Books matching: manipulation of beliefs
16 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:'Shoes of a Servant' by Diane Benscoter is a compelling memoir that delves into the author's personal journey of being involved in the Moonie cult and her eventual escape. Through vivid storytelling, the book portrays the gradual process of how individuals can be drawn into cults, the manipulation of beliefs, and the struggle to break free from such entrapment. Readers get a glimpse into the author's experiences, the impact on her family, and the challenges she faced in regaining her freedom. The narrative is filled with authenticity, empathy, and a straightforward account of the author's cult experiences.
The book offers a thought-provoking insight into the workings of cults, the power of shared subjective reality, and the impact of cult programming on individuals. It highlights the importance of understanding how vulnerable individuals can be lured into such groups and the resilience required to break free from their influence. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and reflections, 'Shoes of a Servant' presents a compelling narrative that sheds light on the psychological complexities of cult involvement and the journey towards self-discovery and liberation.
- #2
Save:In Our Lady of the Forest by David Guterson, the story revolves around Ann Holmes, a homeless young girl who has a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Oregon forest. The novel explores Ann's encounters with various characters, including a fellow mushroom picker, a local priest questioning his faith, and an out-of-work logger struggling with his destiny. The narrative unfolds in a matter-of-fact tone, delving into the characters' perspectives while not being overly religious or sentimental. The book tackles themes of faith, skepticism, gullibility, and the manipulation of belief, painting a vivid picture of a small town in the Pacific Northwest grappling with the repercussions of Ann's supposed visions.
The girl’s errand in the forest that day was to gather chanterelle mushrooms in a bucket to sell in town at dusk. According to her own account and the accounts of others in the North Fork Campground w... - #3
Save:'And Then I Woke Up' by Malcolm Devlin is a unique take on the zombie genre, exploring the blurred lines between reality and perception. The book delves into a post-apocalyptic world where a plague causes individuals to believe others are turning into monsters, leading to horrifying consequences. Through engaging narration, the story unfolds to reveal the challenges of living with the knowledge of causing harm and the allure of conspiracy theories. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of social and political allegory, questioning how easily perceptions can be manipulated by the information people are exposed to.
The storytelling style of 'And Then I Woke Up' adds depth to the narrative, with vivid characters sharing their experiences in a way that reflects contemporary issues. The book presents a thought-provoking exploration of trust, reality, and the impact of belief systems on individual actions. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a journey that challenges their understanding of truth and raises questions about the nature of reality itself.
- #4
Save:'American Fascists' by Chris Hedges delves into the rise of the Christian Right in America and its impact on the country's democratic institutions. The author explores the dangerous alliance between religious fundamentalism, big business, and right-wing politics, shedding light on the hidden anti-democratic agenda of the movement. Through interviews and analysis, Hedges warns about the attempts to establish a Christian theocracy in America and the consequences for those who do not share its values. The book also discusses the manipulation of evangelical beliefs for political power and the potential threat posed by extremist religious ideologies to the nation's democratic principles.
Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance. If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onsl... - #5
Save:"Rainbows End" by Vernor Vinge is a near-future science fiction novel that explores a world where technology has advanced to the point of wearable computers, augmented reality, and a fully interconnected society. The plot follows the protagonist Robert Gu, an elderly man who undergoes a rejuvenation treatment and must navigate a world where information flow and virtual interfaces are paramount. The book delves into themes of future education, digital divide, and the consequences of technological advancements, all set in a vividly imagined near future world.
The writing style of "Rainbows End" is characterized by a focus on technology and its implications on society, with intricate details about future technologies such as augmented reality, wearable computers, and the impact of regenerative medicine. The plot is driven by the interactions of complex characters within a world where information and connectivity play a central role, creating a compelling narrative that explores the possibilities and challenges of a technologically advanced future.
The rabbit hopped onto the unoccupied wicker chair and thence to the middle of the table, between the teacups and the condiments. It tipped its top hat first at Alfred Vaz and then at Günberk Braun an... - #6
Save:'The View from the Imperium' is a clever and imaginative space opera that follows the story of Ensign Thomas Kinago as he navigates the complexities of the Imperium's naval academy and the Red Fleet's flagship, Wedjet. The narrative alternates between different storylines, including an ambassador's arrival from the Imperium to re-establish contact with the Castaway Cluster. The characters, such as Lord Thomas Kinago and Commander Parsons, are quirky and endearing, adding humor and intrigue to the plot. The writing style blends humor with technical jargon, creating a unique and engaging reading experience.
