2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Given the conditions of the compound, why would anyone decide to stay with Everett's community? How do otherwise normal people end up in these circumstances?

A very good question! One I was asking myself as I reading this book. I think it comes down to how manipulative Everett was. Justin seemed to realise what was going on and then even he was manipulated by Everett when he was asked to an "important" thing.

I think the types of people that end up in this situation are at a very vulnerable point in their life (Kathleen) or have a lot of hate for the people and situation that they were previously in (Justin).

I think your point about people's vulnerability is key. Everett was extremely manipulative and seemed to hone in on each individual's weakness. When he sensed Justin was seeing through him, he invited him into his "inner circle," throwing him into self doubt for a time.

How anyone could square eating only rice and beans, two-minute showers and those horrific meetings where someone is punished is beyond comprehension. I'd have been out of there and fast.

Yes I agree I would have been out of there! But there is the situation where those who escaped and were found, then mysteriously disappeared. So people were probably too scared to leave.

I thought about that, too, Tracey. I don't think it would have mattered other than to clear out of town.

If I were Justin, I would have been looking for a way out. When he was outside of the compound, I thought he would have hit the road and got out of that situation. I think he was sticking around waiting for his brother to come back. And, I agree that he (and many others) were too scared to leave.

If it hadn't been for Eric, I think Justin would have been long gone.

By the way, why did Everett make Eric think Justin was dead?

Jonetta wrote: "If it hadn't been for Eric, I think Justin would have been long gone.

By the way, why did Everett make Eric think Justin was dead?"

I don't remember that. Did Brandon tell Eric that when he visited him in jail?

That was the opening scene. Eric was shown a bag of bones by Everett who told him it was Justin. Said he hadn't survived the initiation.

I forgot all about that. Maybe Everett wanted to make sure that Eric had nothing left to live for and that would ensure that he took the cyanide pill. If that was the plan, it didn't work.

Maybe so.

Cult leaders are very charismatic, manipulative and seductive. The people drawn in by them feel that something is missing in their lives and the cult fills that void. Unfortunately, it does not help in the long run.

We saw so little of Everett's charisma I fear that aspect was somewhat diffused in this story. We were more exposed to his cruelty, making it harder to understand why his followers were so loyal and dedicated. That part of the manipulation was missing for me.