Review by Petra1791 -- The Cult Next Door

Petra1791 · Post by **Petra1791** » 30 Oct 2019, 01:56

[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 by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone is a memoir about one woman’s descent into a mind-controlling cult and another woman’s determination and friendship that helped her escape. The authors share their personal stories with a consistent structure that is easy to read. In the Foreword, they include a clarification of the myths surrounding the people who join a cult. The chronological order of the chapters discloses Elizabeth R. Burchard’s life with clarity and allows the reader to grasp the circumstances that led her to George Sharkman, the leader of her cult. She holds nothing back even when she divulges her intimate relationship with Sharkman. While reading Judith L. Carlone’s story, the reader learns how her kindness and rational approach persuaded Elizabeth to leave the cult. This memoir is an excellent study of human nature and examines the areas of emotional weakness and emotional strength.

This story provides insights into the cult world, and it exposes its unfortunate, co-dependent lifestyle. Those who have not fallen victim to a mind-controlling narcissist should realize that people caught in this vicious cycle can be highly-educated and intelligent. I recognized in Elizabeth certain qualities that I have seen in many people, including myself.

It is frightening that this cult leader was parading as a health professional and slowly deceiving the patients with his mind-control. Elizabeth remained with Sharkman due to her need for acceptance and parental approval. What individual can say that these two conditions are not paramount to the well-being of a person? Yet some people are not satiated with these two conditions in their childhood, so they seek to find acceptance elsewhere, and sometimes they become prime fodder for a cult leader. However, after reading this book, I believe anyone can fall prey to a cult at any time during their life.

The book was well-edited, and I found no errors. I liked the formatting of the chapters, especially the headings that labeled when Judith was giving her account. The chronological order of events helped me to understand why Elizabeth's involvement with Sharkman was so intense. There was nothing I disliked about this book, and I eagerly turned pages to the end. The tone of the book was tranquil and added authenticity as it expressed Elizabeth’s transformation from her ordeal.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I see no reason to give it a lower rating. I recommend this book for an adult audience, especially those who had a toxic childhood. Although most of the subject matter is suitable for young adults, there is some non-graphic sexual content. I enjoy books that take me “down the rabbit hole” to a place I have never been, and although this story takes the reader to a place of evil, in the end, the reader is equipped with the knowledge to avoid the pitfalls of that evil. I am grateful the authors decided to write this book; it just might save people.

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The Cult Next Door
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Anon_Reviewer · Post by **Anon_Reviewer** » 06 Nov 2019, 09:51

Petra1791 wrote: ↑30 Oct 2019, 01:56 It is frightening that this cult leader was parading as a health professional and slowly deceiving the patients with his mind-control. Elizabeth remained with Sharkman due to her need for acceptance and parental approval. What individual can say that these two conditions are not paramount to the well-being of a person? Yet some people are not satiated with these two conditions in their childhood, so they seek to find acceptance elsewhere, and sometimes they become prime fodder for a cult leader. However, after reading this book, I believe anyone can fall prey to a cult at any time during their life.

No one is safe from these types of crooks, honestly. This sounds like a heavy read. I don't think I'm the right audience for the book, so I'll have to pass. Thanks for the wonderful and detailed review!

Petra1791 · Post by **Petra1791** » 06 Nov 2019, 21:37

Ever_Reading wrote: ↑06 Nov 2019, 09:51 No one is safe from these types of crooks, honestly. This sounds like a heavy read. I don't think I'm the right audience for the book, so I'll have to pass. Thanks for the wonderful and detailed review!

Thank you. You are right to say that no one is safe from these cult leaders and this book proves it!

tristenb · Post by **tristenb** » 13 Nov 2019, 20:48

Great review! I've always found cults intriguing, so this would be an interesting read. I hope your right about this book possibility saving people.

Meg98 · Post by **Meg98** » 13 Nov 2019, 22:46

I'm not sure if this one is for me with the cults and heavy content, so I'm going to pass for now. Thank you for the compelling review!

Petra1791 · Post by **Petra1791** » 17 Nov 2019, 02:49

Meg98 wrote: ↑13 Nov 2019, 22:46 I'm not sure if this one is for me with the cults and heavy content, so I'm going to pass for now. Thank you for the compelling review!

Thank you for taking the time to read my review!

Petra1791 · Post by **Petra1791** » 17 Nov 2019, 02:59

tristenb wrote: ↑13 Nov 2019, 20:48 Great review! I've always found cults intriguing, so this would be an interesting read. I hope your right about this book possibility saving people.

The authors do a great job describing the cult philosophy. They show how a person can get caught up in this deceit. So hopefully this book will help people recognize these behaviors.Thanks for your comment.