Review by Spencey97 -- The Cult Next Door
Posted: 17 Jan 2019, 12:09
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone.]
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “cult”? Maybe you think of infamous cult leaders like Jim Jones or perhaps you picture hooded figures performing secret ceremonies and rituals in a dungeon by candlelight. No matter what comes to mind, The Cult Next door: A Manhattan Memoir will challenge your perception. Elizabeth Burchard gives you an insider view of how normal, educated people became caught up in what first seemed to be a wonderful group, tightly bound by their belief in George Sharkman and his powers, but turned out to be something much more disquieting.
Elizabeth, referred to as ‘Liz’ throughout the book, was young and vulnerable when she met George. After a loveless childhood with a dysfunctional mother and profound tragedy at pivotal times in her life, George gave her the attention she always craved. She wasn’t the only woman in his life and she knew George didn’t love her, but having a few hours of his attention every week was plenty. He said all of the right things and made her feel special, all the while slowly manipulating and molding her until she truly believed she couldn’t live without him. She becomes fanatic, drawing two of her best friends into the group as well. Their circle began to grow tighter as they cut out the outside world, isolating them more and more as George took over every aspect of their lives.
If this book were fiction, I would say that the author drew out Liz’s involvement in the cult for far too long. Unfortunately, it is the true story of a woman who sacrificed over a decade of her life and over $100,000 to this cult. Liz does a great job drawing you into her world and you truly experience the anger and frustration with her. Although I couldn’t relate to her situation, I feel that this book is important to read. It gives you a deep understanding of the subtle brainwashing methods that allow people to join cults without even realizing what’s happening. The editing was impeccable and I did not find any errors, but the fact that the book doesn’t feel relatable leads me to give it 3 out of 4 stars. If you have an interest in cults and are patient, empathetic, and compassionate, then I would suggest this book to you. If you aren’t any of those things, but you’re lonely, vulnerable, or depressed, I would encourage you to read this book so that you can know the warning signs to look out for because you are a prime target, just like Liz was.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Spencey97's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “cult”? Maybe you think of infamous cult leaders like Jim Jones or perhaps you picture hooded figures performing secret ceremonies and rituals in a dungeon by candlelight. No matter what comes to mind, The Cult Next door: A Manhattan Memoir will challenge your perception. Elizabeth Burchard gives you an insider view of how normal, educated people became caught up in what first seemed to be a wonderful group, tightly bound by their belief in George Sharkman and his powers, but turned out to be something much more disquieting.
Elizabeth, referred to as ‘Liz’ throughout the book, was young and vulnerable when she met George. After a loveless childhood with a dysfunctional mother and profound tragedy at pivotal times in her life, George gave her the attention she always craved. She wasn’t the only woman in his life and she knew George didn’t love her, but having a few hours of his attention every week was plenty. He said all of the right things and made her feel special, all the while slowly manipulating and molding her until she truly believed she couldn’t live without him. She becomes fanatic, drawing two of her best friends into the group as well. Their circle began to grow tighter as they cut out the outside world, isolating them more and more as George took over every aspect of their lives.
If this book were fiction, I would say that the author drew out Liz’s involvement in the cult for far too long. Unfortunately, it is the true story of a woman who sacrificed over a decade of her life and over $100,000 to this cult. Liz does a great job drawing you into her world and you truly experience the anger and frustration with her. Although I couldn’t relate to her situation, I feel that this book is important to read. It gives you a deep understanding of the subtle brainwashing methods that allow people to join cults without even realizing what’s happening. The editing was impeccable and I did not find any errors, but the fact that the book doesn’t feel relatable leads me to give it 3 out of 4 stars. If you have an interest in cults and are patient, empathetic, and compassionate, then I would suggest this book to you. If you aren’t any of those things, but you’re lonely, vulnerable, or depressed, I would encourage you to read this book so that you can know the warning signs to look out for because you are a prime target, just like Liz was.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Spencey97's review? Post a comment saying so!