Review by thecastlebuilder7 -- The Cult Next Door
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thecastlebuilder7
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Review by thecastlebuilder7 -- The Cult Next Door
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone.]
I don't believe that I have ever heard the word "cult" be used positively. It always has a negative connotation; also attached, a silent warning. It's always whispered or said in a disbelieving tone, as if they cannot believe that someone willingly joined a cult. The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone only reinforces these associations.
Based in Manhattan, The Cult Next Door follows Elizabeth through her childhood up to her adult life. It all started as therapy, which was encouraged by her mother. Eventually, George Sharkman found his way into both of their lives and changed it forever. He spewed his teachings to them and, directionless and looking for a mentor, they listened religiously. The cult was born. They paid him unimaginable sums of money over the years just to hear him speak. They got their friends involved; some fell for George in similar ways, while others said, "This man is crazy," and moved on. Eventually, Elizabeth snaps out of it, but others weren't so lucky.
Multiple times throughout reading this book, I found myself needing to be reminded that this was nonfiction. All of it actually happened to real people in New York through the seventies until the mid twenty-first century. I would often feel frustrated, angry, sad, or relieved. Once, I remember wanting to shake Elizabeth by her shoulders and snap her out of it. It was difficult to read about all of the things she and the other members of the cult endured. This is perhaps what I disliked most, but it's also what I liked the most. It's not often that a book makes me as emotional as this one did.
I'm giving this book four out of four stars. Not only did it debunk a lot of common myths that people assume about cults, but it also showed that anyone can fall into one. It exemplified how desperate people are for something, or someone, to believe in, a doctrine to live by, and a mentor to look up to. Anyone can create a religion with a few well-phrased statements and the right kind of audience, and anyone can find themselves part of a cult without realizing it. Additionally, the book was well-written and a page-turner. I enjoyed the way the authors wrote. It was very personal, as if they were holding my hand and walking me through the whole thing.
The Cult Next Door would appeal to anyone. It's a true story and arguably a tragedy despite its hopeful ending, which most people love to read about for some reason. It offers a window into the world of cults, a world most of us will (hopefully) never indulge in.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
I don't believe that I have ever heard the word "cult" be used positively. It always has a negative connotation; also attached, a silent warning. It's always whispered or said in a disbelieving tone, as if they cannot believe that someone willingly joined a cult. The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone only reinforces these associations.
Based in Manhattan, The Cult Next Door follows Elizabeth through her childhood up to her adult life. It all started as therapy, which was encouraged by her mother. Eventually, George Sharkman found his way into both of their lives and changed it forever. He spewed his teachings to them and, directionless and looking for a mentor, they listened religiously. The cult was born. They paid him unimaginable sums of money over the years just to hear him speak. They got their friends involved; some fell for George in similar ways, while others said, "This man is crazy," and moved on. Eventually, Elizabeth snaps out of it, but others weren't so lucky.
Multiple times throughout reading this book, I found myself needing to be reminded that this was nonfiction. All of it actually happened to real people in New York through the seventies until the mid twenty-first century. I would often feel frustrated, angry, sad, or relieved. Once, I remember wanting to shake Elizabeth by her shoulders and snap her out of it. It was difficult to read about all of the things she and the other members of the cult endured. This is perhaps what I disliked most, but it's also what I liked the most. It's not often that a book makes me as emotional as this one did.
I'm giving this book four out of four stars. Not only did it debunk a lot of common myths that people assume about cults, but it also showed that anyone can fall into one. It exemplified how desperate people are for something, or someone, to believe in, a doctrine to live by, and a mentor to look up to. Anyone can create a religion with a few well-phrased statements and the right kind of audience, and anyone can find themselves part of a cult without realizing it. Additionally, the book was well-written and a page-turner. I enjoyed the way the authors wrote. It was very personal, as if they were holding my hand and walking me through the whole thing.
The Cult Next Door would appeal to anyone. It's a true story and arguably a tragedy despite its hopeful ending, which most people love to read about for some reason. It offers a window into the world of cults, a world most of us will (hopefully) never indulge in.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
