Review by spencermack -- The Cult Next Door

spencermack · Post by **spencermack** » 09 Dec 2019, 22:59

[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 by Elizabeth R. Burchard, LSW and Judith L. Caroline is the story of a young lady seduced into joining a cult, The Group, that had horrific effects on her life and relationships. Growing up with an abusive and insecure mother, Elizabeth was in need of love and protection. As the author points out multiple times, these are the things that cults offer to people who aren’t receiving the necessities of life.

The authors do a terrific job of highlighting how one can be easily drawn into the doctrine of a cult. Using many popular and scientific explanations, George (cult leader) manipulates many people to join his group and have them under his control. It is sad to see people who just want love and security convinced to do things that they do not feel comfortable with. Elizabeth is forced to stay in unhealthy relationships and this has an effect on her already topsy turvy mental health. The way the authors present the simplicity and sophistication in cult leader seduction is sickening. It is so easy to see why people get drawn into these groups when they connect with the message or just need someone to love them.

I love that the authors told this story. It is vital to discuss these experiences so people can learn from each other’s stories to build a better future. This is ironic because that is what the cult said they wanted to do, but in the literature, the positive and informational message can be shared to create positive change. The prose is engaging and draws the reader into the lives of these people. Each time they submit their personal power and side with their leader I wanted to cry out in frustration. It is easy for me to think that sitting on the couch. However, these authors did such a great job at explaining and illustrating the truly internal struggle many members held towards the actions carried out in the group. I was thoroughly intrigued from start to finish. There are limited elements I would change or didn’t like in this story. A few times the author uses multiple names for the same people and I think it would be beneficial to keep one name per person or have the names explained a little more clearly.

Due to the above reasons, I am rating The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir 4 out of 4 stars. The book appears professionally edited as I found no glaring grammatical errors. I loved the format and descriptions of events. The authors have delivered their message in an engaging and professional manner.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in fascinating memoirs or finds the psychology of cults intriguing.

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The Cult Next Door
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Kanda_theGreat · Post by **Kanda_theGreat** » 29 Dec 2019, 00:34

I love reading memoirs although I have never heard of a cult memoir. I think I'll give this a try.
Great review!

spencermack · Post by **spencermack** » 17 Mar 2020, 11:40

Kanda_theGreat wrote: ↑29 Dec 2019, 00:34 I love reading memoirs although I have never heard of a cult memoir. I think I'll give this a try.
Great review!

Excellent comment!