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The Other Side of Darkness
Once again, I have kept the demons at bay.
As a wife and mother, Ruth knows her prayers are crucial to her family’s spiritual welfare. She stands between her precious children and the evil one, doing battle in prayer. She can’t afford to be careless. Thankfully, she has powerful allies: Pastor Glenn, New Life Christian School where her daughters Mary and Sarah attend, and the inner circle at Arbor Drive Fellowship. They all reinforce her careful nurturance of her children.
If only her husband, Rick, understood that. He’s exasperated about the money Ruth keeps spending for the church and school. Doesn’t he see that these are their best defenses in shielding their children from the dangers of the world?
But the forces that threaten Ruth’s faith, her family–her very life–are not the ones she expects. Ruth doesn’t realize that her heartfelt desire to obey God is mingled with dangerous currents of OCD–Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Her own strategies for protecting her family may be the very thing that tears them apart.
As a wife and mother, Ruth knows her prayers are crucial to her family’s spiritual welfare. She stands between her precious children and the evil one, doing battle in prayer. She can’t afford to be careless. Thankfully, she has powerful allies: Pastor Glenn, New Life Christian School where her daughters Mary and Sarah attend, and the inner circle at Arbor Drive Fellowship. They all reinforce her careful nurturance of her children.
If only her husband, Rick, understood that. He’s exasperated about the money Ruth keeps spending for the church and school. Doesn’t he see that these are their best defenses in shielding their children from the dangers of the world?
But the forces that threaten Ruth’s faith, her family–her very life–are not the ones she expects. Ruth doesn’t realize that her heartfelt desire to obey God is mingled with dangerous currents of OCD–Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Her own strategies for protecting her family may be the very thing that tears them apart.
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2008
About the author
Melody Carlson
416 books3,451 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 11, 2011
Melody Carlson is one of my favorite authors. I read most of her books so I was kind of putting off this book because I don't want the experience of reading the book for the first time to end. But I finally had checked out of my church library and now I really wished I had just ordered for myself. (I want to own it!) When I read the summary, I got really excited. I love reading books about issues that really drastic. I have read Finding Alice and I really liked it so I knew I would probably like this one too. I like how Melody is writing books about serious life issues and I hope she continues writing a lot more.
Anyway, The Other Side of Darkness was an amazing read. I absolutely loved reading. I'm glad I finally got inside of someone's head that has OCD. The only reason why I gave it a 4 was because the ending seemed a little bit rushed and I would have liked if Melody would have done more of Ruth's recovery process. That was my only problem. Well besides the fact that I wanted to shake Ruth like crazy, haha. Loved this book though.
Anyway, The Other Side of Darkness was an amazing read. I absolutely loved reading. I'm glad I finally got inside of someone's head that has OCD. The only reason why I gave it a 4 was because the ending seemed a little bit rushed and I would have liked if Melody would have done more of Ruth's recovery process. That was my only problem. Well besides the fact that I wanted to shake Ruth like crazy, haha. Loved this book though.
June 11, 2008
Way too much dwelling on the darkness/demons/mental illness and not nearly enough redemption and hope.
June 26, 2025
Someone needed to write this story. I am so glad Melody Carlson wrote it. It is absolutely phenomenal. While Carlson tied a lot of the main characters mental health issues to OCD, I thought it was also a great reflection of how unstable a person can become while battling spiritual abuse and spiritual confusion. The story is told from a first person perspective, and it was so WELL DONE, I don't feel like my review can do it justice. The inner dialogue of someone who's is starting to spiral...very well done.
The thing is....the story follows a stay at home mom who is involved in church. Just a normal mom, who loves God, and loves her kids! Her thought patterns in the beginning and even the middle of the book....you could even see the little shred of truth or scripture that started the thought, before it went off to an extreme. I was not expecting such a dark book. There were times it was disturbing to the point I had to put it down and take a break. But it was real, intense, and very good. It's such a different type and unique type of story. Well worth the read. I'm very impressed with Melody Carlson after reading this. I'm already a fan and love her writing. But after recently reading her series The Inn At Shining Waters and this book, I'm eager to read more and more from her.
The thing is....the story follows a stay at home mom who is involved in church. Just a normal mom, who loves God, and loves her kids! Her thought patterns in the beginning and even the middle of the book....you could even see the little shred of truth or scripture that started the thought, before it went off to an extreme. I was not expecting such a dark book. There were times it was disturbing to the point I had to put it down and take a break. But it was real, intense, and very good. It's such a different type and unique type of story. Well worth the read. I'm very impressed with Melody Carlson after reading this. I'm already a fan and love her writing. But after recently reading her series The Inn At Shining Waters and this book, I'm eager to read more and more from her.
