Review of The Cult Next Door
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FunkyFlowerLady
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Review of 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 by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone tells the story of Elizabeth's time in a cult led by George Sharkman, a biofeedback technician who manipulated her into becoming dependent on his approval. The book details how Elizabeth's vulnerable state, caused by a difficult childhood, led her to seek Sharkman's help and eventually become a victim of sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. The memoir explores how Sharkman's cult slowly emerged, with him reaping the benefits while his followers emptied their wallets on every session. The book follows Elizabeth's journey toward regaining control of her life.
The biggest positive point of this book is the fact that the authors successfully illustrate how individuals can easily become entangled in a manipulative relationship with a cult leader, as demonstrated through the lives of the characters in this true story. Although the graphic details of the abuse can be overwhelming, the use of figurative language provides a reprieve. The book's format, which outlines significant events chronologically, is easy to follow. The author's honesty in reliving the events is commendable, but it can be difficult to read in large doses. The book provides useful resources for those seeking help with cult-related issues.
The story highlights Liz's ability to regain confidence in herself through her photography business, but some details of the story, such as the sudden disappearance of a character and a lack of explanation for Rachael's self-improvement journey, can be confusing. Additionally, the lack of response from other followers during a violent incident raises questions about the nature of the cult's influence. The authors have done an exceptional job of recounting Liz's story and providing insights into the psychology of cults and manipulation. The use of figurative language and honest storytelling made for an engaging and thought-provoking read. The appendix contains a wealth of resources for those who may be in similar situations or who want to learn more about cults and manipulation. The book is well-structured and easy to follow, with significant events and character development outlined in chronological order.
Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars for its captivating storytelling, insightful analysis, and valuable resources for readers. This book deserves a full 5-star rating because it achieves its purpose of providing a clear and accurate account of how easy it is to become trapped in a manipulative and abusive relationship. The authors' honesty in reliving the events and their ability to capture the characters' emotions and motivations are truly commendable. The inclusion of discussion questions encourages further reflection on the topic. The book is also exceptionally well-edited, as I did not notice any errors while reading.
The recommended audience for this book would be individuals who are interested in learning about manipulative relationships, cults, and the process of getting free from such situations. The book seems suitable for adults who can handle the sordid details and understand the gravity of the situation. The recommended audience may also include individuals who have friends or relatives who they suspect may be in a hostage situation, as the book contains helpful information in the appendix regarding literature to read and contact information for groups that can offer assistance. Additionally, the recommended audience may include those who appreciate honest and personal accounts of difficult experiences, as the author's honesty and personal account of her experience in a cult are prominent aspects of the book.
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The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone tells the story of Elizabeth's time in a cult led by George Sharkman, a biofeedback technician who manipulated her into becoming dependent on his approval. The book details how Elizabeth's vulnerable state, caused by a difficult childhood, led her to seek Sharkman's help and eventually become a victim of sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. The memoir explores how Sharkman's cult slowly emerged, with him reaping the benefits while his followers emptied their wallets on every session. The book follows Elizabeth's journey toward regaining control of her life.
The biggest positive point of this book is the fact that the authors successfully illustrate how individuals can easily become entangled in a manipulative relationship with a cult leader, as demonstrated through the lives of the characters in this true story. Although the graphic details of the abuse can be overwhelming, the use of figurative language provides a reprieve. The book's format, which outlines significant events chronologically, is easy to follow. The author's honesty in reliving the events is commendable, but it can be difficult to read in large doses. The book provides useful resources for those seeking help with cult-related issues.
The story highlights Liz's ability to regain confidence in herself through her photography business, but some details of the story, such as the sudden disappearance of a character and a lack of explanation for Rachael's self-improvement journey, can be confusing. Additionally, the lack of response from other followers during a violent incident raises questions about the nature of the cult's influence. The authors have done an exceptional job of recounting Liz's story and providing insights into the psychology of cults and manipulation. The use of figurative language and honest storytelling made for an engaging and thought-provoking read. The appendix contains a wealth of resources for those who may be in similar situations or who want to learn more about cults and manipulation. The book is well-structured and easy to follow, with significant events and character development outlined in chronological order.
Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars for its captivating storytelling, insightful analysis, and valuable resources for readers. This book deserves a full 5-star rating because it achieves its purpose of providing a clear and accurate account of how easy it is to become trapped in a manipulative and abusive relationship. The authors' honesty in reliving the events and their ability to capture the characters' emotions and motivations are truly commendable. The inclusion of discussion questions encourages further reflection on the topic. The book is also exceptionally well-edited, as I did not notice any errors while reading.
The recommended audience for this book would be individuals who are interested in learning about manipulative relationships, cults, and the process of getting free from such situations. The book seems suitable for adults who can handle the sordid details and understand the gravity of the situation. The recommended audience may also include individuals who have friends or relatives who they suspect may be in a hostage situation, as the book contains helpful information in the appendix regarding literature to read and contact information for groups that can offer assistance. Additionally, the recommended audience may include those who appreciate honest and personal accounts of difficult experiences, as the author's honesty and personal account of her experience in a cult are prominent aspects of the book.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Somawise by Luke Sniewski
