taliaissmart's review against another edition

Go to review page

exploitation is obviously never funny. BUT (bear with me) convincing people that they were nazis in a past life, and that the only way to atone for it is to sleep with you, is actually very hilarious.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

valzsc's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark informative tense medium-paced

3.75

After listening to a few podcasts through the years, I thought I knew some things about NXIVM but I was wrong.

I love the way the story was told by the author. The fact that it is not written chronologically made it a lot more engaging, letting you know a little bit by bit until you get to the full story of each individual she interviewed or had context of.

As this story is really sad and dark, I don’t think it’s a book I would go back to (nor sooner, nor later). It is dark, twisted, and I feel bad for all the things these women went through. Really bad. 

Overall, storytelling is great, it is engaging and entertaining and the story is heartbreaking. If you want to add to the mix you can also watch the show, it’s called The Vow, so you get the audiovisual experience (also getting to know more of Nancy Salzman’s side of the story, whom I think is not mentioned a lot on this book)

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

growintogardens's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark informative medium-paced

4.25


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

melissahawco's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional informative slow-paced

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

hollymich's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark informative tense medium-paced

4.0

A chilling and thorough account of the disturbing events surrounding NXIVM. The facts are presented logically and understandably, despite there being so many people involved over so many years. It is haunting how this happened so recently, right under our noses. I think there is a lot to be learned in this book about the signs of manipulation and abuse, although that is not the book's goal. All in all, I praise Berman for her diligent research and dedication to sharing this story.

I recommend the audiobook!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

cassmreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark informative tense fast-paced

4.25


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

devynvictoria's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

3.5

Definitely a heavy read, it took me a little over a month to get through. Very informative, interesting— and it is terrifying at times to know that these things really happened to these women. Please check the content warnings before starting to read this book

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

r_zoner's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark medium-paced

3.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

clarabooksit's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional informative medium-paced

3.5


Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...