Review of The Cult Next Door

Leonie Vermaak · Post by **Leonie Vermaak** » 15 May 2025, 00:48

Definitely reading this soon. A person just always hears about cults and how it's portrait, so it would be nice to actually read about someone that experienced it. Not that it's a nice experience at all but to be vigilant towards these practices. Thanks for a great and detailed review. Congrats on BOTD and thanks for the free book.

Post by **twinkle09** » 15 May 2025, 01:23

Elizabeth's experiences in the cult were horrifying and could happen to anyone. Cults like this thrive on a person's naievity and emotional turmoil. This book is an eye opener. Thank you for the review!

Tars · Post by **Tars** » 15 May 2025, 01:25

I might have gotten enticed into reading about cults, religious or otherwise, if it was in a crime or thriller setting. But in this case, it is almost documentary and not fiction, the main reason I don't like memoirs, and I am not interested in reading about someone taking advantage of the vulnerability of people dealing with the trauma of tragic events. Though I admit this book may be useful to a selected population.

Post by **Bethel Saint Bright** » 15 May 2025, 02:38

The story of this book makes me shudder. How can people be going broke under one man's hypnotic spell and not find the courage to disconnect. I believe this is fiction, but I have heard stories of people who even signed over their assets to someone who was a spiritual leader to them.

Post by **Soma Ezenwanne** » 15 May 2025, 03:26

It’s sad that Elizabeth’s boyfriend, Joe, had to die in an accident and I would love to read about her experiences in cult. Congratulations on BOTD!!

Post by **Atieno Magero** » 15 May 2025, 03:39

The Cult Next Door seems like an interesting memoir. I know it must not have been easy for the author to share her experiences, but I feel like this book could be helpful to so many people. I look forward to reading about her experience with the cult and how she managed to extract herself from it.

Gayatri Tripathi · Post by **Gayatri Tripathi** » 15 May 2025, 03:41

Thank you for such a detailed and thoughtful review. It’s heartbreaking to read how Elizabeth, while grieving such a traumatic loss, ended up in the clutches of someone like George Sharkman. The slow, manipulative build-up—from therapy sessions to full-blown cult meetings in her own mother’s apartment—is chilling. I found it especially telling how even after the price hikes and financial strain, Liz and others couldn't bring themselves to leave. It really highlights the psychological grip cult leaders can have.

I appreciate that you mentioned Judith’s role in helping Liz realize the truth and escape—it shows how important outside support can be in breaking free from manipulation. Your comparison to real-life cults like NXIVM and Heaven’s Gate adds valuable context, showing that this memoir, while personal, fits into a much larger pattern of exploitation. The fact that this book includes not only Liz’s personal account but also extras like a transcript and discussion questions makes it even more compelling. Definitely adding this to my reading list!

Janet Kimetto · Post by **Janet Kimetto** » 15 May 2025, 03:58

It's sad that Elizabeth, seeking help to get over her grief at only 17, ended up being manipulated. And it's even sadder that the manipulation lasted for over twenty years. I hope she was able to break free in the end. Thanks for the review!