Review by Galarneau -- The Cult Next Door
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Galarneau
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Review by Galarneau -- 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 reveals the methods used by cult leaders, including mind control, to control every aspect of a person's life. In learning about the members of this particular cult, the common myth that anyone who gets involved in a cult is unintelligent is dispelled, as the majority of these members are educated and intelligent. This book is written like a diary or journal with dates, and is actually the memoirs of Elizabeth R. Burchard, one of the authors. Elizabeth's childhood is spent with her mother, who goes from one unfounded health regimen to another in search of improved health. Then, she becomes obsessed with personal growth, which proves to be detrimental to her and Elizabeth's mental and physical health. She is physically and emotionally abusive toward Elizabeth, which causes Elizabeth to hate her. Elizabeth's only refuge is the weekends spent at her father's home. When her father, a psychologist, suddenly dies, Elizabeth feels abandoned and as if she is not enough. She dreams of becoming a psychologist like her father. However, her life becomes a nightmare at the hands of George, a biofeedback technician who works in a psychologist's office. George uses his position to recruit members for a cult he leads, known as “The Group”, using biofeedback, seduction, and brainwashing. Members are required to sign a contract promising to serve their guru without question, and dissolution of this contract is not allowed. Members are coerced into using most of their money to pay for “therapy”; thus, they do not have enough to meet their own needs. Yet, they continue to stand by George and believe in “The Group”. Elizabeth is depressed with suicidal ideation and a poor body image, making her the perfect target. Females in this group are manipulated to believe cooperation and remaining calm in the face of confrontation is necessary for growth; meanwhile, males are persuaded to believe females manipulate and play games, are objects to be used, and are of no value. George's techniques derive from New Age, religion, Eastern Philosophy, and psychology, and many of George's practices, including head shaking and a trance-like state, seem to be occult practices. George, himself, claims that he receives information from “an evolved, supernatural entity” and that “the energy” can calm a person and heal the body and mind. Although Elizabeth has doubts and at times challenges George, she is still unable to leave the group. Then, Elizabeth meets Judith and begins to realize the importance of leaving this cult and gains the courage and strength to leave. However, there is much healing that must take place, and Judith walks beside Elizabeth throughout this journey.
This book is co-authored by Elizabeth R. Burchard, LSW and Judith L. Carlone. In spite of the twenty years spent in bondage to this cult, Burchard eventually realizes her dream and is now a psychotherapist in New Jersey and speaks professionally. Carlone and her husband are in the music entertainment business, and Carlone's empathetic nature shows in her rescue of two cats and a shelter dog. Together, Burchard and Carlone have written a fantastic, eye-opening book. Elizabeth's memoirs give readers a better understanding of how even a highly intelligent person can be manipulated by those who prey on the emotions and struggles of others in order to control their lives. In life, manipulation and control are also seen in domestic abuse cases; Therefore, anyone involved in any type of manipulative relationship may be able to relate to Elizabeth's story. The book starts out with Elizabeth sharing the details of her life through dated journal entries, which provide a chronological timeline for the story. Then, later the entries of Elizabeth and Judith intertwine in a way that allows the reader to understand the same event from the perspective of each lady in turn. The book is written in a way that holds the reader's attention from beginning to end, which covers thirty-seven years of Elizabeth's life.
The thing I most like about this book is the honesty with which it is written and the portrayal of the doubt, fear, and low self-image that prevents Elizabeth from finding the courage to leave. I honestly cannot find anything I dislike about this book. I am glad this book has a happy ending for Elizabeth. Hopefully, the book will be helpful for anyone who finds themselves or a loved one in a similar situation.
