Review by KCWolf -- The Cult Next Door
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Karen Crumley
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Review by KCWolf -- 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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I found The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone to be informative, intriguing, and well written. It appears to be professionally edited as I was unable to spot any errors. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars and recommend it to anyone who likes memoirs, or has an interest in researching cults, how to avoid them and to rescue friend and loved ones from their clutches.
In this memoir, Elizabeth Burchard tells of her difficult relationship with her contentious, cold mother who often followed self-help and health gurus in search of answers. This is what leads them to fall into “the Group” led by George, a narcissistic sociopath who preaches about “The Energy”. To Elizabeth’s dismay, all of the rituals that were supposed to relieve her stress wound up causing her more anxiety. While she questioned George’s methods she continued to follow him. He employs many of the same techniques which cult leaders are notorious for to keep her in his clutches. She reveals how her mother, herself, and other women were exploited financially, sexually, and psychologically as George bound them to himself. George’s rituals become more and more absurd, disturbing, filling Elizabeth with disgust as she struggles to break free.
It was easy to empathize with Elizabeth and her plight and fight to break free of George and his group.
The chapters that were written by co-author Judith Carlone, a Devout Catholic and true friend, provided a look at the cult from the outside. Elizabeth’s friendship with Judith was a light in the darkness and a window to the world outside of the cult.
What I liked most about The Cult Next Door is that Elizabeth R. Burchard shows that anyone (even educated, secure people) can fall victim to a predatory cult. It’s not just the weak and naive that fall prey to these groups. It also reveals how these sects can sometimes hide in plain sight, and blend in with “normal” society, an even insert themselves into businesses and politics.
What I liked least was reading about George’s “shaking” and other rituals. I found all of this talk about his shaking and energy hard to believe (but I guess that is how Ms. Burchard proves her point). Many of George’s rituals are very unpleasant to read about. It is not for the faint of heart.
All in all, I found this book to be an informative cautionary tale. I also see this as a good resource to know what to watch out for with these social circles who are really cults when you look beneath the surface. Also, the term “page-turner” might sound cliché but I wound up continuously binge-reading this one, and routing for Elizabeth to escape.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
I found The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone to be informative, intriguing, and well written. It appears to be professionally edited as I was unable to spot any errors. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars and recommend it to anyone who likes memoirs, or has an interest in researching cults, how to avoid them and to rescue friend and loved ones from their clutches.
In this memoir, Elizabeth Burchard tells of her difficult relationship with her contentious, cold mother who often followed self-help and health gurus in search of answers. This is what leads them to fall into “the Group” led by George, a narcissistic sociopath who preaches about “The Energy”. To Elizabeth’s dismay, all of the rituals that were supposed to relieve her stress wound up causing her more anxiety. While she questioned George’s methods she continued to follow him. He employs many of the same techniques which cult leaders are notorious for to keep her in his clutches. She reveals how her mother, herself, and other women were exploited financially, sexually, and psychologically as George bound them to himself. George’s rituals become more and more absurd, disturbing, filling Elizabeth with disgust as she struggles to break free.
It was easy to empathize with Elizabeth and her plight and fight to break free of George and his group.
The chapters that were written by co-author Judith Carlone, a Devout Catholic and true friend, provided a look at the cult from the outside. Elizabeth’s friendship with Judith was a light in the darkness and a window to the world outside of the cult.
What I liked most about The Cult Next Door is that Elizabeth R. Burchard shows that anyone (even educated, secure people) can fall victim to a predatory cult. It’s not just the weak and naive that fall prey to these groups. It also reveals how these sects can sometimes hide in plain sight, and blend in with “normal” society, an even insert themselves into businesses and politics.
What I liked least was reading about George’s “shaking” and other rituals. I found all of this talk about his shaking and energy hard to believe (but I guess that is how Ms. Burchard proves her point). Many of George’s rituals are very unpleasant to read about. It is not for the faint of heart.
All in all, I found this book to be an informative cautionary tale. I also see this as a good resource to know what to watch out for with these social circles who are really cults when you look beneath the surface. Also, the term “page-turner” might sound cliché but I wound up continuously binge-reading this one, and routing for Elizabeth to escape.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Currently writing: Charmed Lives, Sovereign Eyes, and Corithian Saga …plus more!
So many projects…so little time.
So many projects…so little time.