October 8, 2018
It had some optional pieces of the book and the main character had a lot of struggles that were really brought out really well and I enjoyed it. If you like spiritual Warfare, then I think you will like it a lot.
November 25, 2009
I don't know about this one. After reading the first 150 pages or so I'm finding myself feeling out of sorts. The main character is just not healthy. I'm going to keep going, looking for the redemption for the story and this character!
Whew. I finished this one, but may have been better off if I had never opened it in the first place. I'm super dissapointed. The vast majority of the book, maybe 340 of the 380 pages was about the woman's slide into a cult church, how she thinks, treats her family, and spiritual warfare. Yuck, yuck, and yuck. I was so frustrated with the woman and I felt pulled in to her world and started to look at my own differently.
The book does make you think about your own church and beliefs, which is a good thing. I want to be sure I'm never in an unhealthy place like the main character.
I thought the book ended abrubtly and could have focused much more on healing than on problems. I think the book easily could have cut 150 or so pages of the mess and focused more on redemption.
Whew. I finished this one, but may have been better off if I had never opened it in the first place. I'm super dissapointed. The vast majority of the book, maybe 340 of the 380 pages was about the woman's slide into a cult church, how she thinks, treats her family, and spiritual warfare. Yuck, yuck, and yuck. I was so frustrated with the woman and I felt pulled in to her world and started to look at my own differently.
The book does make you think about your own church and beliefs, which is a good thing. I want to be sure I'm never in an unhealthy place like the main character.
I thought the book ended abrubtly and could have focused much more on healing than on problems. I think the book easily could have cut 150 or so pages of the mess and focused more on redemption.
September 5, 2013
A Quickie Review
A literary critic once said that Melody Carlson writes the hardest-hitting novels in all of Christian fiction, and this book proves him/her right. Though very bleak in tone, the narrative is so amazingly written and compelling that I must give The Other Side of Darkness five stars. Ms. Carlson's story of a woman's spiritual struggle that unwittingly wreaks havoc on her family and friends is flat-out amazing. Even those who aren't usually fans of Christian fiction will probably still enjoy this.
Content Concerns: If this were a theatrically released movie, the MPAA would likely give it "PG-13 for thematic material". The narrator sees demons at every turn, and goes to great lengths to eradicate them from her home, even going as far as destroying her family's Christmas tree. There are also accusations of sexual abuse and implied swearing. This is definitely not kid stuff, and probably too much for even some teens and adults.
Score: 5/5
A literary critic once said that Melody Carlson writes the hardest-hitting novels in all of Christian fiction, and this book proves him/her right. Though very bleak in tone, the narrative is so amazingly written and compelling that I must give The Other Side of Darkness five stars. Ms. Carlson's story of a woman's spiritual struggle that unwittingly wreaks havoc on her family and friends is flat-out amazing. Even those who aren't usually fans of Christian fiction will probably still enjoy this.
Content Concerns: If this were a theatrically released movie, the MPAA would likely give it "PG-13 for thematic material". The narrator sees demons at every turn, and goes to great lengths to eradicate them from her home, even going as far as destroying her family's Christmas tree. There are also accusations of sexual abuse and implied swearing. This is definitely not kid stuff, and probably too much for even some teens and adults.
Score: 5/5
December 8, 2010
I really really loved this book. It showed what OCD can really do to someone and how it can take over someone's life, and not even know it. I can soo relate to Ruth because I also suffer from OCD, and in some way it's a spiritual OCD. Although, I know where I stand as a Christian and I would never question my faith, but sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough. I just remind myself that God loves me no matter what. I love how Ruth was able to conquer her fears and in the end was able to realize that God doesn't want her to fear him, just believe in him. There were some disturbing parts, and I actually felt bad for Rick, but I'm glad he stuck by his wife till the end, that's exactly what a husband is supposed to do. I give this book 5 stars because it deserves it! I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves to learn about new things in life. It teaches a great lesson! Amen! :D
September 20, 2014
This book was really nerve racking at some parts. Its written in first person which makes it seem like its real. The character in the book had an extreme condition of OCD and it get to the point where she "sees" demons around a her house and starts throwing everything away to try to get rid of them. The whole time she thinks its what God wants her to do. But at the end of the book she starts therapy and realizes it wasn't Gods plan for any of that.
