The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir

by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone, William Goldberg (Foreword)

During Thanksgiving vacation, Elizabeth, a 17-year-old Swarthmore College freshman, attended a therapy session where the practitioner regaled her with prophetic visions of a glorious future, hers to claim beside him. Over the decades that followed, this master at manipulating metaphysical concepts organized a small dedicated band. Among brainwashed minds fused with New Age doctrine, Elizabeth sank into despair. From the gullibility that led her astray, to the enlightenment that freed her, you will travel an incredible journey. For anyone who has ever been trapped by a person who would not let them go, within this book lies a message of hope.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Cults, Religion, Research, Biography, Cult Classics

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 1999

About the author

Elizabeth R. Burchard, LCSW holds a B.A. in Biochemistry from Swarthmore College and an MSW from Fordham University. Elizabeth works as a psychotherapist in Northern New Jersey and presents professionally on relationships of coercive and cultic control.

Reviews

[Eleanor Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone is a memoir about one woman’s descent into a mind-controlling cult and another woman’s determination and friendship that helped her escape. The authors share their personal stories with a consistent structure that is easy to read. In the Foreword, they include a clarification of the myths surrounding the people who join a cult. The chronological order of the chapters discloses Elizabeth R. Burchard’s life with clarity and allows the reader to grasp the circumstances that led her to George Sharkman, the leader of her cult. She holds nothing back even when she divulges her intimate relationship with Sharkman. While reading Judith L. Carlone’s story, the reader learns how her kindness and rational approach persuaded Elizabeth to leave the cult. This memoir is an excellent study of human nature and examines the areas of emotional weakness and emotional strength.

This story provides insights into the cult world, and it exposes its unfortunate, co-dependent lifestyle. Those who have not fallen victim to a mind-controlling narcissist should realize that people caught in this vicious cycle can be highly-educated and intelligent. I recognized in Elizabeth certain qualities that I have seen in many people, including myself.

It is frightening that this cult leader was parading as a health professional and slowly deceiving the patients with his mind-control. Elizabeth remained with Sharkman due to her need for acceptance and parental approval. What individual can say that these two conditions are not paramount to the well-being of a person? Yet some people are not satiated with these two conditions in their childhood, so they seek to find acceptance elsewhere, and sometimes they become prime fodder for a cult leader. However, after reading this book, I believe anyone can fall prey to a cult at any time during their life.

The book was well-edited, and I found no errors. I liked the formatting of the chapters, especially the headings that labeled when Judith was giving her account. The chronological order of events helped me to understand why Elizabeth's involvement with Sharkman was so intense. There was nothing I disliked about this book, and I eagerly turned pages to the end. The tone of the book was tranquil which added authenticity to the account since it suggests Elizabeth’s transformation from her ordeal.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I see no reason to give it a lower rating. I recommend this book for an adult audience, especially those who had a toxic childhood. Although most of the subject matter is suitable for young adults, there is some non-graphic sexual content. I enjoy books that take me “down the rabbit hole” to a place I have never been, and although this story takes the reader to a place of evil, in the end, the reader is equipped with the knowledge to avoid the pitfalls of that evil. I am grateful the authors decided to write this book; it just might save people.

[BreeAnn (She Just Loves Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an emotional story! The view of how a person can be sucked into a cult was eye-opening. Elizabeth talks about her relationship with the leader of the cult and how she became a member of the group.

This book had great writing that really brought me into the story. Part of the story is written by Elizabeth's friend, an outsider from the group, who helped Elizabeth eventually leave the cult. Her portion of the story added a nice external perspective.

Content warning: mental/physical abuse, brainwashing, inappropriate doctor-to-patient relationship.

Overall, this was a great memoir and one I would recommend.