The book is a delightful romp in a nicely delineated universe, paying homage to master writers like P. G. Woodhouse and Poul Anderson. It offers a mix of intelligent intrigue, clean fun, unexpected plot twists, and quirky characters that keep the reader entertained and engaged. The story is more sophisticated than a mere parody, with Thomas Kinago evolving from a seemingly brainless aristocrat to a brave and loyal character, adding depth to the narrative.
I strode back and forth in front of the lighted mirror set into my cabin’s mahogany closet door with my chest stuck out and my toes turned at just the right angle. I do not believe I felt inordinately... - #7
Save:'First, Become Ashes' by K.M. Szpara is a gripping tale that delves into the aftermath of being devoted to a cult, following the journey of Lark as he embarks on a quest road trip after breaking free from the cult and FBI custody. The narrative intricately weaves together themes of trauma, recovery, and the search for identity, showcasing the emotional struggles of the characters as they confront their past and strive to find hope amidst devastation. The author's writing style masterfully explores complex topics such as pronouns, gender, and sexuality, seamlessly integrating them into the characters' experiences and interactions with each other.
The book offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of cult followers, challenging readers to consider the depths of cognitive dissonance and the profound impact of belief on individual identity. Through a diverse cast of characters, including outsiders and true believers, the story unfolds with a blend of magic, suspense, and emotional intensity, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the characters' journeys of empowerment, self-discovery, and resilience.
- #8
Save:"Attack Of The Unsinkable Rubber Ducks" in the series 'Jack Parlabane' by author Christopher Brookmyre revolves around Jack Parlabane, a cynical journalist, who finds himself entangled in a world of psychics, ghosts, and paranormal activities. The plot delves into themes of skepticism, manipulation, and the conflict between faith and science. Through a mix of sharp dialogue and dark humor, the book follows Parlabane's investigation into psychic fraudsters and fake investigators, leading to unexpected twists and revelations. The writing style combines multiple first-person narrators, offering a unique perspective on the story's progression and keeping the readers engaged till the end.
That’s what this all ultimately comes down to, doesn’t it? It’s going to colour your impressions of everything you’re about to encounter, perhaps even determine – very quickly – whether you’re going t...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Jack Parlabane ) 'The Man Without a Face the Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin' by Masha Gessen is a meticulously researched and elegantly written account of Putin's rise to power, showcasing the quintessence of Putinism through vivid descriptions of corruption, political manipulation, and authoritarian rule. Gessen skillfully navigates through complex matters, shedding light on the dark and ruthless career of Vladimir Putin, from his days as a bureaucrat in St. Petersburg to his consolidation of power as the President of Russia. The narrative delves into Putin's opaque beliefs and motivations, painting a chilling portrait of a leader who operates with deceit, corruption, and a thirst for absolute control.
I got out of bed and stumbled into the tiny kitchen, where Kate had been making breakfast and listening to Echo Moskvy, the country’s best news and talk radio station. It was a Saturday morning, unusu...- #10
Save:'When Prophecy Fails' is a well-researched and fascinating chronicle of delusion, where readers are immersed in a UFO cult awaiting the end of the world, only to face the realization that it's not happening. The book delves into the psychological study of cognitive dissonance, exploring how believers react when their prophecies fail, either strengthening their beliefs in group settings or lessening them in isolation. The writing style is described as an easy read, blending elements of a novel with a psychological study, providing detailed descriptions of the cult members and their experiences before and after the predicted cataclysm.
The book sheds light on the mysterious psychological forces that drive people to commit to millenarian groups, particularly end-of-the-world movements within Christianity. It touches on the themes of cult behavior, cognitive dissonance, and the impact of failed prophecies on belief systems. Despite some concerns about ethical considerations in the study, the book offers valuable insights into the dynamics of belief systems and group behavior.
We have all experienced the futility of trying to change a strong conviction, especially if the convinced person has some investment in his belief. We are familiar with the variety of ingenious defens...