February 17, 2012
Excellent - I think you have to understand a little bit about mental illness (in this case, OCD) to appreciate the story... Otherwise it might seem slow and pointless for most of the book. But I felt like we traveled along this dangerous path with the main character amazingly - almost frighteningly - well! Love Melody Carlson, she's like a Christian "Jodi Picoult"
October 6, 2018
I loved this book. The fact that this book makes some people uncomfortable is exactly what should happen since this mental illness is a terrible thing to live with. I can relate SO much to Ruth. I was diagnosed with OCD at 25 years old and although it never got as severe as Ruth’s, it definitely had the potential to. I have received therapy and still take medication for it.
I see empathy written all over this book. It is HARD to try to write from the perspective of a character that has a mental illness that you don’t have but she did an amazing job. I feel so thankful for people like Melody who don’t have the disorder yet care enough to learn about it and promote awareness and treatment. It is obvious that she knows someone with a story like this. I would have given it 5 stars if the recovery process would have been a little more in depth.
I see empathy written all over this book. It is HARD to try to write from the perspective of a character that has a mental illness that you don’t have but she did an amazing job. I feel so thankful for people like Melody who don’t have the disorder yet care enough to learn about it and promote awareness and treatment. It is obvious that she knows someone with a story like this. I would have given it 5 stars if the recovery process would have been a little more in depth.
February 28, 2024
A re-read of a book I’ve had for many many years. I don’t remember how I first found this book, but it was an anomaly that in the time period when I was mostly absorbing fantasy novels, I owned a Christian mental illness novel in my collection. It’s a look into a mother and wife struggling with OCD and anxiety. I’ve read this many times before, but this is the first time I read it while holding onto an idea that my husband and I worked out about the order of anxious thoughts: anxiety often comes first and out of nowhere, then it latches onto anything that could possibly constitute a cause whether it is correct or not. As I read this story, that concept was inherent throughout the book. It is a good novel, and a good reminder that my anxiety and obsessive thoughts are not accurate representations of reality.
January 30, 2017
Sometimes when I visit the library, I choose a genre and search the shelves for interesting books in that genre. This book was one I picked up last week, and I'm glad I did.
I grew up in a church that taught believers to live in fear. Perhaps that's why this book resonated so strongly with me. I wept as I realized how many relationships I damaged and joys I missed because I gave into fear instead of love.
And because mental health challenges affect several loved ones, I appreciated the author's accurate and tender description of OCD. It made my heart happy to discover that Ruth found healing as she addressed her illness at the end of the book. There is hope!
I grew up in a church that taught believers to live in fear. Perhaps that's why this book resonated so strongly with me. I wept as I realized how many relationships I damaged and joys I missed because I gave into fear instead of love.
And because mental health challenges affect several loved ones, I appreciated the author's accurate and tender description of OCD. It made my heart happy to discover that Ruth found healing as she addressed her illness at the end of the book. There is hope!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2018
It's obvious from the start that the main character is mentally imbalanced. The whole time everyone keeps saying she's crazy regarding her ritual cleanliness habits and obsession over demons and evil, and yet it takes over 300 pages for them to finally intervene and get her help. Her family and friends, even her husband push off all the warning signs. She has to try to commit suicide before they admit she has a serious need for intervention?!? I thought about abandoning the book because it was so depressing, but I just had to know if someone helps her in the end!
August 6, 2024
May be spoilers? First off...WOW! Excellent read! This woman is a bit out there, but that's not her fault. Although i was peed off the way she treated her baby girl at the end.
I don't (think, lol) I have OCD, at least not the cleaning neat freak kind, but one way I can relate is how she repeats a lot when she prays....that's me! I sometimes wonder if God thinks I sound like a broken record lol. I do have mental issues, but although not this severe thank God. So I felt kind of sorry for her but she did get what she deserved. Loved it!
I don't (think, lol) I have OCD, at least not the cleaning neat freak kind, but one way I can relate is how she repeats a lot when she prays....that's me! I sometimes wonder if God thinks I sound like a broken record lol. I do have mental issues, but although not this severe thank God. So I felt kind of sorry for her but she did get what she deserved. Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2018
Too Dark!
I found this book to not be one for me. I found the storyline a little to dark to enjoy. I usually love Melody Carlson's books.
