Inside Out: A Memoir of Entering and Breaking Out of a Minneapolis Political Cult

Rating:
Summary: Must-read for progressives
Review: I couldn't put this book down. So creepy! So close to home! A must-read for anyone who's lost a loved one to, or had personal experience with, a totalist organization -- religious, rightwing, sectarian leftist, "personal development," therapuetic, how-to-succeed, etc.

Rating:
Summary: A solid warning of the downside of human nature
Review: Inside Out: A Memoir Of Entering And Breaking Out Of A Minneapolis Political Cult is the true, compelling, and personal testimony of Alexandra Stein, an intelligent, sensible woman who was lured into a secretive and exploitative political cult called the O. A cautionary tale of corruption run rampant, the dangerous psychology of insulated groups, and the spiraling demands for money and more that cults and the psychopathic, sociopathic, charismatic leaders can exact from their unwitting members, Inside Out is a gripping read and a solid warning of the downside of human nature.

Rating:
Summary: Must-read for progressives
Review: This is a terrific book! Once started, you'll not be able to put down this heart-rending account of ten years lost to a left-wing political cult. This beautifully written story could have happened to anyone who had a political conscience and grew up in the '60's. Although it is painful to read in parts, it is ultimately redemptive as the author finally finds her true self and her own voice.

Rating:
Summary: A Rare Look at a Political Cult
Review: This superbly written book provides a look at a phenomenon not widely recognized; namely, that a cult can be created around a political ideology just as easily as around a religious belief system. In the case of the little-known organization to which Ms. Stein belonged, known simply as the "O", most group members did not even know who the leader was, as he communicated solely by written instructions to his followers. This demonstrates that cult dynamics can come into play even where the leader is not a charismatic figure in the usual sense of the word. Ms. Stein's gruelling ordeal, which began as an idealistic effort based on Marxist principles and ended in exhaustion and the discovery of a shocking crime, makes for a memorable read. Inside Out is a very useful addition to cult memoir literature from a talented writer.

Rating:
Summary: A Rare Look at a Political Cult
Review: This superbly written book provides a look at a phenomenon not widely recognized; namely, that a cult can be created around a political ideology just as easily as around a religious belief system. In the case of the little-known organization to which Ms. Stein belonged, known simply as the "O", most group members did not even know who the leader was, as he communicated solely by written instructions to his followers. This demonstrates that cult dynamics can come into play even where the leader is not a charismatic figure in the usual sense of the word. Ms. Stein's gruelling ordeal, which began as an idealistic effort based on Marxist principles and ended in exhaustion and the discovery of a shocking crime, makes for a memorable read. Inside Out is a very useful addition to cult memoir literature from a talented writer.