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A review by ohhellokelli
Manhattan Cult Story: My Unbelievable True Story of Sex, Crimes, Chaos, and Survival by Spencer Schneider
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