This book has a few instances of profanity (i.e. S.O.B) that, in my opinion, are non-borderline. It also contains some sexual encounters that are lightly erotic in nature leaving a lot to the imagination. Furthermore, the book contains some physically abusive scenes along with a lot of emotionally abusive scenes. Due to the theme and content of the book, I recommend this book for older teens and adults. Anyone that enjoys books on social and psychological issues should enjoy this book.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars due to the quality of the writing. It is written in a way that is easy to read and understand. Additionally, I find no errors in the book which suggests that it has been professionally edited.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Cult Next Door reveals the methods used by cult leaders, including mind control, to control every aspect of a person's life. In learning about the members of this particular cult, the common myth that anyone who gets involved in a cult is unintelligent is dispelled, as the majority of these members are educated and intelligent. This book is written like a diary or journal with dates, and is actually the memoirs of Elizabeth R. Burchard, one of the authors. Elizabeth's childhood is spent with her mother, who goes from one unfounded health regimen to another in search of improved health. Then, she becomes obsessed with personal growth, which proves to be detrimental to her and Elizabeth's mental and physical health. She is physically and emotionally abusive toward Elizabeth, which causes Elizabeth to hate her. Elizabeth's only refuge is the weekends spent at her father's home. When her father, a psychologist, suddenly dies, Elizabeth feels abandoned and as if she is not enough. She dreams of becoming a psychologist like her father. However, her life becomes a nightmare at the hands of George, a biofeedback technician who works in a psychologist's office. George uses his position to recruit members for a cult he leads, known as “The Group”, using biofeedback, seduction, and brainwashing. Members are required to sign a contract promising to serve their guru without question, and dissolution of this contract is not allowed. Members are coerced into using most of their money to pay for “therapy”; thus, they do not have enough to meet their own needs. Yet, they continue to stand by George and believe in “The Group”. Elizabeth is depressed with suicidal ideation and a poor body image, making her the perfect target. Females in this group are manipulated to believe cooperation and remaining calm in the face of confrontation is necessary for growth; meanwhile, males are persuaded to believe females manipulate and play games, are objects to be used, and are of no value. George's techniques derive from New Age, religion, Eastern Philosophy, and psychology, and many of George's practices, including head shaking and a trance-like state, seem to be occult practices. George, himself, claims that he receives information from “an evolved, supernatural entity” and that “the energy” can calm a person and heal the body and mind. Although Elizabeth has doubts and at times challenges George, she is still unable to leave the group. Then, Elizabeth meets Judith and begins to realize the importance of leaving this cult and gains the courage and strength to leave. However, there is much healing that must take place, and Judith walks beside Elizabeth throughout this journey.
This book is co-authored by Elizabeth R. Burchard, LSW and Judith L. Carlone. In spite of the twenty years spent in bondage to this cult, Burchard eventually realizes her dream and is now a psychotherapist in New Jersey and speaks professionally. Carlone and her husband are in the music entertainment business, and Carlone's empathetic nature shows in her rescue of two cats and a shelter dog. Together, Burchard and Carlone have written a fantastic, eye-opening book. Elizabeth's memoirs give readers a better understanding of how even a highly intelligent person can be manipulated by those who prey on the emotions and struggles of others in order to control their lives. In life, manipulation and control are also seen in domestic abuse cases; Therefore, anyone involved in any type of manipulative relationship may be able to relate to Elizabeth's story. The book starts out with Elizabeth sharing the details of her life through dated journal entries, which provide a chronological timeline for the story. Then, later the entries of Elizabeth and Judith intertwine in a way that allows the reader to understand the same event from the perspective of each lady in turn. The book is written in a way that holds the reader's attention from beginning to end, which covers thirty-seven years of Elizabeth's life.
The thing I most like about this book is the honesty with which it is written and the portrayal of the doubt, fear, and low self-image that prevents Elizabeth from finding the courage to leave. I honestly cannot find anything I dislike about this book. I am glad this book has a happy ending for Elizabeth. Hopefully, the book will be helpful for anyone who finds themselves or a loved one in a similar situation.
This book has a few instances of profanity (i.e. S.O.B) that, in my opinion, are non-borderline. It also contains some sexual encounters that are lightly erotic in nature leaving a lot to the imagination. Furthermore, the book contains some physically abusive scenes along with a lot of emotionally abusive scenes. Due to the theme and content of the book, I recommend this book for older teens and adults. Anyone that enjoys books on social and psychological issues should enjoy this book.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars due to the quality of the writing. It is written in a way that is easy to read and understand. Additionally, I find no errors in the book which suggests that it has been professionally edited.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas
