It’s exciting to see so many new books out that tackle the topic of cult experiences and recovery – right up my alley!
Coming out on 19 February is “Born and Razed” by Beth Granger who attended Grenville, a Christian boarding school in Canada run by a cult. I had the privilege to read her manuscript and write a blurb for the cover. Beth’s haunting memoir is the heart cry of a child growing up in a world where religious beliefs turn into psychological terror. Her raw account exposes the sadistic control of her caregivers and her journey from brokenness to breaking free, shining a powerful spotlight on institutional spiritual abuse. It left me enraged – and in awe of her brave fight for justice and recovery.
Next up: “The Truth About Demons” by C.A. Gilchrist is a bit of an outlier. It chronicles the author’s descend into a criminal underworld after losing his dad while his mother turned into a Jehovah’s Witness: “A damaged woman who’d given up her individuality and all she ever was to a strict, fundamentalist faith.” There are many tender and heartbreaking moments in the rollicking saga of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll, about a boy dying to be heard past the choke of rigid beliefs. “Demons do exist”, Cameron concludes, “and mine had a name. It’s name was fear.”
I haven’t had a chance yet to read the next books, but I know the work of the three authors as advocates in their field.
“Wounded by Faith”, written by Decult 2024 panelist Adam Elmasri, sheds light on the often-harrowing experience of growing up as a Coptic Christian in Islamic Egypt. This deeply personal memoir explores the challenges of a religious minority and the painful process of questioning long-held beliefs. A book for anyone who has ever struggled with faith, identity or the search for justice.
“The Gentle Souls Revolution” by Esther Friedman, who had a five-year misadventure in a secret spiritual “school” in New York, is a cautionary tale and recovery template. With humour and compassion, Esther describes how the cult exploited her empathy. She interviews former members from other cults and includes research from leading experts.
“Divorcing Religion” by Janice Selbie takes readers on a candid journey through the heart of fundamentalist Christianity and out the other side in this compelling memoir and practical guide. Also check out her YouTube channel!
Can’t wait to crack into my stack of books while I’m on holidays for the next two weeks. When I’m back, we’ll have an update on the local Decult groups for former cult members that are starting across Aotearoa. I’m wishing you a great week and am leaving you with the last words in “The Truth About Demons”:
Free your mind.
Slay your demons.
Live your truth.
Arohanui,
Anke Richter