Books matching: cult experiences
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- #1
Blown for Good by Marc Headley is a memoir detailing life inside a Scientology compound and the author's eventual escape. The book exposes the dark truth behind Scientology, portraying it as a cult-like organization where followers face abuse, manipulation, and inhumane treatment. Headley's informal writing style draws readers in, providing personal insights and interpretations of the religion as he navigates through the ranks, making the narrative engaging and believable. The author's journey to freedom and reality, breaking through the control and conditioning of the cult, is portrayed as a testament to his strength of character.
They are driving right alongside me in the black Nissan Pathfinder. The roads are slick from the rain and I am in no position to do any sort of maneuvering with my bags on the motorbike. I round the t... - #2
Brave by Rose McGowan is a deeply personal and raw memoir that delves into the author's difficult life experiences, including being raised in a cult, homelessness, and abuse in Hollywood. The book is written in a vibrant and emotional style, directly addressing the reader and encouraging them to be brave in their own lives. McGowan shares her journey of reclaiming her life and standing up against injustice, providing a call to action for both women and men.
If you’re deep into the Kardashians, you’re in a cult. If you watch your favorite TV show and go online and you’re in chat rooms with everybody else who’s obsessed with that show and you’re breaking i... - #3
In the book 'Keepsake' by Sarina Bowen, Lark, recovering from a traumatic experience, seeks solace at the Shipley family's apple farm in Vermont. There, she meets Zach, who has escaped from a religious cult and is new to the outside world. Both characters have their own wounds and demons to overcome, but as they lean on each other for support, their healing relationship unfolds beautifully. The story delves into themes of trauma, recovery, love, and family, all set against the backdrop of the farm life in Vermont.
As the crow flies, Tuxbury, Vermont wasn’t all that far from Boston. But I didn’t make the journey via crow, I made it in my aging Volkswagen Beetle. And in rural Vermont, the roads don’t often go whe...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series True North ) - #4
"Leaving Isn't the Hardest Things" by Lauren Hough is a collection of essays that form a memoir detailing the author's experiences growing up in a cult, surviving trauma in the military, homelessness, abusive relationships, and incarceration. The essays are described as brutally honest, immensely powerful, and written with stark honesty, self-awareness, and dry wit. The author's writing style combines brutal honesty, dark humor, and unapologetic attitude, making the stories relatable and engaging for the readers.
If you ask me where I’m from, I’ll lie to you. I’ll tell you my parents were missionaries. I’ll tell you I’m from Boston. I’ll tell you I’m from Texas. Those lies, people believe. I’m better at lying ... "When the World Didn't End: A Memoir" by Guinevere Turner is a deeply personal account of her upbringing in a commune, exploring the complexities of growing up in a restricted environment. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions and insights from Turner's childhood diaries, allowing readers to connect with her experiences on an emotional level. The memoir captures the juxtaposition of her seemingly idyllic childhood and the harsh realities she faced, particularly after leaving the commune and entering a world filled with bullying and abuse. The transition from a sheltered life to the challenges of the outside world creates a compelling and often dark narrative that reflects the struggles of resilience and self-discovery.
Turner's writing style is a blend of literary and conversational tones, making her story both relatable and impactful. She shares her journey with honesty and vulnerability, allowing readers to witness her evolution as she grapples with the guilt of her past and the mixed feelings surrounding her escape from the commune. The memoir is not just a recounting of traumatic experiences; it is also a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of healing and growth. Through her words, Turner invites readers to engage with the complexities of her story, making it a powerful and unforgettable read.
- #6
Mikel Jollett recalls his horrifying childhood in his memoir, 'Hollywood Park,' where he details his surreal early years spent in a cult environment, his escape from it, and the challenges he faced including mental and physical cruelty, poverty, addiction, and mental illness. Jollett's journey from a traumatic childhood to finding success as a musician and writer is narrated with determination and fortitude, showcasing his resilience and ability to overcome personal struggles.
'Hollywood Park' by Mikel Jollett is a beautifully written memoir that delves into his life growing up in a cult, escaping it with his family, and navigating through addiction, abuse, and mental health challenges. The book transitions from his childhood to adulthood, chronicling his journey from a life born in a cult to achieving success in the music industry. Jollett's storytelling is infused with emotion, trauma, and ultimately, triumph, highlighting his resilience and ability to overcome great obstacles.
We were never young. We were just too afraid of ourselves. No one told us who we were or what we were or where all our parents went. They would arrive like ghosts, visiting us for a morning, an aftern... Cartwheels in a Sari by Jayanti Tamm is a memoir that delves into the author's experience of growing up in the Sri Chinmoy cult. Tamm bravely narrates her journey of breaking away from the cult and the struggles she faced in healing from her past. The book provides a detailed insight into the workings of the cult, the manipulation and abuse by the cult leader, and the challenges faced by those trying to escape its influence.
- #8
Member of the Family is a gripping memoir by Dianne Lake, the youngest member of the Manson Family, detailing her time with Charles Manson and the cult. Through Dianne's raw and authentic storytelling, readers are taken on a journey of how she was drawn into the Family, the disturbing events that unfolded, and her eventual escape from that dark world. The book delves into Dianne's experiences with drugs, group sex, and life in the hippie culture, providing a chilling account of manipulation, abuse, and survival.
Born in 1953, I was my parents’ first child. My father, Clarence, was a sturdy man with a wide, crooked smile. He’d followed his father’s footsteps into the house painting trade to put the food on the... - #9
"The Polygamist's Daughter" by Anna LeBaron is a gripping memoir that delves into the life of Anna LeBaron, who grew up in a polygamist cult of the Mormon church. The book details her harrowing experiences, including abuse, murders, and brainwashing, while also highlighting themes of hope, redemption, and ultimate freedom. The writing style is described as compelling, heart-wrenching, and page-turning, making it hard to put down once started.
I stood in the driveway of our Dallas home, clinging to my mother as the sun rose higher in the sky, and begged her through my tears not to go. I couldn’t imagine life without my mother. So great was ... - #10
Pitched by Ella Goode is a young adult romance novel that follows the story of Colt, a high school baseball player focused on his future career, and GG, a girl with a challenging past who is trying to move forward for a normal life. The book explores their instant connection, the challenges they face individually and together, and the support they receive from friends and teammates. Despite some rushed scenes, the story is engaging, emotional, and filled with sweet moments between the characters.
The writing style of Pitched is described as fantastic with a fantastic plot, likeable characters, and red hot romance. Ella Goode skillfully integrates GG's background story into the plot, providing depth and character development. The book is praised for its well-paced beginning, strong character dynamics, and the solid relationship between Colt and GG, making it a heartwarming and enjoyable read for fans of young adult romance.