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I found this book to not be one for me. I found the storyline a little to dark to enjoy. I usually love Melody Carlson's books.
.
Read
October 28, 2026The coma lady wakes up at the end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2008
Hold on to your heart when you read this gut-wrenching real situation in which Melody Carlson describes how someone could easily find themselves in a cult. I think the circumstances of this situation makes it scary and real when you see how the little things that grab the main character Ruth at first. It's the little things - like words said, things prayed about that prick her spirit and weigh heavy on her heart. But she brushes them off as nonsense in the beginning, when she finds herself in the middle of a church split. She's confused about what to do.
It's not something that Ruth intentionally seeks out to be a part of; "they" draw her into one of the churches that split. Ruth likes Pastor Glenn, who left and went to start his own church. The members that stay behind try to warn Ruth of Pastor Glenn's questionable behavior. 'Things aren't what they appear to be', they tell her. But Cynthia, the new church secretary, starts befriending Ruth. Cynthia has answers to the accusations and starts grooming Ruth for a good position in the new church. They "need" Ruth - and her money.
Oh, it's not said like that; it's more subtle. They start building Ruth up by telling her she was made for this position, and Ruth likes the attention and responsibility.
Pastor Glenn's assistant and worship leader at the new church, Bronte, heads up the prayer meeting where Ruth discovers some pretty disturbing things from her past – things she doesn't remember but the "new" church members tell her she has experienced. "Ruth you just have to trust God" they tell her. Fellow members of the new church set out to train Ruth to do 'Spiritual Warfare' to fight the enemy. It's the only way the demons will leave her and her family alone. Ruth must trust them because she needs to be set free from this horrible event in her past - she can't remember. Ruth has unsettling feelings about all this. The Holy Spirit is trying to rear it's head in Ruth's reality but she chalks it up to being a child of the faith and weak in character. Ruth was determined to learn to be like the others and become a strong warrior in this battle she signed up to fight against the devil.
"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind." Cynthia and Bronte don't lead Ruth to this scriptural passage -- that's for sure -- the very passage Ruth needs to be free. They feed her a bunch of half truths and twisted scripture to back up the lies. And, since Ruth was not a self-thinker, she believed everything they told her.
Ruth's husband, Rick, tries to tell her these "new" church people are filling her up with fear so they can control her. Rick says, "I'm not a theologian Ruth, but the Jesus I know is about love and forgiveness. Your church gives more glory to Satan than it does to God." Ruth doesn't listen to him because he doesn't go to her church. "What does he know?", she asks herself. The others warned her not to listen to Rick and what he had to say. She had to fight the good fight.
I truly felt for Ruth and her family in this story. Melody Carlson does such an amazing job of portraying Ruth getting drawn into this cult hook, line and sinker. She also describes what Ruth's immediate family does to help her as they see her getting in deeper and deeper into the "new" church, being driven far away from them all.
Melody Carlson tells the story from a first person point of view which made it read as if you were in Ruth's head as she struggles with her inner turmoil. This story is all too real!! Cults are popping up everywhere and I've always wondered how someone would get into one in the first place. Melody Carlson delivers a story of hope, forgiveness and redemption. It was difficult to read in some parts because I wasn't sure how far Ruth would be lead down the wrong path with this "new" church. I think this book is a must read for everyone. Melody Carlson gives us a glimpse into the world around us. You will never forget Ruth and her struggles. It's haunting.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
It's not something that Ruth intentionally seeks out to be a part of; "they" draw her into one of the churches that split. Ruth likes Pastor Glenn, who left and went to start his own church. The members that stay behind try to warn Ruth of Pastor Glenn's questionable behavior. 'Things aren't what they appear to be', they tell her. But Cynthia, the new church secretary, starts befriending Ruth. Cynthia has answers to the accusations and starts grooming Ruth for a good position in the new church. They "need" Ruth - and her money.
Oh, it's not said like that; it's more subtle. They start building Ruth up by telling her she was made for this position, and Ruth likes the attention and responsibility.
Pastor Glenn's assistant and worship leader at the new church, Bronte, heads up the prayer meeting where Ruth discovers some pretty disturbing things from her past – things she doesn't remember but the "new" church members tell her she has experienced. "Ruth you just have to trust God" they tell her. Fellow members of the new church set out to train Ruth to do 'Spiritual Warfare' to fight the enemy. It's the only way the demons will leave her and her family alone. Ruth must trust them because she needs to be set free from this horrible event in her past - she can't remember. Ruth has unsettling feelings about all this. The Holy Spirit is trying to rear it's head in Ruth's reality but she chalks it up to being a child of the faith and weak in character. Ruth was determined to learn to be like the others and become a strong warrior in this battle she signed up to fight against the devil.
