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[Following is a volunteer review of "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone.]

The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone delves deep into the life of a young girl, searching for answers, who finds her way on the wrong path. Led down this road by the one person she should trust, her mother, we discover the various ways the human psyche can be manipulated into life altering decisions. The authors divide the book into 10 sections and also includes a Q/A section for book clubs to delve deeper. There are many inspirational quotes from various artists and philosophers included. The authors also include a radio interview by the cult leader, George Sharkman.


I really enjoyed that the authors were able to make the readers understand how one can get involved in the world of cults. The book made we realize how a lot of things in life we join, have a cult like influence and ability to “suck one in” if not mentally strong. Elizabeth was able to show us how she also viewed many moments during that time as stupid. She would see that the decision was wrong but due to having no feeling of security, she succumbed to the various demands just to still belong. Her entire life was connected to the cult and she could hardly see a way out.


I also loved that she emphasized the moments where she knew her decisions were unhealthy; while helping us to understand why she did them anyway. “The competition of a prize that none of us genuinely wanted”(1167). This shows us how the human psyche can be preyed upon to the point of competing for what is essentially a punishment. The members were even competing to donate the most when they were all struggling just to survive.


Overall, I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. While the author takes full responsibility for the decisions she makes, she also gives herself permission to understand how she was coaxed to make them. Too often we put too much pressure on ourselves for our mistakes. On the other end, she also does not pass her mistakes off on others solely. This book seemed to be professionally edited as I was unable to find any errors in the book.


I think this book is good for young adults and older due to some of the sexual content described. There were no lewd acts discussed without significant purpose. I think this book could be used for various group influence awareness. It’s important to recognize that in everything we do we tend to group ourselves with like minded people. If unchecked, it’s very easy to fall victim to the influence our chosen communities offer. One should always remember, danger is not always from strangers, but can sometimes be those “next door”.

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The Cult Next Door
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I think this book would be a great companion read to the currently very popular Educated which is about a young woman who is also able to escape from a cult like environment, one with her parents as the leaders. Both of these books show an insiders view of the emotional manipulation involved, and also the ways one can escape. I think the important part is that both books acknowledge that one can pretty much never "escape" without help from others.