I was provided a free copy of this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

My full review is available at https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

This book wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. It could have been way better but the chapters were so short and the author shares her experience in these very broad and generalized ways. I wanted more details and richer descriptions of everything she went through. Sure, it's sad that she ever experienced this in her life especially during what should have been such a young and fun time but she never went deep enough into the details to truly help me connect. My reactions were more "well, that sucks" than "Omgosh, you poor thing! How traumatic. I can't believe she had to go through that." It could have been an incredible tale and instead it's another story I'll forget about in a month or two.

[Ari Damoulakis · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is important to read cult memoirs to understand our psychology and try make sure you aren’t manipulated.
I suppose this book needed to be read, but this cult and the author’s experiences, they needed to be told probably, but my gosh, what an incredibly boring cult and people. Anyway I’m sure these days with more advanced technology, cults operate very differently. Painfully boring book. Uninteresting.

[jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

full review can be viewed here: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...

[Kilian Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first heard of the Black Dog Cult on a podcast called The Grift. Elizabeth Burchard talked about how for years the leader of this cult dominated her life. She gave him all of her time and attention and thousands of dollars. Every decision was subject to his approval.

It's was easy for me to look down on Burchard, until I remembered some of my own insecurities and bad decisions I made when I was young. Then I realized that it was luck, not my own good sense that preserved me from falling into a situation like Burchard, who was only 17 when she joined.

When one is young and vulnerable, some bad decisions lead to lifelong situations that are very difficult to get out of. Some get married to a person that is wrong for them. Some get religion. Some join a cult, not realizing what they are getting into.

That was the case for Burchard. The leader of the cult was everything she was not: strong, decisive, and self-assured. She accepted his leadership blindly and followed him for years, until a friend helped her to see the absurdity of his teaching and the bad effect it was having on her life and her bankbook. He took and took and never gave back. Finally, she was able to break free of his influence. This book is a result of her looking back on her life, in and out of the cult.

Thanks to NetGalley for ARC.

My blog:

The Interstitial Reader
https://theinterstitialreader//wordpr...

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been reading a bunch of “cult books” lately. This one is different in that the members do not all live together and there is no murder spree or cult suicide.

This book was focused on how a man posed as a new age healer and stress therapist and managed to brain wash a group of mostly women to the point where they were spending thousands of dollars a month to see him & he was abusing them mentally, physically and sexually. The author was involved with this man for over twenty years. That is such a long time to be controlled by someone. The last third of the book is about the author meeting a friend who sees the abuse and helps her escape from it mentally and eventually physically.

Usually after I read this type of book- I do further research on the group. However googling the name of the guru- George Sharkman- only leads to reviews of this book. The author references many real world things like novels group members wrote, the Ross Perot campaign, businesses they had- but she seems to have changed all the names. Many of the other books in this genre do change names of members but leave the cult leader and the name of the cult accurately so you can read more about it. So I feel a bit frustrated with this decision and it does make me question the accuracy of the book.

[Ashley Schott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I. WAS. OBSESSED. with this story. While the writing was amateur and the organization was slightly confusing, I still could not put this one down! It’s extremely insightful about the thought processes and cognitive dissonances of someone who is being expertly manipulated. Reflecting upon what I was reading, I realized that I experienced similar states of emotional vulnerability as the author in my younger years, and I feel fortunate to have built the skills to question what I’m told and trust my instincts. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in psychology, cult mentality, or personality disorders.

[Clint the Cool Guy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a page turner. There were three things though that in my mind kept it from being a truly great book:

1. Too Vague. Especially early on, the book seemed very vague about certain situations. It also seemed to jump around a lot. Maybe this was due to the author’s memory. But in a lot of the more than interesting and crazy situations - the sexual parts especially - with few exceptions the author seemed to skim over it, preferring to imply rather than describe. Not that I’m looking for the seediest details, but when all you have to go on is an implication, then you really don’t know what happened. All you are left with is an impression of what the author intended that may or may not be correct.