"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind." Cynthia and Bronte don't lead Ruth to this scriptural passage -- that's for sure -- the very passage Ruth needs to be free. They feed her a bunch of half truths and twisted scripture to back up the lies. And, since Ruth was not a self-thinker, she believed everything they told her.
Ruth's husband, Rick, tries to tell her these "new" church people are filling her up with fear so they can control her. Rick says, "I'm not a theologian Ruth, but the Jesus I know is about love and forgiveness. Your church gives more glory to Satan than it does to God." Ruth doesn't listen to him because he doesn't go to her church. "What does he know?", she asks herself. The others warned her not to listen to Rick and what he had to say. She had to fight the good fight.
I truly felt for Ruth and her family in this story. Melody Carlson does such an amazing job of portraying Ruth getting drawn into this cult hook, line and sinker. She also describes what Ruth's immediate family does to help her as they see her getting in deeper and deeper into the "new" church, being driven far away from them all.
Melody Carlson tells the story from a first person point of view which made it read as if you were in Ruth's head as she struggles with her inner turmoil. This story is all too real!! Cults are popping up everywhere and I've always wondered how someone would get into one in the first place. Melody Carlson delivers a story of hope, forgiveness and redemption. It was difficult to read in some parts because I wasn't sure how far Ruth would be lead down the wrong path with this "new" church. I think this book is a must read for everyone. Melody Carlson gives us a glimpse into the world around us. You will never forget Ruth and her struggles. It's haunting.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
July 2, 2008
About the book:
Once again, I have kept the demons at bay.
As a wife and mother, Ruth knows her prayers are crucial to her family's spiritual welfare. She stands between her precious children and the evil one, doing battle in prayer. She can't afford to be careless. Thankfully, she has powerful allies: Pastor Glenn, New Life Christian School where her daughters Mary and Sarah attend, and the inner circle at Arbor Drive Fellowship. They all reinforce her careful nurturance of her children.
If only her husband, Rick, understood that. He's exasperated about the money Ruth keeps spending for the church and school. Doesn't he see that these are their best defenses in shielding their children from the dangers of the world?
But the forces that threaten Ruth's faith, her family--her very life--are not the ones she expects. Ruth doesn't realize that her heartfelt desire to obey God is mingled with dangerous currents of OCD--Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Her own strategies for protecting her family may be the very thing that tears them apart.
My review:
The Other Side of Darkness is a powerful, but dark novel about a woman battling with mental illness. You as the reader are in her head, so you see the world the way she sees it. That makes the book a hard read because who wants to feel like they are going crazy? But it is good in other ways because it helps give the reader insight into people who suffer from severe OCD.
The troubling thing about this story is that it sweeps you away. And while that shows the author did a great job with characterization, you also start to feel the frustration and all that goes with it. Also, there are a lot of people who believe similar things who are Christians. How do you sort that all out? The main character seemed to be a Christian and she knew the Scriptures, but then she was influenced by her OCD.
I admired that Ruth prayed a lot, but then things took a dark turn and though she kept praying she only got sicker. So it makes you wonder if she was seeking the Lord with her whole heart, which it appears that she was, why did the cultish group gain so much power over her mind? I think it went back to her childhood issues. They made her vulnerable to compliments and needing to feel wanted, which this weird church was good at making her believe.
As the story progressed it almost seemed like rather than casting demons out, Ruth was bringing them home with her! Now I am not a person who believes there is a demon under every bush, but there is such a thing as opression. It was true that her church friends gave more attention to the enemy than the Savior, and that was a bad thing.
But it still bothers me that she was so sincere, yet it was wrapped up in her illness. So how does one know whether they are hearing from God, or just losing their mind? In this story Ruth spent most of her time listening to other people tell her about what the Bible said so they shaped her thinking. It seemed like whenever the Bible was read apart from the "cultish church" it worked to bring health and life to Ruth's family.
The bottom line is that this was an unsettling, but powerful read. I didn't feel much hope, however, or I'd rank it higher. In real life there are not always happy endings, but in this case that could've been elaborated on more so the reader isn't left feeling bummed despite the good things that happened. That's the tricky part about writing a story with dark themes. The light has to shine brighter so the reader feels hope. And yes, there is some hope offered, but I'm not sure it's enough, because I never got the sense that Ruth ever really heard from God by the story's end. Hope that makes sense. Read it for yourself and then you decide.
