Review of The Cult Next Door

Alissa Deann Devargas · Post by **Alissa Deann Devargas** » 14 May 2025, 14:50

'Liz started a business, Expressions Photography, and George's daughter, Selena, worked her way to partner in Liz's photography business.'
Liz was exploited to a high degree. I hope George faced retribution for his extortion.

tarafarah7 · Post by **tarafarah7** » 14 May 2025, 14:54

Well-written and edited, today's BOTD is a memoir that's both informative and eye-opening! I think this would be a great book for a book club to read, especially since there are questions included in the back to help groups stay focused when discussing it. Your review was amazing...thank you so much! I have my copy.

Post by **Amos Osinya** » 14 May 2025, 15:13

I will be glad to follow up on the journey of Elizabeth before and after joining the cult. Am anxious to learn from her experiences in the cult. I look forward to an entertaining read. Congratulations book of the day.

Post by **Bertha Jackson** » 14 May 2025, 15:20

I, too, am fascinated by cults because I have trouble understanding how people can fall so completely under their spell that they do things totally out of their nature. Thank you for your informative review.

Aurora Rose Reynolds · Post by **greeneyedgirl27** » 14 May 2025, 15:40

"The Cult Next Door" follows the true story of young LIz at her most vulnerable. She is being taking advantage of by George Sharkman. He is a therapist, that uses hypnosis to prey on Liz and others. Her story of being trapped in a cult and finding her way out is inspirational. It just takes a friend like Judith to see the truth and help. Readers are sure to be intrigued by her story. Great review and BOTD!

Asad Ali 68 · Post by **Asad Ali 68** » 14 May 2025, 15:54

This review offers a clear, insightful analysis of the book’s themes and structure. Your focus on its pacing, editing, and real-world parallels to cult dynamics adds depth. The note on appendices and audience suitability is particularly helpful for potential readers. Well-articulated and concise!

Post by **Moisés Alcántara Ayre** » 14 May 2025, 16:39

I love how this story introduces to the world of cults: what truly happens in a cult and how they captivate followers. How easy or difficult is it to break free?

Godspath divine · Post by **Godspath divine** » 14 May 2025, 16:46

Thank you for this detailed review. I also read The Cult Next Door and found it both shocking and eye-opening. I agree with you that the way George slowly gained control over Liz’s life was terrifying, especially since it all started so subtly. It really makes you think about how easy it is to fall under someone’s influence when you're in a vulnerable place. I also appreciated the way Judith played such a crucial role in helping Liz see the truth. This book reminded me how important it is to have people in our lives who are willing to speak up when something feels off.

Post by **Seamstress** » 14 May 2025, 17:15

Every time I hear something about cults, it never ceases to amaze and horrify me. To think that someone has had to live this way for over twenty years is unbelievable and I simply don't understand what type of mentality allows people to be drawn into their influence. Sorry, I prefer to skip, but congrats anyway!

Love Ukaegbu · Post by **Love Ukaegbu** » 14 May 2025, 17:19

"The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone discusses how cults could manipulate people's emotions. In the end, any one of us could be a victim. Congratulations on the book of the day.

SophiaNd · Post by **SophiaNd** » 14 May 2025, 17:24

"The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir" chillingly recounts Elizabeth R. Burchard's two-decade entanglement with a seemingly innocuous biofeedback therapist who insidiously manipulated grief and exploited vulnerabilities, transforming his practice into a costly and controlling cult within the confines of a Manhattan apartment.

azza lia · Post by **azza lia** » 14 May 2025, 17:29

The topic is fascinating. It is such an eye-opener. Cult stories are so creepy. This is the reason I don't want to go to therapy. I will never trust them. Anyone could learn about hypnosis and misuse it. People might think I'm too paranoid about brainwashing and mind control. But who knows how manipulative psychologists can be? Anyways, thank you for a well-written review.

Post by **Victory Ositaorah** » 14 May 2025, 17:41

The Cult Next Door seems fun and I want to read it because Elizabeth Burchard got tricked into a cult by George Sharkman and I want to read of her challenges.

Post by **Omneya Shakeep** » 14 May 2025, 18:18

The summary of the book is so captivating, I can't wait to actually read the book. The idea of someone using hypnosis to form a cult is intriguing. I'm curious about the hypnosis method he used on so many people without anyone being aware of what he does. I'm also dying to find out how Judith managed to free Liz from those horrible people's clutches.

Post by **Surabhi Rani** » 14 May 2025, 18:42

'Official Review: The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir' by Elizabeth R. Burchard explains the nonfiction's content in depth. It sheds light on the relevant terms mentioned in the book. The book describes the author's experiences dealing with an illegitimate therapist. She finally met Judith, who helped her escape the wrong man's clutches. This is a story with a good versus evil scenario. It explores physical and mental abuse, mind control, brainwashing, and thought insertion.