Review by Kemunto lucy -- The Cult Next Door
-
Kemunto lucy
- Posts: 355
- Joined: 11 Apr 2018, 04:25
- Currently Reading: It's Easier to Dance
- Bookshelf Size: 168
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kemunto-lucy.html
- Latest Review: Korian by Giorgio Garofalo
Review by Kemunto lucy -- The Cult Next Door
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone.]
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Once in life we often make mistakes, terrible ones at that. Some we make knowingly while others unknowingly. Some we regret doing while others serve as life lessons. Bad decisions are part of growing and Elizabeth Buchard is no exception. The Cult Next Door is a touching memoir written by Elizabeth R. Buchard and Judith L. Caroline. It is published by Two Poles Press LLW and the cover done by Jared Phillips.
Elizabeth Buchard is a brilliant young person whose future seems bright. At middle school, she is diagnosed with with Social and Emotional problems. This pushes her to undergo therapy. She goes through several psychologists and mentors before she finally meets George Sharkman. George is a charismatic mentor and the leader of a cult. He takes advantage of Elizabeth's vulnerability to brainwash her and, successfully recruiting her into the cult. The group is composed of people with insecurities such as, failed relationships, low self-esteem, lack of moral support, just to mention a few.
George steals Liz's time, energy and money swiftly. His sessions are extremely expensive. Most of Liz's money, left to her by her late father end up in George's hands. It becomes harder to tell whether she is ever going to make it on her own, and fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a successful psychologists, just like her late father.
To begin with, the book cover is attractive. I enjoyed reading this book majorly because, the events are first hand and honestly written. The plot of the book though scary, is fascinating. The description of events are detailed and real. We have people out there facing these same problems silently while suffering inwardly. The psychological manipulations, though frightening are real. The conversations between George and the recruits are captured in the book and from that, we can tell what kind of person he is. His use of 'Energy' in his sessions sounds hilarious. I guess he uses that to capture the attention and command respect from his recruits.
Merits aside, I was disappointed that the author didn't leave the cult on her own will. George kicked her out after taking and taking from her. The author was forced by circumstances to move on and find her own freedom. I also didn't see the importance of Judith's participation. Her input didn't reflect much on the outcome of the book since the book's perspective remained the same. Also, the timeline lacked in some areas.
I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars because, it was honestly written and professionally edited. This book is a voice for the suffering and a hope for the psychologically imprisoned. I recommend it to anyone who feels down because of making wrong decisions in life. It's going to lift their spirit. It is also an awesome read for someone needing some reality. The story is jaw dropping.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Kemunto lucy's review? Post a comment saying so!
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Once in life we often make mistakes, terrible ones at that. Some we make knowingly while others unknowingly. Some we regret doing while others serve as life lessons. Bad decisions are part of growing and Elizabeth Buchard is no exception. The Cult Next Door is a touching memoir written by Elizabeth R. Buchard and Judith L. Caroline. It is published by Two Poles Press LLW and the cover done by Jared Phillips.
Elizabeth Buchard is a brilliant young person whose future seems bright. At middle school, she is diagnosed with with Social and Emotional problems. This pushes her to undergo therapy. She goes through several psychologists and mentors before she finally meets George Sharkman. George is a charismatic mentor and the leader of a cult. He takes advantage of Elizabeth's vulnerability to brainwash her and, successfully recruiting her into the cult. The group is composed of people with insecurities such as, failed relationships, low self-esteem, lack of moral support, just to mention a few.
George steals Liz's time, energy and money swiftly. His sessions are extremely expensive. Most of Liz's money, left to her by her late father end up in George's hands. It becomes harder to tell whether she is ever going to make it on her own, and fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a successful psychologists, just like her late father.
To begin with, the book cover is attractive. I enjoyed reading this book majorly because, the events are first hand and honestly written. The plot of the book though scary, is fascinating. The description of events are detailed and real. We have people out there facing these same problems silently while suffering inwardly. The psychological manipulations, though frightening are real. The conversations between George and the recruits are captured in the book and from that, we can tell what kind of person he is. His use of 'Energy' in his sessions sounds hilarious. I guess he uses that to capture the attention and command respect from his recruits.
Merits aside, I was disappointed that the author didn't leave the cult on her own will. George kicked her out after taking and taking from her. The author was forced by circumstances to move on and find her own freedom. I also didn't see the importance of Judith's participation. Her input didn't reflect much on the outcome of the book since the book's perspective remained the same. Also, the timeline lacked in some areas.
I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars because, it was honestly written and professionally edited. This book is a voice for the suffering and a hope for the psychologically imprisoned. I recommend it to anyone who feels down because of making wrong decisions in life. It's going to lift their spirit. It is also an awesome read for someone needing some reality. The story is jaw dropping.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Kemunto lucy's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Korian by Giorgio Garofalo
