Review of The Cult Next Door
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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.]
Author Elizabeth R. Burchard's The Cult Next Door is a real-life story of the author's life trapped in a cult, which reveals the extensive degree of mind control used by the cult's leader. This memoir goes into detail a few ways of controlling and bending followers' minds by cult leaders, which gives the reader a taste of the worst that the human psyche has to offer. The Cult Next Door will definitely receive 5 out of 5 stars from me.
The plot develops when Burchard, a young woman with spiritual aspirations, finds herself entrapped in an innocently-looking group named “The Family.” However, as she progresses, she starts feeling that even such a simple task as preparing a file is a result of manipulation and control. The leader of the group is an eloquent man who has a hypnotizing effect on those who surround him, thus severing his followers from their families and friends and making them rely on the cult exclusively. The way Burchard presented herself is also intense, as she painted a picture of herself as a weak but powerful person at the same time. The transition from innocence to cynicism is perhaps the toughest that anyone can endure, and yet the human spirit can survive any odds. The cult leader is one more unreliable anti-hero, a masterfully created devil by Burchard. These are his manipulative skills, intelligence, and charm, which make him an interesting villain.
To a certain extent, the book is well-articulated and appealing to readers; however, some people may have trouble comprehending the contents. A reason for this is that graphic details concerning abuse and manipulation may result in distress for the victims. Still, as it recounts Burchard's story, there could be more focus on the psychological processes occurring within the subculture of the cult. Exploring the details of the cult's beliefs and practices would help the reader gain a better perspective on how such things play a role in making people submissive to the cult.
The writing in “The Cult Next Door” is mostly well-edited and informative, with a lot of focus on word choice. Although there are many instances depicted as shocking in the book, one can gain insight into how cults function and the need for people to practice critical reasoning. Readers who get intrigued by stories based on true crime, psychology, or cults will get to enjoy “The Cult Next Door.” It is an interesting and dramatic kind of story that helps to open the curtain behind the darkest aspect of personality.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Author Elizabeth R. Burchard's The Cult Next Door is a real-life story of the author's life trapped in a cult, which reveals the extensive degree of mind control used by the cult's leader. This memoir goes into detail a few ways of controlling and bending followers' minds by cult leaders, which gives the reader a taste of the worst that the human psyche has to offer. The Cult Next Door will definitely receive 5 out of 5 stars from me.
The plot develops when Burchard, a young woman with spiritual aspirations, finds herself entrapped in an innocently-looking group named “The Family.” However, as she progresses, she starts feeling that even such a simple task as preparing a file is a result of manipulation and control. The leader of the group is an eloquent man who has a hypnotizing effect on those who surround him, thus severing his followers from their families and friends and making them rely on the cult exclusively. The way Burchard presented herself is also intense, as she painted a picture of herself as a weak but powerful person at the same time. The transition from innocence to cynicism is perhaps the toughest that anyone can endure, and yet the human spirit can survive any odds. The cult leader is one more unreliable anti-hero, a masterfully created devil by Burchard. These are his manipulative skills, intelligence, and charm, which make him an interesting villain.
To a certain extent, the book is well-articulated and appealing to readers; however, some people may have trouble comprehending the contents. A reason for this is that graphic details concerning abuse and manipulation may result in distress for the victims. Still, as it recounts Burchard's story, there could be more focus on the psychological processes occurring within the subculture of the cult. Exploring the details of the cult's beliefs and practices would help the reader gain a better perspective on how such things play a role in making people submissive to the cult.
The writing in “The Cult Next Door” is mostly well-edited and informative, with a lot of focus on word choice. Although there are many instances depicted as shocking in the book, one can gain insight into how cults function and the need for people to practice critical reasoning. Readers who get intrigued by stories based on true crime, psychology, or cults will get to enjoy “The Cult Next Door.” It is an interesting and dramatic kind of story that helps to open the curtain behind the darkest aspect of personality.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: America: The Obliged by Nathan O'Discin
