I was late to the buddy read party, however I'll be back in a day or 2 to watch and add commentary. 6 chapters in I am enjoying the read! PS. I heart the placement of your llama pillow, just chillin' over your shoulder, enjoying the book talks🤭
I love your questions/discussion and was surprised to hear that you don't enjoy Buddy Reads/book discussions since you do them so well and in a relaxing/enjoyable manner.
#4 Yes, for me, the timeframe made it very suspenseful and I kept wondering if this was a common practice (send them out and see if they return) but that turned out to be wrong idea. But, yes, the timeline worked for me.
@@ChantelReadsAllDay Yes, from Zylynn's perspective it did seem like a test...but afterwards I figured it must have been families that wised up or a similar case to Zylynn's. That added to the mystery/suspense... having only Zylynn's perspective.
I am really enjoying these "buddy reads". They are not books I would have picked but so far (the first two) have been great. I like stretching my reading pallet.
@@ChantelReadsAllDay @Chantel at An Intentional I just finished it. First, I think it the age reccomendation would be different for every child. I think I would personally let my 11 year old read it, but we came out of clutish stuff, so that would be why I would let him. I would have to agree that they should've at least tried to tell her, but even if they did I doubt she would've believed them. I can remember my dad telling me that stuff they were teaching in the church I was going to was false and that it was strange that you couldn't just go up and talk to the pastor (because he was literally treated like royalty pretty much only the other pastors and leaders could talk to him) anyways my dad said stuff like that and I thought he was crazy and that he was blind when in reality I was. I feel so bad for people who come out of even worse cults then I did. I can't even imagine growing up in one. I was only at this church for maybe 4 year and I am still dealing with issues and question everything.
I think they did a kind of a good job to help her adjust, I think they should have done more or taken her to a psychiatrist or therapist to help her readjustment period , I know she probably wouldn’t have wanted to talk but it’s a start
I kept wondering that myself when I was reading the book, "why are they not taking her to a psychiatrist?" But, I guess they wanted to give her some time to adjust first.
#3 About the random definitions, I thought it was to appease the state workers who seemed to occasionally check on the compound. She mentioned the strangers in class, it was were the one kid who answered wrong and didn't get pinged right away (because of the stranger/state worker though Zylynn did not figure that out) but was pinged later. She said it was the only pinging that didn't make sense to her.
#7 No, I have never read this author before this buddy read. Though, I might have to read more from her as this was a good book and really drew me into it.
I likely wouldn’t have picked this book, had you not recommended it, thanks for the recommendation! I found it interesting and I agree so well done. I’m thinking depending on a kids sensitivities, I wouldn’t recommend it to all kids especially young middle grade readers. But could be a good read for older even 14, to understand the topic. I thought the food containers under the bed very interesting and to me it showed the willingness of her step mom, to not push to hard to quick. Food deprivation can take a lifetime to overcome, so I thought it was baby steps. When they went to Target and she thought she was going to another compound, I thought how easy it actually would be to forget or not think of all her triggers and lack of knowledge of the outside world. The business of entering a cult always makes me think how does this happen? It seems like a gradual process, but still so hard for me to fully comprehend. This book stayed with me, and has me thinking. - Melodie
Yes, I found it so interesting how the stepmom put the food into containers, it shows a lot of care on her part. It seems so natural to just want to throw the food away but Charita understood her need to have food available. It goes to show that Charita was doing a lot of research and had probably read about this. Good point about the triggers, it would be such a process in the beginning to figure out what all her triggers are.
Agreed! It sticks with you and you chew on it. It also made me think about being cautious so I don't accidentally get dragged into a cult. I don't think I will be but as my Dad has said, anyone can be deceived".
Finally getting around to watching this. I am so glad you loved it! In regards to how her parents handled the situation I think they weren't perfect but I also think sometimes we have a tendency to just assume people know things so we don't explain them because every 12 year old already knows this. I loved her stepmother - she was so gentle and patient, not perfect but a really beautiful character. Also, just a couple thoughts about cults and brainwashing. I grew up with an uncle (by marriage) who was a pastor of a communal church that gradually became a cult. I wasn't allowed to see my cousin for years because they all cut ties with family. I think things happen so slowly, and things become justified little by little. You can go from a solid, Bible based church to something that is so off base so gradually that I think people just accept little tiny changes. A to B is not a big deal...and then C...and suddenly you're at Z and those on the outside say how did they get to the point where alcohol and drug abuse, sleeping around, and molesting children is the norm, but those on the inside have either left by that point or are just so completely blind to what is actually happening. It's a disturbing thing but even just looking at the world in general today people are so easily accepting of what they are told. The government says this or the CDC or this person or that person so it must be true and they don't even question anymore. It's a scary thing.
#1. I have an eight year old daughter and no I would not let her read this. Her maturity is not ready for it but it is extremely well written and the tough topic is dealt with in ,I think , a sensitive manner. I certainly would recommend it to 11/12 year olds.
I would say this book is for older kids, at least 12. In the book, I got the impression the changes in the cult were gradual and the children had a different level of brainwashing than the adults who joined. I think the tea was drugged. The lights being on all of the time also probably messed up their brain chemistry a bit. These two things helped with brainwashing the kids.
I would have liked a longer timeline for the girl to need to get back to the cult. More time would have made her developing bond with her family more believable.
Yes, you are right, the tea was drugged, I was just curious as to what kind of drug/what the exact effects were. They seemed to be a bit lethargic but was it more than that? That is such a good point about the lights being on messing with their brain chemistry - I tried to Google it after reading your comment but the only stuff I could get to come up is how light is positive (I think in regards to the winter blues and stuff in places where it is dark a lot).
