Review by catlock68 -- The Cult Next Door
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catlock68
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Review by catlock68 -- The Cult Next Door
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone.]
The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir by Elizabeth R. Burchard, LSW and Judith L. Cardone
Elizabeth Burchard's dysfunctional childhood leaves her longing for love. Although she adores her father, her mother does not show her the caring she desires. After her parents' divorce and her beloved father's death, Liz is subjected to her mother's endless quests to find the latest health fads and eventually attempt to find personal growth. Liz is soon drawn into the sphere of George Sharkman. George is licensed in biofeedback therapy and subtly draws both Liz and her mother into his web of deception.
Over a period of twenty years, Liz is drawn into the madness that is George Sharkman. He is a master manipulator and causes Liz to doubt all that she knows about life. Many others are recruited to hear his message on how Energy (and George) should be the focus of their lives. Of course, they all pay dearly for the privilege of being in his presence. George convinces all his followers that social norms are wrong and that laws don't apply to them. Liz is brainwashed into thinking that it's okay to shoplift, to embrace nudity and sex within the group, and that George is the only one who has the answers. She struggles to come to terms with who she truly is.
As I read this book, I found it to be very compelling and at the same time scary. Most of the time I am screaming internally for Liz to see what is really happening and to escape this group. How can she as an intelligent, educated person not see the truth? I came away with a completely different meaning of a cult; I tend to think of the large cult followings such as Jim Jones had. But, this showed me that the cult mentality can start with one person at a time. This was also a case where the followers live in their own homes instead of with the cult, but have learned to suppress any feelings toward the outside world.
Time and time again, Liz thinks that perhaps George is wrong. But, all it takes is being in his presence to banish those thoughts. Liz is one of the lucky ones in that she finds a friend, Judith, who gradually is able to break through the shell George has created. I highly recommend this book to someone who might be lonely and longing for acceptance and love. Even as sad as this account is, it ends with hope. It is an eye-opening book.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
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The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir by Elizabeth R. Burchard, LSW and Judith L. Cardone
Elizabeth Burchard's dysfunctional childhood leaves her longing for love. Although she adores her father, her mother does not show her the caring she desires. After her parents' divorce and her beloved father's death, Liz is subjected to her mother's endless quests to find the latest health fads and eventually attempt to find personal growth. Liz is soon drawn into the sphere of George Sharkman. George is licensed in biofeedback therapy and subtly draws both Liz and her mother into his web of deception.
Over a period of twenty years, Liz is drawn into the madness that is George Sharkman. He is a master manipulator and causes Liz to doubt all that she knows about life. Many others are recruited to hear his message on how Energy (and George) should be the focus of their lives. Of course, they all pay dearly for the privilege of being in his presence. George convinces all his followers that social norms are wrong and that laws don't apply to them. Liz is brainwashed into thinking that it's okay to shoplift, to embrace nudity and sex within the group, and that George is the only one who has the answers. She struggles to come to terms with who she truly is.
As I read this book, I found it to be very compelling and at the same time scary. Most of the time I am screaming internally for Liz to see what is really happening and to escape this group. How can she as an intelligent, educated person not see the truth? I came away with a completely different meaning of a cult; I tend to think of the large cult followings such as Jim Jones had. But, this showed me that the cult mentality can start with one person at a time. This was also a case where the followers live in their own homes instead of with the cult, but have learned to suppress any feelings toward the outside world.
Time and time again, Liz thinks that perhaps George is wrong. But, all it takes is being in his presence to banish those thoughts. Liz is one of the lucky ones in that she finds a friend, Judith, who gradually is able to break through the shell George has created. I highly recommend this book to someone who might be lonely and longing for acceptance and love. Even as sad as this account is, it ends with hope. It is an eye-opening book.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Stranded In The Wild by Gary Rodriguez
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Dragonsend
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Well written review! I thought it was terrifying how someone can give up personal choice for a group mentality. To be intelligent but caught up in these circumstances is a kind of insanity. I pray everyday for those that are too weak to break out of unhealthy relationships and circumstances. Pray for the right kind of strength for these people.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 
Latest Review: House of Eire by June Gillam
