Review by Kimberly Grow -- The Cult Next Door
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Kimberly Grow
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Review by Kimberly Grow -- The Cult Next Door
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone.]
4 out of 4 stars
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The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir is a true story written by Elizabeth R. Burchard with co-author Judith L. Carlone. Told in her own words, Burchard relays to the audience how she unknowingly entered a cult as a teenager.
Elizabeth Burchard was the perfect mark for George Sharkman, leader of the cult he primed her to follow. Smart, but yet lonely and unloved, she craved recognition, thus falling right into the quagmire that Sharkman set for her as a young 18-year-old seeking appreciation and acceptance. Ms. Burchard's mother was a solid role model for cult-like behavior from the time Elizabeth was a child. By tugging her daughter to every fad psychiatrist and following popular books as though they were Bibles, she led by example, which became an incredibly dysfunctional relationship between mother and daughter. Love was lacking in the writer's life, especially considering the only affection in Elizabeth's atmosphere was her father, who, unfortunately, passed away when the girl was at a profoundly young age, leaving her with a distant mother and no one else. Burchard had no self-esteem, so when George Sharkman entered her life she took the bait. He made her feel as if she finally belonged. Elizabeth followed Sharkman through all of her early adult life, squandering the hefty inheritance left to her by her father so she could spend time with George and his precious “Energy.” She dedicated her entire life to Sharkman and even brought others into the fold until her newfound friend, Judith, came along and helped her to understand that she was actively participating in a cult. Judith worked endlessly to deprogram Elizabeth and after several long years, she succeeded. The author went on to become a success in her own eyes and is now living a life free from control.
Naturally, this memoir was difficult to read due to the immense emotion involved. I couldn't help but become ill while learning what Ms. Burchard endured all those years. However, the feeling of satisfaction and delight after she came into her own and found herself on the road to recovery was exhilarating. Following Elizabeth's story caused me to weep as well as applaud; the art of a great writer.
Consequently, I recommend this book to those who want to learn about the culture of cults, as well as the professional who works to help those who are in abusive situations find their way out of the cycle. The book is an interesting look behind the scenes of a precarious situation and the anticipation that builds as the author recognizes the danger then overcomes it.
My only real disappointment with the book was that it began to drag in some places. The scenes were exceedingly similar, but this did not detract from the story being told, realizing that as the book was dragging, this is what it must have felt like for the author, life dragging by slower and slower every day until she was nothing more than a zombie.
Therefore, I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. The editing looks professionally done as I only found one error and the dated content helps the reader follow the flow of information easily.
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The Cult Next Door
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4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir is a true story written by Elizabeth R. Burchard with co-author Judith L. Carlone. Told in her own words, Burchard relays to the audience how she unknowingly entered a cult as a teenager.
Elizabeth Burchard was the perfect mark for George Sharkman, leader of the cult he primed her to follow. Smart, but yet lonely and unloved, she craved recognition, thus falling right into the quagmire that Sharkman set for her as a young 18-year-old seeking appreciation and acceptance. Ms. Burchard's mother was a solid role model for cult-like behavior from the time Elizabeth was a child. By tugging her daughter to every fad psychiatrist and following popular books as though they were Bibles, she led by example, which became an incredibly dysfunctional relationship between mother and daughter. Love was lacking in the writer's life, especially considering the only affection in Elizabeth's atmosphere was her father, who, unfortunately, passed away when the girl was at a profoundly young age, leaving her with a distant mother and no one else. Burchard had no self-esteem, so when George Sharkman entered her life she took the bait. He made her feel as if she finally belonged. Elizabeth followed Sharkman through all of her early adult life, squandering the hefty inheritance left to her by her father so she could spend time with George and his precious “Energy.” She dedicated her entire life to Sharkman and even brought others into the fold until her newfound friend, Judith, came along and helped her to understand that she was actively participating in a cult. Judith worked endlessly to deprogram Elizabeth and after several long years, she succeeded. The author went on to become a success in her own eyes and is now living a life free from control.
Naturally, this memoir was difficult to read due to the immense emotion involved. I couldn't help but become ill while learning what Ms. Burchard endured all those years. However, the feeling of satisfaction and delight after she came into her own and found herself on the road to recovery was exhilarating. Following Elizabeth's story caused me to weep as well as applaud; the art of a great writer.
Consequently, I recommend this book to those who want to learn about the culture of cults, as well as the professional who works to help those who are in abusive situations find their way out of the cycle. The book is an interesting look behind the scenes of a precarious situation and the anticipation that builds as the author recognizes the danger then overcomes it.
My only real disappointment with the book was that it began to drag in some places. The scenes were exceedingly similar, but this did not detract from the story being told, realizing that as the book was dragging, this is what it must have felt like for the author, life dragging by slower and slower every day until she was nothing more than a zombie.
Therefore, I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. The editing looks professionally done as I only found one error and the dated content helps the reader follow the flow of information easily.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Kimberly Grow's review? Post a comment saying so!
"If you don't see the book you want on the shelf, write it." -Beverly Cleary 
Latest Review: Dagger's Destiny by Linnea Tanner
