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- Frieda Hughes' George: A Magpie Memoir

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for sending me a physical arc of Frieda Hughes’ George: A Magpie Memoir.

When poet and artist Frieda Hughes found an injured magpie chick in her garden, she had no idea that he would change her life. She took him into her home and named him George, documenting his antics and recovery in her journal. She was quickly captivated by this little bird, who was full of curiosity, intelligence, and mischief.

I enjoy nature writing and anything with animals, but I was quite unprepared for the amount of delight that I would feel from George. Hughes’ writing is beautiful and compelling, as are her illustrations that are sprinkled through the book.

Inevitably, George and Hughes’ must part ways, as George is a wild animal who must be set free. This was incredibly emotionally, as Hughes’ has a dueling conflict of wanting him to stay, but knowing that he must go. She developed a deep bond with George. Her time with George also coincided with the decline of her marriage, adding to the tension.

The way Hughes interacts with George, and subsequently other animals in her care, including birds of prey, causes her to lose some friendships. Admittedly, I was quite surprised with how she casually lets the animals roam around her kitchen, especially since birds do not have the function of bladder control. It got messy! In a sense, she became the stereotype of the “crazy cat lady,” but with birds and many friends did not understand. On the flip side, as fellow animal lover, I can completely understand her devotion to those in her care and I can understand her ways of interacting with them.

George: A Magpie Memoir is lovely and a book that is sure to delight many animal lovers, especially those fond of birds. I highly recommend it! Also, in case you are wondering, Hughes’s is the daughter of Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, but she makes it clear that she doesn't want her lineage to dominate the conversation. She is a very accomplished writer and artist in her own right.