2. Little Introspection. This would make sense while the author was in the cult, but doesn’t make a lot of sense for afterward. She doesn’t really say much about how she thinks about the situation, or how she thinks about her mother. It’s just kind of, “This happened, then this happened, and that made me mad”. It just came off as kind of shallow in the end, like the author didn’t really learn much other than “that guy was bad and I shouldn’t have given him my time and money”. She still chats with the guy’s daughter like everything is normal, still hugs her. That in particular just seems bizarre.

3. Use of Pseudonyms. “George Sharkman” is obviously not the guy’s real name. And he is dead now anyway, so why use a pseudonym? Who is that supposed to protect, exactly? I read memoirs with a grain of salt, and don’t believe everything I read. With no collaborating info on this guy, I would have shrugged this one off as fiction. But I did finally find a short clip on YouTube of the show “Strange Universe”, and it showed about 3 seconds of a guy holding a rock on his head and shaking it. That tiny clip of “George Sharkman” is the one thing that convinced me that this memoir is likely true.

Anyway, kind of an interesting book. But disappointing overall.

[Mary Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story, but really hard for me to identify with. The part that bothered me most, I think, was at the point where she realizes what a fraud he is, and how much she resents and despises him, but she's still trying to recruit others.

[susannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great story, terrible book

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsessed with and without him!

In this book, Elizabeth tells us of her journey with George sharkmen.

Hey charismatic, 38-year-old biofeedback counselor. He works in the office with a legitimate doctor; while doing illegitimate practices to help stress reduction and his clients listen to their bodies. That is until the medical doctor catches him naked, with one of his clients.

Undaunted George starts having sessions with Elizabeth, her mother and a few other women at Elizabeth and her mothers house every Thursday..

After a Stabley Shing a cult following, Elizabeth and other members from the group; cannot help but to invite close friends to witness the Entergy George gives off, as he sits in a chair shaking moving in a circle and just plain gyrating. The devotees claim to feel his energy source and furthermore they believe everything he says. Elizabeth spends 22 years believing everything George spews out of his mouth. Including that if people die it is because they didn’t let the universe know they wanted to live and that when he is physically abusive to someone in the group it is their fault. The BS goes on and on.

When she finally meets a true friend Who is willing to loan her some of their common sense. She starts to see George and the rest of the zombie group for what they are. Her new friend Judy and her husband help her to peel herself away from this man, not to mention his daughter who is very involved in her life and eventually with no money put in becomes a partner in Elizabeth’s business both of them! There is some(both of the businesses I mean.)


I couldn’t put this book down, not only because it gave me the opportunity to sit and say oh I would never do that. Although Elizabeth says anyone could be swept up in the group, she tells us many instances when people met George and he spilled his nonsense and all they felt from him was evil or thought he was ridiculous. I could not put this book down and I didn’t until I was finished reading it it is really, Really good! I recommend this book to anyone who likes autobiographies and memoirs about dramatic situations, I would say that they successfully get out of. I don’t know if I can save that because this is the revised edition and all the way till the end all she talked about is closure. When you were looking for closure you were giving the person that hurt you the same power they had before you thought you needed Closure is just made up and for those who think they need it or just re-victimizing that self until they see the person they claim they need closure from. Don’t give anyone that kind of power.

In any event this is a good book, very good. I know I said that already I really highly recommend this book.

[Joelle Tamraz · Rating 4 out of 5]

After learning that the author the author got involved in a cultic relationship while at college, I wanted to read this book right away. I myself got involved in a cult at college (Transcendental Meditation), which led me to a long, one-to-one cult (abusive relationship) after graduation.

Sharkman, the cult leader the author becomes entangled with, spews New Age concepts with extreme confidence and stares into his victims’ eyes to gain control over them. He becomes increasingly more controlling, abusive, and unhinged. The author’s experiences mirror my own.

The strongest part of the book, however. is the beginning where cult concepts and structures are clearly explained.

Once the cult leader moves to NJ, the author relays all the details of increasing enmeshment as well as her business dealings with his daughter and accomplice. The information is complicated and at times confusing—as if the author was holding something back or hadn’t completely worked out what she was feeling and doing with this destructive family.