Once again, I have kept the demons at bay.
As a wife and mother, Ruth knows her prayers are crucial to her family's spiritual welfare. She stands between her precious children and the evil one, doing battle in prayer. She can't afford to be careless. Thankfully, she has powerful allies: Pastor Glenn, New Life Christian School where her daughters Mary and Sarah attend, and the inner circle at Arbor Drive Fellowship. They all reinforce her careful nurturance of her children.
If only her husband, Rick, understood that. He's exasperated about the money Ruth keeps spending for the church and school. Doesn't he see that these are their best defenses in shielding their children from the dangers of the world?
But the forces that threaten Ruth's faith, her family--her very life--are not the ones she expects. Ruth doesn't realize that her heartfelt desire to obey God is mingled with dangerous currents of OCD--Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Her own strategies for protecting her family may be the very thing that tears them apart.
My review:
The Other Side of Darkness is a powerful, but dark novel about a woman battling with mental illness. You as the reader are in her head, so you see the world the way she sees it. That makes the book a hard read because who wants to feel like they are going crazy? But it is good in other ways because it helps give the reader insight into people who suffer from severe OCD.
The troubling thing about this story is that it sweeps you away. And while that shows the author did a great job with characterization, you also start to feel the frustration and all that goes with it. Also, there are a lot of people who believe similar things who are Christians. How do you sort that all out? The main character seemed to be a Christian and she knew the Scriptures, but then she was influenced by her OCD.
I admired that Ruth prayed a lot, but then things took a dark turn and though she kept praying she only got sicker. So it makes you wonder if she was seeking the Lord with her whole heart, which it appears that she was, why did the cultish group gain so much power over her mind? I think it went back to her childhood issues. They made her vulnerable to compliments and needing to feel wanted, which this weird church was good at making her believe.
As the story progressed it almost seemed like rather than casting demons out, Ruth was bringing them home with her! Now I am not a person who believes there is a demon under every bush, but there is such a thing as opression. It was true that her church friends gave more attention to the enemy than the Savior, and that was a bad thing.
But it still bothers me that she was so sincere, yet it was wrapped up in her illness. So how does one know whether they are hearing from God, or just losing their mind? In this story Ruth spent most of her time listening to other people tell her about what the Bible said so they shaped her thinking. It seemed like whenever the Bible was read apart from the "cultish church" it worked to bring health and life to Ruth's family.
The bottom line is that this was an unsettling, but powerful read. I didn't feel much hope, however, or I'd rank it higher. In real life there are not always happy endings, but in this case that could've been elaborated on more so the reader isn't left feeling bummed despite the good things that happened. That's the tricky part about writing a story with dark themes. The light has to shine brighter so the reader feels hope. And yes, there is some hope offered, but I'm not sure it's enough, because I never got the sense that Ruth ever really heard from God by the story's end. Hope that makes sense. Read it for yourself and then you decide.
December 5, 2013
Although I started out reading the True Colours series, I'm slowly branching out into the various books that Melody Carlson has written. So far, this is the darkest, and perhaps one of her best.
The Other Side of Darkness follows Ruth, a mom who tries to be a prayer warrior for her family. Now, that isn't a bad thing - it is, in fact, really good, but the problem is that she's being manipulated into a small, rather close-minded sect. As the reader, it was pretty obvious that the Pastor and his groupies were unChristian and bad news, but to Ruth, who was treated badly by her mother (no physical abuse, but her sister and brother were clearly favoured), this acceptance from them is addictive. She's tricked into giving her money (money that her family doesn't have), her time, and as it goes on, her whole life - she's really consumed by it.
Ruth is someone who's also suffering from OCD, which adds a layer of complexity to the story. And as she spirals downwards, you can see how her her family is getting hurt by her actions.
For me this book was sobering. I'm lucky to have been in some wonderful Churches, but clearly, there are many Churches that are just using Christianity as a front for their own gain. And the ones who are most vulnerable are the ones that need Christ the most.
This is not a sunny, happy book. It's a dark book that shows us that Churches are not always the safe habors that we imagine them to be. They can be used for evil, and I think we should be on our guard against them.
