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Reviews tagging 'Emotional abuse'
Manhattan Cult Story: My Unbelievable True Story of Sex, Crimes, Chaos, and Survival by Spencer Schneider
2 reviews
avidreaderandgeekgirl's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
An inside look into the Manhattan cult you've probably never heard of, full of the rich and powerful.
It's always interesting to hear from an ex-cult member about the cult they were in. I thought this was fairly well written. I'm glad it’s told in a chronological, linear fashion. The cult sounds and was described as like being with an abusive partner, and I'd say that's correct, lots of emotional abuse and gaslighting.
I've only ever heard one podcast cover this cult, which is surprising. Since most cults have a lot of coverage. I hate to say it but I'm glad that one of the cult leaders died recently. Even if it unfortunately didn't end the cult. It sounds like the cult started to control people financially first.
Overall, interesting, and very informative. Though the perspective is obviously one-sided.
Extra ratings: Fluff- NA Heartfelt- 3/5 Helpful-NA Horror- NA Inspiration-1/5 Love- NA Mystery-NA Predictability- NA Spice- NA Suspense- NA Tear 3/5 Thrill- NA Humor- NA
It's always interesting to hear from an ex-cult member about the cult they were in. I thought this was fairly well written. I'm glad it’s told in a chronological, linear fashion. The cult sounds and was described as like being with an abusive partner, and I'd say that's correct, lots of emotional abuse and gaslighting.
I've only ever heard one podcast cover this cult, which is surprising. Since most cults have a lot of coverage. I hate to say it but I'm glad that one of the cult leaders died recently. Even if it unfortunately didn't end the cult. It sounds like the cult started to control people financially first.
Overall, interesting, and very informative. Though the perspective is obviously one-sided.
Extra ratings: Fluff- NA Heartfelt- 3/5 Helpful-NA Horror- NA Inspiration-1/5 Love- NA Mystery-NA Predictability- NA Spice- NA Suspense- NA Tear 3/5 Thrill- NA Humor- NA
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Moderate: Blood, Vomit, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Blood
ohhellokelli's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
I keep going back and forth between 4 and 5 stars, so I'm going to stick with 4.5 and round up for Goodreads.
This story was incredible. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be in a cult without putting yourself through that trauma, read this book.
Spencer Schneider was a member of a group simply called "School" for over twenty years of his life (late '80's to 2010's). His story begins with where his life circumstances and the flattery tactics of the School led him to join in the first place. It explained the initial teachings of the group, and how they normalize the concepts to their members. Spencer often mentions how something would be said and he'd think "what the hell?!" But the teacher would 'explain' and it would all make sense. It then introduces their eccentric (truly bat-shit crazy) leader and how these people were all already so conditioned that they just accepted what she did and said - and let her abuse and exploit them.
He then wraps up with how he began to see the group clearly for what it was, got out, and his life after.
I obviously know that cults are real and they definitely are still around today, but it's so easy to just be blown away by the absurdity of how people get duped into these situations and Spencer did an incredible job making you truly understand his thoughts and feelings throughout the whole experience.
I think the only thing holding me back from a true 5 star rating is I just wish I could have been able to read about other people's perspectives as well, but this book already has me doing research to find other accounts.
Thank you to Spencer Schneider, Skyhorse Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
This story was incredible. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be in a cult without putting yourself through that trauma, read this book.
Spencer Schneider was a member of a group simply called "School" for over twenty years of his life (late '80's to 2010's). His story begins with where his life circumstances and the flattery tactics of the School led him to join in the first place. It explained the initial teachings of the group, and how they normalize the concepts to their members. Spencer often mentions how something would be said and he'd think "what the hell?!" But the teacher would 'explain' and it would all make sense. It then introduces their eccentric (truly bat-shit crazy) leader and how these people were all already so conditioned that they just accepted what she did and said - and let her abuse and exploit them.
He then wraps up with how he began to see the group clearly for what it was, got out, and his life after.
I obviously know that cults are real and they definitely are still around today, but it's so easy to just be blown away by the absurdity of how people get duped into these situations and Spencer did an incredible job making you truly understand his thoughts and feelings throughout the whole experience.
I think the only thing holding me back from a true 5 star rating is I just wish I could have been able to read about other people's perspectives as well, but this book already has me doing research to find other accounts.
Thank you to Spencer Schneider, Skyhorse Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Incest