Review of The Cult Next Door

Dani Rew · Post by **Dani Rew** » 14 May 2025, 10:10

It's an accurate review. The reader can tell that the book is about manipulation, about how you can be a victim or become one after a devastating tragic experience. But I think the most important idea in "The cult next door" is about friendship and its power to change and save destinies.

Helen Ndoh · Post by **Helen Ndoh** » 14 May 2025, 10:28

This review was quite enjoyable as it was not filled with useless adjectives. The reviewer jumped straight to the point that Liz's vulnerability seems to be a pivotal turning point for those engaging in a cult endeavor. Love the book so much. I recommend everyone to go and read the book..

Post by **Limpho Mojakisane** » 14 May 2025, 10:28

Thanks for the detailed review! It’s shocking how someone like George could gain so much control over people’s lives. I found it interesting how Judith played such a key role in helping Liz break free. The part about hypnosis and financial pressure shows how deep the manipulation went. This sounds like a powerful and eye-opening read about how cults operate and how hard it can be to escape.

Post by **Rupali Mishra** » 14 May 2025, 11:41

Congrats on BOTD!
"The Cult Next Door" is a compelling true story about escape, mental manipulation, and deception. Before compassion helped her escape, Elizabeth Burchard spent more than 20 years in a Manhattan cult masquerading as treatment. Strong, relaxing, and memorable.

Faith amisi · Post by **Faith amisi** » 14 May 2025, 11:48

Reading The Cult Next Door was both disturbing and eye-opening. I found myself deeply affected by Elizabeth’s journey—her honesty in recounting her time under the control of Dan Guerra made the psychological manipulation feel chillingly real. The way she described his gradual takeover of not just her thoughts, but the lives of her entire family, struck a nerve. It reminded me how easily trust and vulnerability can be weaponized by those with harmful intent. Judith’s perspective brought another layer—her commitment to helping Elizabeth regain her sense of self was powerful. Their collaboration is a testament to resilience, and it made me reflect on the importance of listening to our instincts and speaking up when something feels off. This book made me question how I define trust and loyalty in my own relationships.

Devesh Patel · Post by **Devesh Patel** » 14 May 2025, 11:54

This review offers a compelling and thorough look at The Cult Next Door, blending a detailed plot summary with insightful commentary on cult psychology. The reviewer’s fascination with cults enriches their praise, making the book’s emotional journey and chilling realism even more gripping. An excellent recommendation for true crime and memoir enthusiasts.

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 14 May 2025, 12:00

A woman's twenty years experience in a cult is nicely protrayed in the book "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone. The book tells us about cult myths, why they recruit on college campuses, and the ethics of cults.

Post by **Amarachi Stephanie Ejike** » 14 May 2025, 12:27

"The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone recounts Elizabeth's over 20 years of experience dealing with a man and a cult that was both controlling and exploiting her life. Elizabeth's memoir is riveting, revealing the dangers of getting entangled with a cult, and being physically and mentally manipulated.

rusyalana · Post by **rusyalana** » 14 May 2025, 12:51

That is quite a topic to discuss. Cults are dangerous, they may take everything from people starting with material things and ending with their lives. I'm glad the author was able to tell her story. Congratulations on becoming BOTD!

Nazma P · Post by **Nazma P** » 14 May 2025, 13:05

This memoir sounds like a fiction which makes it even more compelling. Liz's journey is eventful, interesting and not so ordinary journey. I like reading about cult, it's quite fascinating. Thanks for the free copy. I'll definitely dive into this book.

Post by **Magdalyne chebet** » 14 May 2025, 13:10

Cult stories tend to give me the creeps, honestly. While I'm sure this woman's experience in a Manhattan cult was intense and eye-opening for her, it's just not a subject I enjoy diving into. All that manipulation and control? It's a bit too unsettling for my taste in books. I'll probably pass on this one. Congrats BOTD!

Macel A · Post by **Macel A** » 14 May 2025, 13:11

It will be a great pleasure to read The Cult Next Door. Indeed cults have a way of controlling people to a point you wonder if one is sane and breaking out of it seems to be very hard. It will be interesting to learn if Liz was able to break free from George and if so how did she do it.

Post by **Judy Burr** » 14 May 2025, 13:14

Thank you for the review. I read the sample. LIz's mother was such a mess. It was horrible to read about the mother lived and how Liz was treated. The predators that feed on these sad people need to be found out and be taken out of society!

Kaitlyn Canedy · Post by **Kaitlyn Canedy** » 14 May 2025, 13:42

Even if someone believes they cannot be drawn into a cult, a good enough cult can convince them otherwise. The Cult Next Door, while a fictional book, has enough realism to show readers the psychology behind the brainwashing. Thanks for the well-written review!

James Hanna · Post by **Wamboi Susan** » 14 May 2025, 13:52

"The book takes you on a journey of Elizabeth's experiences dealing with a man she knew was somehow controlling her life, but she could not break his spell over her". A thrilling review! The reviewer's insights have ignited my curiosity to read the book.