This review was first posted to Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
The Other Side of Darkness follows Ruth, a mom who tries to be a prayer warrior for her family. Now, that isn't a bad thing - it is, in fact, really good, but the problem is that she's being manipulated into a small, rather close-minded sect. As the reader, it was pretty obvious that the Pastor and his groupies were unChristian and bad news, but to Ruth, who was treated badly by her mother (no physical abuse, but her sister and brother were clearly favoured), this acceptance from them is addictive. She's tricked into giving her money (money that her family doesn't have), her time, and as it goes on, her whole life - she's really consumed by it.
Ruth is someone who's also suffering from OCD, which adds a layer of complexity to the story. And as she spirals downwards, you can see how her her family is getting hurt by her actions.
For me this book was sobering. I'm lucky to have been in some wonderful Churches, but clearly, there are many Churches that are just using Christianity as a front for their own gain. And the ones who are most vulnerable are the ones that need Christ the most.
This is not a sunny, happy book. It's a dark book that shows us that Churches are not always the safe habors that we imagine them to be. They can be used for evil, and I think we should be on our guard against them.
This review was first posted to Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
November 28, 2016
Interesting look-see from the eyes of mental illness. I do not know how accurate the protagonist's thoughts are because I am not that familiar with this type of mental illness, but her descriptions are certainly very plausible. I think there are probably people who suffer in very, very similar ways to the main character, and their families suffer as well. It is also interesting to see how a cult-like church can play such a large role in mental illness, and in causing so much harm to its followers. I would have liked to see, in the end, more details on what happened to the people in the church, such as Cynthia, and whether the other "parishioners" are also ill, or not. Was Cynthia also ill, or was she a part of capitalizing on the weaknesses of others, or both? The book did not detail what happened to the money collected; the protagonist "gave generously" putting her family in financial jeopardy. It would have been nice to know where that money really went with Glenn and Bronte. It alluded to the fact that they abused the offerings with Bronte driving an expensive car and wearing expensive clothes. There was not a clear wrap up of the repercussions of any abuse with the offerings, or with Melinda who was found in the bathroom.
I liked this book quite a bit, but I thought the story could have been told more quickly, in fewer pages. I recommend it especially to readers who are interested in understanding the mind of the obsessive compulsive patient.
I liked this book quite a bit, but I thought the story could have been told more quickly, in fewer pages. I recommend it especially to readers who are interested in understanding the mind of the obsessive compulsive patient.
January 9, 2010
This book was... Interesting. I'm not sure if it deserves 3 stars, 3 and a half stars, or 4 stars. The plot was very interesting. I've never read anything about somebody with OCD or about a cult. So it was different. I think that Melody Carlson did a very good job being inside Ruths head, it gave me a fresh perspective on OCD and how if works, how they might think.
This book was also rather creepy at spots. But intruiging. I just had to finish it, so I could see how everything turned out. I wanted Ruth and her family to have a happy ending. I got attached to them. Which brings me to what I didn't like about this book...
At times (many times, actually), it was frustrating. Very frustrating. I found myself wanting to shout at Ruth, wanting to beat some sense into that woman! I know (now more than ever) that people, especially ones with mental disorders, are very susceptible to such things like cults, as Ruth experienced. But I just couldn't believe how blid SHE was being. I actually got mad at her a few times. And that said, I also think it was a bit long... I would have preferred it to be cut down a bit.
But I think that just made the happy ending even happier. I was so glad when she finally saw the truth. So all in all, I think this is a good read, as long as you don't mind a little frustration at the characters!
This book was also rather creepy at spots. But intruiging. I just had to finish it, so I could see how everything turned out. I wanted Ruth and her family to have a happy ending. I got attached to them. Which brings me to what I didn't like about this book...
At times (many times, actually), it was frustrating. Very frustrating. I found myself wanting to shout at Ruth, wanting to beat some sense into that woman! I know (now more than ever) that people, especially ones with mental disorders, are very susceptible to such things like cults, as Ruth experienced. But I just couldn't believe how blid SHE was being. I actually got mad at her a few times. And that said, I also think it was a bit long... I would have preferred it to be cut down a bit.
But I think that just made the happy ending even happier. I was so glad when she finally saw the truth. So all in all, I think this is a good read, as long as you don't mind a little frustration at the characters!
September 23, 2008
This Christian author is very good at giving you a compelling picture of OCD, though I find her character's husband, Rick, seems most long-suffering. I don't know that I would have put up with Ruth's escapades for so long! I would also have liked to see a session or two in therapy; the short shrift she gives to that makes it seem too quick a cure and too easy a finish.