Another element that left me perplexed was her continued connection to cult members (the leader’s daughter?!) and her desire to meet them again years after leaving. I suppose she felt like she wanted to save them.

The book ends abruptly, leaving me wanting more clarity about the author’s recovery from her experience and how she moved on in life.

[Ash Lynwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant Story That Shows How Cults Can Be Anywhere

When I first picked up this book, I assumed it would be fairly similar to other cult books I have read in the past. Good information, potentially an engaging story, and then leave me with very little to think about. But boy was I wrong with this book.

One of the deepest and most engaging books written by a cult survivor I have ever read, it shows how anyone can get sucked into a cult, and then held there for years. It’s not that someone is unintelligent, or mentally ill, or lack some sort of mental capabilities that allow them to fall for the teachings of a cult leader.

No one is above falling for cultic teachings which is why we should all do our best to learn about cults and how they draw people in. If awareness is brought to these narcissistic leaders then hopefully we can start preventing more poor souls from being devastated by the lies of cult leaders.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, and it should be on your reading list if it is not already.

[LibraryLove · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! It is well-written, easy to follow, detailed, and researched. Every single time the author second guessed herself, wrote another check, said yes when she wanted to say no, I wanted to scream at her. This is typical of abuse victims, because keeping peace and not causing conflict is priority.

While it is surprising that so many people fell for George Sharkman's ideology, weird head shaking, and dead dog carcass worship, he was a good salesman at selling something people thought was magical and would change their lives for the better. This took place before the internet, so there was no history to research a person.

From a psychological standpoint, the author's search for acceptance and feeling loved led to almost complete destruction. When people are so desperate for solutions to their lives, a manipulating con artist is always nearby to save them and bleed them of money, pride, and soul. They build them up, gain trust, then the gaslighting starts and all of the rest of the abuse that goes along with it. It's an entirely huge mind f**k.

[Brianna Patten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Cult memoir I’ve read so far. I found myself internally screaming at Liz throughout the entire book, “LEAVE! GET OUT OF THERE!”. I finished in two days, couldn’t put it down. The author did a great job making me despise some characters, yet I still understood their motivations and the reasons they acted the way they did, even if their actions were destructive to themselves and everyone they came into contact with. Understanding this made me realize that the villains in this story didn’t know how to live any other way. I noticed the countless times Liz had to betray herself and her own intuition, and it resonated with my experience living in a cult-like environment. I loved the format of the book, how the first three quarters were the author speaking in first person, and then Judith, Liz’s friend who helped her escape, alternated chapters with Liz to share her perspective as a group outsider. It reads like a thriller and reminds me of a slow burn, eerie Stanley Kubrick film. I’m glad the author got out and lived to tell the tale. Why hasn’t this been made into a movie yet??

[Darryl Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chilling Truth of Cults

Told from her own perspective, as well as chapters written by her friend, the author recounts the story of her life and her involvement in a cult. Written in a brutally manner, it is fascinating to read the details and the nefarious mechanisms used by the cult leader to ensnare and maintain his hold over his subjects.
Even more alarming is the account written by her friend who was instrumental in helping her free herself from this destructive relationship. Darkly entertaining, this book is also recommended for people who are themselves trapped in such a situation, or who have a friend or a loved one in such a situation.

[Monica Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read...Riveting

I can relate to this story on so many levels. Like Liz, I too wasted my youth in a cult modeled after "People of Praise" and emerging out of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal...I also personally met the author so this book is a connection...in the end it leaves you with a "seething" question..."Why do these cult leaders (narcissists all) get away with this until they die and/or take their followers with them when they decide to commit suicide? At this time in history when "cult followers" seem willing to lead themselves and their whole nation into the "den of the devil"...this book is a cautionary tale for our time and generations to come!

