this book is memory gripping, emotionally intense and straightforward. A must read for anyone interested in psychological thrillers and real-life experiences.

Bettny Andrade · Post by **Bettny Andrade** » 14 May 2025, 22:02

This book tells the story of Elizabeth, who fell into a cult. The story doesn't narrate the protagonist's experiences. Throughout the book, we'll also see different types of abuse related to being in this type of cult. It also shows us the evolution of how Elizabeth succeeds or fails, apart from this type of treatment. Excellent recommendation today.

Jack Winnick · Post by **mrlefty0706** » 14 May 2025, 22:27

"The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone includes Eliabeth’s 20 years of experience in a cult led by a biofeedback therapist. Elizabeth and Joe had been a couple since high school and he was headed for SUNY while Elizabeth was starting at Swarthmore. Sadly, Joe was tragically hit by a train and died. Elizabeth needed psychological help coping with her loss of her future husband. George Sharkman, the biofeedback therapist specialized in stress relief. He charged $25 per hour which was expensive in 1977. An unfortunate incident occurred in Sharkman’s office so George needed to find a place to hold his sessions. He was able to use Elizabeth’s mother Rachael Burchard’s apartment and sessions began once a week and the attendees were encouraged to bring family and friends to watch Sharkman in action. George was secretly a hypnotist and the sessions became longer and longer and more frequent. He also raised the price to $40 per session. Most of the group members could not afford these fees but could not bring themselves to stop the sessions. Elizabeth started a photography business and Sharkman’s daughter Selena worked for Liz and ultimately became a partner in the business. When Liz met Judith, who was not a group member, Judith thought Sharkman was odd and it was obvious the group was under his spell. Judith dedicated her life to helping Liz escape Sharkman’s clutches. Cults are usually based on religious or extreme spiritual beliefs and some of the cult leaders convince their flock to follow whatever they say and they lie to the group about an alien spaceship coming to rescue them before the world ends.. The sample clearly showed the control Elizabeth’s mom had on her especially after her father died. It was not a good relationship that probably influenced Elizabeth’s college choice. I suspect that her relationship with her mom made it easier for Sharkman to take control of Elizabeth and she became more committed to the cult. Since Judith co-authored this book, I am anxious to learn how Judith was able to pull Elizabeth away and destroy this cult. I wonder if George was involved in Joe's tragic death.

Post by **Pradeep T M** » 14 May 2025, 22:35

The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone is a young lady Liz, who been emotionally manipulated from her therapist. It's about survival, waiting a chance to taste freedom. It's about cult, which is controlling humans mind.

Post by **Kajori Sheryl Paul** » 14 May 2025, 22:56

Liz's experience in the cult is harrowing. We must learn from it.

Thank you for the great review.

Black Indigo · Post by **Black Indigo** » 14 May 2025, 23:59

I am glad that Liz had someone on the outside looking out for her. I am intrigued to learn how things turn out for her, George and the cult members. Thank you for the review.

Renee Cryer · Post by **Renee Cryer** » 15 May 2025, 00:04

Cults scare the beejeevies out of me. I would be interested in reading and seeing her escape from the man trying to control her. Cults and abuse seem to go hand in hand. I think reading this will help bring knowledge to people and help them in certain situations.

Chinazo Anozie · Post by **Chinazo Anozie** » 15 May 2025, 00:28

It's astonishing to see how much a cult can influence someone, especially without them even realising it. I'm glad the author had Judith who was able to make her see the truth. The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone is a must-read.