Book Review- Spencer Schneider's Manhattan Cult Story

Thank you to Libro FM for an audio arc of Spencer Schneider’s Manhattan Cult Story: My Unbelievable True Story of Sex, Crimes, Chaos, and Survival. The audio book is narrated by Austin Rising.

Young, professional, and successful Spencer Schneider was recruited to joined a cult called “The School.” Initially, “The School” seemed to be a self-help style class that was attended by rising stars in fields such as law, medicine, and finance. The attendees were hand-selected for this secretive program and they were told that they were not only lucky to have been picked, but to keep it a secret from everyone in their lives. Through psychological manipulation, Schneider believed that this was a benefit to his life and not a cult, even though he noticed more sinister aspects of the organization as his involvement grew deeper.

Former actress, Sharon Gans was the head of “The School.” She could be a harsh critic and formidable character that had her followers catering to her every need, including providing labor for construction on her properties, and fearing upsetting her. There were many rules to follow and a single misstep could have followers ousted from the organization. Gans even orchestrated marriages and divorces within group members, separating children from parents in the process. She was often cruel to her followers, yet maintained control over them.

A member of the cult for several decades, Schneider details how he became trapped and what ultimately gave him the courage to leave. He shares how educated and successful people could become involved in a cult, showing how no one is immune from psychological manipulation.

I found Schneider’s memoir to be fascinating. This was my first time hearing about this particular cult and I love anything true crime. It’s interesting to note that although Gans has died and a lawsuit was filed against her estate by former cult members, a form of “The School” is still active.

I wish I had read the book, rather than listening to the audio version. I did not care for the narrator, especially when he did women’s voices. It was very grating and distracted from Schneider’s writing. I recommend Manhattan Cult Story, just not the audio book version.

Book Review- Samantha Irby's Quietly Hostile: Essays

Thank you to Vintage Anchor and Libro FM for the arcs of Samantha Irby’s latest essay collection, Quietly Hostile. For the purposes of this review, I listed to the audio arc read by the author.

Samantha Irby is one of my favorite humor writers. She’s just absolutely hilarious and never holds back from sharing intimate details of her life, especially if they have to do with something embarrassing involving the bathroom. I have to confess that this particular collection should not be read or listened to while you are eating, as it goes to rather gross places and you might spit up some food or liquids from laughter.

As a Sex and the City fan, I enjoyed her chapter on writing for the reboot (And Just Like That) and also her analysis of the original show. She even got threats from rabid fans who were concerned for Carrie Bradshaw’s love life. I’m not exactly team Aidan, but still…Carrie’s not real! C’mon people!

By far, the biggest impression was made during the chapter Body Horror, when Irby describes a former sexual relationship with a man who had certain bodily function related kinks. I’m not going to spoil it, but I was not prepared for the gross-factor or just the violation of it all. I found this so disturbing that I couldn’t stop telling everyone about it, including coworkers at the bookstore where I work. If Irby happens to read this review (highly unlikely), I am so sorry that happened to you.

I just love everything Irby writes and I will read it all. Also, how can you resist her covers? They are my all-time favorite book covers. Quietly Hostile is another win for Irby.

Book Review- Nina Totenberg's Dinners with Ruth

Thank you to Libro FM for the audio galley of Nina Totenberg’s memoir, Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships.

Journalist Nina Totenberg shares intimate details from her decades long friendship with justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In addition to her relationship with Ginsburg, Totenberg shares stories from other important friendships, such as those with fellow NPR correspondents, Cokie Roberts and Linda Wertheimer.

I listed to the audio version of this book, narrated by the author. Totenberg has a warm and engaging voice, making it a pleasure to hear her share her stories. I think it would be easy for some people to dismiss this book as “for liberals” but politics plays a small role. In fact, Totenberg conveys a wistfulness for a time when people of different political ideologies could share a friendship, especially when explaining the deep respect between justices Ginsburg and Scalia, a relationship that pushed beyond political ideology. Totenberg focuses her book on the commonalities and humanity that creates bonds, not the things which separate us.

Totenberg and her friends all began their careers when women were not viewed as equals. Totenberg revealed that woman could not even get a credit card in their name until the 1970’s. As a woman born in 1977, this just put into perspective how different my life has been from that of my mom. I feel like I understood my mom’s generation on a deeper level from reading Dinners with Ruth. The friendships they formed not only fed their souls, but were critical for opportunities in the work place. The women of Totenberg’s generation helped each other move up the ladder; rather than seeing competitors, they took victories in the successes of their friends.

Dinners with Ruth is a fantastic book to gift to a friend. As I’m approaching fifty, it made me take stock of my own friendships and feel grateful. I also appreciate the strength of my mom’s generation, paving the way for better opportunities in my life.