[Mb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a moving chronicle of the author's (Burchard's) entrapment into and exploitation in a cult. She was gradually stripped of her confidence and her sense of self. Her hard work, her intelligence, and her money were directed to the benefit of the leader of the cult. The book is also a testament to the concept of a found family. Burchard's co-author, Carlone, befriended her and helped her understand the lies the cult had taught her to accept as true. Through her steadfast support Burchard was able to find her way out of the cult, and then begin the arduous journey of rediscovering herself.

The book is not just a horror story that we can shake our heads at and think, 'This could never happen to me'. It is an eye-opener about how people in power maintain their power through a web of lies, systematic aggression against dissenters, and isolation of the victims. And it is not just powerful people who use these tactics. Narcissistic parents, spouses, employers, and any number of narcissistic people with whom we have the misfortune of crossing paths use the same tactics. Knowledge empowers us to see through such people and avoid them at all costs.

[Karen Kasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel that I really got to know Elizabeth through this book and I give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. There are discussion questions in the back of the book that would make it great for book clubs to read and discuss. Even a fiction reader might like this book because of the excellent way the story is told. I would not however, recommend it to anyone who has been subject to, or is sensitive to reading about abuse as they may find parts of it disturbing to read.

[Christine Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book I believe is non-fiction, it was a really great book, I didn't finish it. I only got 100 pages in and got triggered too much to finish... anyone who has been tricked by a pedophile and then even worse made to feel ashamed for it or not have been able to have someone to talk about the abuse with stay away from this book it will be very triggering.... impossibly triggering. the whole thing reeks of manipulation and abuse as all cults do... if not it wouldn't be a true story.

[Shelley Kaloci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and shocking

I am totally shocked that a person could take advantage of such a large group of people and not have a guilty conscience about it or any of the things he did. Kudos to Elizabeth and the other few who got out. This book is obviously a therapy, and is full of raw emotions and feelings. I am glad you were able to get out, and to have such a good friend in Judith to support you. Thank you, and I hope things are good for you now.

[Michael Lartey · Rating 5 out of 5]

From insecurity to greater insecurity and perennial bondage. Read the life story of Elizabeth Burchard, as she harrows a tale of cultic manipulation, social withdrawal and self-abuse burdened on her by the very one who claim to be her compatriot and counselor. She exposes the myths and superstitions behind cultism, and leaves no stone unturned. Recommended for those interested in memoirs and life-changing experiences. Grab your copies, now!

[Elizabeth Rathburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a page turner! I really enjoyed reading it and finished within less than a week. The only thing that drove me bonkers was not being able to research, look up articles, etc due to the pseudonyms used by the authors. I love reading about cults and will take the time to look up documentaries, interviews, articles to verify info and to find more information.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cult of nightmares!

This book is about the memoir of a woman who was subjected to a cult because of her mother and how she finally got away from their clutches. Although this book made me uncomfortable at times I still feel like this story needs to be heard. I liked that Judith came into Elizabeth's life and helped her.

[Chasity Olszewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book that makes you think about how we think about society.

This book is very interesting, it shows the re-adjusting to normal society after being brain washed after 20+ years . I acknowledge that many people can be sucked into this type of thinking, if you aren't mentally resilient. The author is outstanding with their vocabulary, and really paints you a picture of the frustration and uncertainty that our main character faces. All and all I would recommend this book to anyone who may be interested in the crazy world of cult living.

[Mukta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant memoir about being brainwashed

I found it to be an amazingly insightful read on cult culture, and was horrified at the detriment such cults can bring to their members, secluding them from society and milking them till they are financially inept.

[Kathryn Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

You never know what’s going on behind closed doors

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This book was very interesting and easy to read. It’s amazing the different paths people choose and how we may not know what’s going on next door.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cult Next Door

A must read for anyone who has known love but turned away thinking they found true love and acceptance. Then realizing what they thought was real, turned out to be a lie.

[Echo Haapala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening read

I really enjoyed this book. It was fascinating to read of Liz's experiences and to be a part of her bravery when she left the cult.