She fulfilled the first demand of a writer, however: keep the reader turning pages! Make sure you have a long block of time when you start this one. And since this is a "realistic" book and I usually read SF and fantasy, it's definitely a good choice.
She fulfilled the first demand of a writer, however: keep the reader turning pages! Make sure you have a long block of time when you start this one. And since this is a "realistic" book and I usually read SF and fantasy, it's definitely a good choice.
October 9, 2008
I've grown to expect the unexpected from Melody Carlson and this time she does disappoint a bit. Her characters, even the "good guys" seem one-dimensional and architypical. Basically people who break away from accepted church denominations are bad. Where there is smoke, there is usually fire. Christians need to lighten up. There is no need to feel guilty about your Jack O'Lantern on Hallowe'en.
You do wonder how far Carlson will go before the madness ends and perhaps it's far enough to shock the average reader but I just yawned. Maybe because I lived that life once?
You do wonder how far Carlson will go before the madness ends and perhaps it's far enough to shock the average reader but I just yawned. Maybe because I lived that life once?
November 16, 2008
Even though I only gave this book 3 stars it was hard to put down. I wanted to see what would happen next. It's a fast, easy read. I feel that most of the book concentrated on the "demons" and her struggles. I would have really like to see more on what Ruth recovery was like. It wrapped up so fast in the end I didn't get to see how and what she went through on her path to healing. It's like that process was skipped. I'm sure that would have been the hardest part for Ruth...overcoming the fear.
July 3, 2012
"I want to ask what the backup plan is if it should rain, but I know this would sound like a lack of faith on my part, so I keep my doubts to myself."
And keeping things to yourself can cause things to go very wrong, especially when you're deep in the annals of mental illness. Of course it won't rain because certain members of the church and their pastor have said it won't rain!!!
I had to pull myself away from this novel because it is so intense. Melody Carlson writes like she has been there or tells this story from somewhere first hand. I can only imagine what Ruth went through!
And keeping things to yourself can cause things to go very wrong, especially when you're deep in the annals of mental illness. Of course it won't rain because certain members of the church and their pastor have said it won't rain!!!
I had to pull myself away from this novel because it is so intense. Melody Carlson writes like she has been there or tells this story from somewhere first hand. I can only imagine what Ruth went through!
April 9, 2013
This was a tough book to read. I struggled reading the majority of this book and only kept going because I was reading it for our book club. The end was this books redeeming factor. The content of this book is important, as mental health illnesses are valid struggles and not always recognized. Still, it is tough to be inside the head of a woman with a mental illness. Melody Carlson is truly a talented author to be able to portray the thoughts and emotions of someone with OCD and reflect those feelings and thoughts onto her readers.
September 24, 2011
Very good book. It was not a pleasant read as Ruth got sucked into a cult-ish church and her OCD became a real issue, but w/ all thats goin on in the world today I think it was a good book and gave me insight. That said, I do have to agree w/ the other readers who said the book spent too much time on her struggle and not enough on the healing. And I didn't understand how her husband let her go as long as he did. But still this was a good book, one I didn't put down til I was finally done :)
August 19, 2013
This book was pretty different than other books I've read by this author. It really put you inside someone that is dealing with obsessive behaviors and suckered into a church cult. at times I wanted to strangle the character for being so dense as to what is happening to her, and just wanted to get through to the end to see if she finally would wake up and realize all the crap that people were feeding her was what she really understood the guidelines behind it all. overall the book was alright.
November 23, 2008
(book, novel)
a. about a woman with OCD. Besides her frequent, obsessive hand-washing and shower routine, there is nothing in this story that seems to indicate a real problem with OCD.
b. Lots of casting out demons – basically this is the premise of the entire stories – demons on every “doorknob” so to speak. – 1 STAR
a. about a woman with OCD. Besides her frequent, obsessive hand-washing and shower routine, there is nothing in this story that seems to indicate a real problem with OCD.
b. Lots of casting out demons – basically this is the premise of the entire stories – demons on every “doorknob” so to speak. – 1 STAR
June 4, 2012
True darkness on the mind (of Ruth). Ruth is wrapped up in her own obscured way. Painfull how Ruth's husband and girls survided their mother's OCD behaviour of believing evil spirits around us and believing more in the work of devil than the power of God.
Good read and will keep you wondering about some churches of today!!
Good read and will keep you wondering about some churches of today!!
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