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

Cult - The misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing.

When I think of cults I immediately think of religious cults such as the Peoples Temple cult led by Jim Jones or The Unification Church led by Rev. Sun Myung Moon. However, a cult does not need to be religious necessarily, even though there may be a touch of religiousness or spirituality included in it.

The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone, is the story of how Elizabeth Burchard became involved in a cult led by her therapist George Sharkman. Her accounts of the activity, abuse, and manipulation are prime examples of how people can become ensconced under the leadership of a charismatic authority figure.

Elizabeth tells her story, which depicts how much damage being involved in a cult can have on a person. The book covers the timeframe from her childhood in the 1970's through 2008. In the first chapter she explains that her father was a Professor of Psychology at Temple University and her mother was one of his students who married and eventually settled in New York City. Her parent's got divorced and she stayed with her Mother who, once her Father died, becomes very verbally and physically abusive. Elizabeth's Mother, Rachael has her own problems and tends to follow many of the New Age fads that were prevalent during the 1970's.

Rachel follows many "gurus" for health and wellness and tries to get Elizabeth involved at an early age. When Elizabeth is in college, they eventually end up in the office of Dr. Keith Rogers, Ph.D. and enlist in semi-weekly treatments for stress reduction therapy with Dr. Roger's "Biofeedback" technician George Sharkman.

This is a story of sexual, emotional, spiritual, financial, and physical abuse that lasts for over two decades. It is a story of a young girl, hoping to receive treatment for depression that turns out to be a nightmare in the hands of a charismatic manipulator.

Even though many times Elizabeth knows in her mind the things George is saying or doing are not right, she still not only goes along with it, but gets her friends involved as well. The systematic abuse continues for many years, and then one day when she is in her 30's she meets Judith. Judith begins telling her the things George is doing are wrong even though she has been telling herself the same things all along. With Judith's help and encouragement she is finally able to admit it and take the action needed to detach from George and his cult for good.

In this book, Elizabeth illustrates how someone in authority can lead people astray. No matter your age, financial standing, education, race, gender, religion, culture, background, upbringing, etc., people can become susceptible to the influence of others be it for good or for bad.

It is very compelling, easy to read, and I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I feel like I really got to know Elizabeth, Rachael and Judith through it and did not find anything I did not like about it. It is very well written and edited. There are discussion questions in the back of the book that would make it great for book clubs to read and discuss. Professionals in the mental health industry may also benefit from reading it. Even a fiction reader might like this book because of the excellent way the story is told. I would not however, recommend it to anyone who has been subject to, or is sensitive to reading about abuse as they may find parts of it disturbing to read.

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The Cult Next Door
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Wow! I need to add this book to my reading list. Abuse- whether subtle or overt- is a very sensitive issue that often goes undealt with. Thanks for the brilliant review.

A memoir revolving around a woman who became involved in a cult due to her therapist sounds intriguing. She tells about the activity, abuse, and manipulation she experienced while a member of the cult. That the book was well written and edited is to its credit. Not for me, but I am glad you find it enlightening. Thank you for the review!

This is a Non-fiction memoir on the deception and abuse cults inflict on their members. The author writes on her experience and how she came to find hope. The book is free on Amazon Kindle and has an inciteful OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on being the BOTD.

What a great review! Not normally a type of book I would enjoy but the plot does sound intriguing with her getting in the cult through her doctor, Keith Rogers, Ph.D. I appreciated your added note that people that have suffered through abuse may find it disturbing as well.

Reading and learning about cults and their influence is pretty interesting. But the way this book is written and the cult which is described did not make me feel like reading this. Anyway thanks for the free giveaway and congratulations on being BOTD

You read book .and noted position of person.

A story revolving around a young girl, Elizabeth, who tells a story about her life full of depression. She tells how much damage being involved in a cult can have on a person. Wow! This sounds interesting. I've already added this to my shelve. Thanks for this review.

This book is very much related to our present day. Mental health is a major issue and this book gives a scope on how depression can effect young people life especially influenced by their circumstances. Very well reviewed.

I enjoyed your review; it's detailed enough. However, it's not something I'd want to read at the moment.

I read a few pages of this today and I wanted to see what the official review would have to say before making a commitment. But, after reading your glowing comments, I am adding this to my want to read list. It looks to be well worth the time to learn how the author overcame tragedy to victory. Thanks for the great review.

This true account of Elizabeth being trapped in a cult for such a long time and finally able to break free, with the help of Judith, sounds like a book worthy to read.

I added this book to my not interested in reading shelf, not interested in memoirs typically and the cult and spirituality aspect is not for me. For those who like this genre, how the woman became involved in the cult due to the influence of her therapist sounds captivating.

Quite a sad story, i wouldn't want to be in Elizabeth's shoes, depression plus being trapped in a cult by the person whom she thought could save her. A MUST READ FOR ME.

Wow. I hope Elizabeth is getting the real help she deserves. Cults are do damaging. Thanks for your interesting review.