Review by britcott30 -- The Cult Next Door
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britcott30
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Review by britcott30 -- The Cult Next Door
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone.]
When a group with an odd mindset wrapped in the title “stress management” and their leader is a psychologist, it is hard to prove that he is wrong and already crossed the line. The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone is a memoir about Elizabeth, who participated in that group.
Elizabeth tells her story from her childhood until her point of story around involvement in the cult and how her leader had strong charisma to make his member did everything he asked for his gain. Her dad passed away when she was 11, and her fiancé suspected to committed suicide. Her relationship with her mom is not very good, and her mom always needs a guru to guide her. The leader of the cult, George Sharkman, has his trademark called “The Energy” by shaking his head constantly. He believes that everyone is God. He even published a book and showed up on some TV shows. Another author in this book, Judith, is a friend of Elizabeth, who always encourages her to leave the cult.
What I like about this book is how Elizabeth vividly narrates her experiences with the cult and describes this George character all at once so the readers can loathe him so much. She can clearly define why George was called “a narcissist, a sociopath, and a delusional pathological liar” in this book.
What I dislike about this book is the lacking of pouring Elizabeth’s heart out. I think she has to add her emotion or her feeling deeper to this book, considering this is mostly around her memoir. Therefore, the readers can convince of why or how she still chose her path of life. I am sure this has nothing to do with her intelligence to involve in such a cult. I believe there is a dilemma in her thoughts or any other factors, but all I understand from her reason is only afraid, not more. Moreover, when Judy cornered her with many questions, there are no strong reasons from her or strong answers regarding her decision to follow George. Instead, Judy is the one who can precisely observe and judge what kind of person Elizabeth is. If I had to guess, maybe she can describe other people more than herself.
I will give this book 4 out of 4 stars since there are no grammar errors, spelling, or typos. I am sure the book has professionally edited back and forth that I did not even find missing commas or wrong commas placement. The language is easy to follow and not using too many rare words. I will recommend this book to adults who have an interest in psychology and autobiography. This book is not suitable for young readers since there are minor profanities, indirect sexual abuse content, and has a theme that still needs parental guidance.
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The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
When a group with an odd mindset wrapped in the title “stress management” and their leader is a psychologist, it is hard to prove that he is wrong and already crossed the line. The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone is a memoir about Elizabeth, who participated in that group.
Elizabeth tells her story from her childhood until her point of story around involvement in the cult and how her leader had strong charisma to make his member did everything he asked for his gain. Her dad passed away when she was 11, and her fiancé suspected to committed suicide. Her relationship with her mom is not very good, and her mom always needs a guru to guide her. The leader of the cult, George Sharkman, has his trademark called “The Energy” by shaking his head constantly. He believes that everyone is God. He even published a book and showed up on some TV shows. Another author in this book, Judith, is a friend of Elizabeth, who always encourages her to leave the cult.
What I like about this book is how Elizabeth vividly narrates her experiences with the cult and describes this George character all at once so the readers can loathe him so much. She can clearly define why George was called “a narcissist, a sociopath, and a delusional pathological liar” in this book.
What I dislike about this book is the lacking of pouring Elizabeth’s heart out. I think she has to add her emotion or her feeling deeper to this book, considering this is mostly around her memoir. Therefore, the readers can convince of why or how she still chose her path of life. I am sure this has nothing to do with her intelligence to involve in such a cult. I believe there is a dilemma in her thoughts or any other factors, but all I understand from her reason is only afraid, not more. Moreover, when Judy cornered her with many questions, there are no strong reasons from her or strong answers regarding her decision to follow George. Instead, Judy is the one who can precisely observe and judge what kind of person Elizabeth is. If I had to guess, maybe she can describe other people more than herself.
I will give this book 4 out of 4 stars since there are no grammar errors, spelling, or typos. I am sure the book has professionally edited back and forth that I did not even find missing commas or wrong commas placement. The language is easy to follow and not using too many rare words. I will recommend this book to adults who have an interest in psychology and autobiography. This book is not suitable for young readers since there are minor profanities, indirect sexual abuse content, and has a theme that still needs parental guidance.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: My Trip To Adele by R.I.Alyaseer and A. I Alyaseer
