Review by Nessa_girl78 -- The Cult Next Door
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Nessa_girl78
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Review by Nessa_girl78 -- The Cult Next Door
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone.]
Wow! That is all I can say about The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone. Cults have never been a topic that I have been interested in or studied. I almost found the story hard to believe, although I know it to be true. I find it hard to understand how someone could allow themselves to be controlled so completely, in every facet of their life.
The story opens with Elizabeth as a young child trying to adapt to a new life after her father passes away. Her mom is fascinated with whack nutritionists and fad diets. When Elizabeth starts suffering from migraines at 17, her mother takes her to see a psychologist who specializes in biofeedback. This psychologist, George Sharkman, will change their lives forever.
After being asked to leave the practice that he shared with another individual for inappropriate conduct, George convinces Elizabeth and her mother to allow him to hold his sessions in their apartment. What follows is decades of financial, sexual, and mental abuse. I must be honest, I almost stopped reading the book. It was so far-fetched and unbelievable, but I am glad that I stuck with it.
Merriam-Webster defines cult as “a small religious group that is not part of a larger and more accepted religion and that has beliefs regarded by many people as extreme or dangerous : a situation in which people admire and care about something or someone very much or too much.” I didn’t see the cult that Elizabeth was involved in as religious so much as the members being obsessed with their leader and the “energy” that he had and was able to distribute by “headshaking”.
When the dead dog carcass was doted on and revered, I just kept wondering, “HOW can these people take this man seriously??” Elizabeth finally starts to see the light after meeting Judith, who helps her with the disassociation phase. Although it is difficult for her to let go, especially since her mother is still involved in the cult, she finally separates herself completely.
I would recommend this book to audiences mature enough to handle the content. There is content that would be considered inappropriate for younger readers. Although the book was uncomfortable to read at first, it quickly drew me in to the storyline. That would be what I dislike and like most about the book. I would give this book 4 out of 4 stars. There were no grammar errors that I could see. This is a very well edited book.
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The Cult Next Door
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Wow! That is all I can say about The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone. Cults have never been a topic that I have been interested in or studied. I almost found the story hard to believe, although I know it to be true. I find it hard to understand how someone could allow themselves to be controlled so completely, in every facet of their life.
The story opens with Elizabeth as a young child trying to adapt to a new life after her father passes away. Her mom is fascinated with whack nutritionists and fad diets. When Elizabeth starts suffering from migraines at 17, her mother takes her to see a psychologist who specializes in biofeedback. This psychologist, George Sharkman, will change their lives forever.
After being asked to leave the practice that he shared with another individual for inappropriate conduct, George convinces Elizabeth and her mother to allow him to hold his sessions in their apartment. What follows is decades of financial, sexual, and mental abuse. I must be honest, I almost stopped reading the book. It was so far-fetched and unbelievable, but I am glad that I stuck with it.
Merriam-Webster defines cult as “a small religious group that is not part of a larger and more accepted religion and that has beliefs regarded by many people as extreme or dangerous : a situation in which people admire and care about something or someone very much or too much.” I didn’t see the cult that Elizabeth was involved in as religious so much as the members being obsessed with their leader and the “energy” that he had and was able to distribute by “headshaking”.
When the dead dog carcass was doted on and revered, I just kept wondering, “HOW can these people take this man seriously??” Elizabeth finally starts to see the light after meeting Judith, who helps her with the disassociation phase. Although it is difficult for her to let go, especially since her mother is still involved in the cult, she finally separates herself completely.
I would recommend this book to audiences mature enough to handle the content. There is content that would be considered inappropriate for younger readers. Although the book was uncomfortable to read at first, it quickly drew me in to the storyline. That would be what I dislike and like most about the book. I would give this book 4 out of 4 stars. There were no grammar errors that I could see. This is a very well edited book.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Guardian of Deceit by William H. Coles
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Fem187
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Possesing special abilities will definitely be very interesting but the ability to mutate to anything, cats, birds, trees etc. Is something else. This is what Elizabeth has to face after her illness at 17. Pick up this bók to see how she dealt with the situation. Thanks for the review.
Latest Review: Gringo by Dan "Tito" Davis