I'm sure the tea was used at least to help the children sleep with the lights on. There may have been other uses for it, but the book made it unclear. I found more results when I searched "effects of sleeping with lights on."
#2 (or actually #1, lol) - I don't know. I want to say yes but I really have no experience with someone coming out of a cult. But, I agree with you that they should have explained the food situation.
I think the liars daughter was a way better explanation of a cultish childs experience!!!!! I really think that one is so much better of life outside and how a child tries to adapt!!!!
I agree that this isn’t a middle grade book that I’d give to younger kids in the middle grade age range. I don’t think Claire would understand the deeper issues and the emotional aspects would go over her head. I actually think the parents handled the situation really well. Zylynn shut them out as much as possible, so she would’ve refused to listen to them that much more if they tried to explain who her mother was or that things she learned wasn’t true. I’m also not sure they knew the extent of the trauma/brain washing, because she refused to speak with them for the most part. At the leader’s house at the end of the book, I think the other adults had been brainwashed for years and the process has been gradual. When Zylynn’s dad left, it wasn’t nearly as bad as when Zylynn was taken out of it. No one ever went into the leader’s house except a select few who were chosen, so the kids and other adults never would have known the hypocrisy. Even if they did, I think they would’ve believed the leader’s explanation to Zylynn. I think the only reason she could see through it was because she’d been out of the cult for long enough that she was starting to discover the truth.
Great points! I think you are definitely on to something about Zylynn's mom, had she found out earlier she probably would have been in denial, the way it came out was probably the best for her.
#6 Yes, I,too, had a hard time understanding how they could justify the feast on a hungry day, the guns, the wealth of his house when the others are in what sounded like boot camp with lightbulbs everywhere....I mean wow hypocrisy much? But, as you said, I know it happens.
I was late to the buddy read party, however I'll be back in a day or 2 to watch and add commentary. 6 chapters in I am enjoying the read!
PS. I heart the placement of your llama pillow, just chillin' over your shoulder, enjoying the book talks🤭
The llama is my reading buddy all the time. ☺️
I love your questions/discussion and was surprised to hear that you don't enjoy Buddy Reads/book discussions since you do them so well and in a relaxing/enjoyable manner.
Aww, thanks for that!
#4 Yes, for me, the timeframe made it very suspenseful and I kept wondering if this was a common practice (send them out and see if they return) but that turned out to be wrong idea. But, yes, the timeline worked for me.
I was thinking that too since a bunch of kids seemed to "disappear" right before their 13th birthday I was wondering if it was some kind of test.
@@ChantelReadsAllDay Yes, from Zylynn's perspective it did seem like a test...but afterwards I figured it must have been families that wised up or a similar case to Zylynn's. That added to the mystery/suspense... having only Zylynn's perspective.
Thank you for picking this book, it was on my radar because of you but I was planning to read at some point next year 😊
I'm glad I gave you the push to read it now!
I am really enjoying these "buddy reads". They are not books I would have picked but so far (the first two) have been great. I like stretching my reading pallet.
That's great! I'm looking forward to August!
I am currently half way threw this book and I'm liking it so far!
I can't wait to hear your thoughts!
@@ChantelReadsAllDay @Chantel at An Intentional I just finished it.
First, I think it the age reccomendation would be different for every child. I think I would personally let my 11 year old read it, but we came out of clutish stuff, so that would be why I would let him.
I would have to agree that they should've at least tried to tell her, but even if they did I doubt she would've believed them. I can remember my dad telling me that stuff they were teaching in the church I was going to was false and that it was strange that you couldn't just go up and talk to the pastor (because he was literally treated like royalty pretty much only the other pastors and leaders could talk to him) anyways my dad said stuff like that and I thought he was crazy and that he was blind when in reality I was. I feel so bad for people who come out of even worse cults then I did. I can't even imagine growing up in one. I was only at this church for maybe 4 year and I am still dealing with issues and question everything.
I think they did a kind of a good job to help her adjust, I think they should have done more or taken her to a psychiatrist or therapist to help her readjustment period , I know she probably wouldn’t have wanted to talk but it’s a start
I totally agree with this! Therapy should have been one of the first things they did.
I kept wondering that myself when I was reading the book, "why are they not taking her to a psychiatrist?" But, I guess they wanted to give her some time to adjust first.
#3 About the random definitions, I thought it was to appease the state workers who seemed to occasionally check on the compound. She mentioned the strangers in class, it was were the one kid who answered wrong and didn't get pinged right away (because of the stranger/state worker though Zylynn did not figure that out) but was pinged later. She said it was the only pinging that didn't make sense to her.
Right, that would make total sense!
#7 No, I have never read this author before this buddy read. Though, I might have to read more from her as this was a good book and really drew me into it.
I definitely recommend Forever or a Long, Long Time!
I likely wouldn’t have picked this book, had you not recommended it, thanks for the recommendation! I found it interesting and I agree so well done. I’m thinking depending on a kids sensitivities, I wouldn’t recommend it to all kids especially young middle grade readers. But could be a good read for older even 14, to understand the topic. I thought the food containers under the bed very interesting and to me it showed the willingness of her step mom, to not push to hard to quick. Food deprivation can take a lifetime to overcome, so I thought it was baby steps. When they went to Target and she thought she was going to another compound, I thought how easy it actually would be to forget or not think of all her triggers and lack of knowledge of the outside world. The business of entering a cult always makes me think how does this happen? It seems like a gradual process, but still so hard for me to fully comprehend. This book stayed with me, and has me thinking. - Melodie
Yes, I found it so interesting how the stepmom put the food into containers, it shows a lot of care on her part. It seems so natural to just want to throw the food away but Charita understood her need to have food available. It goes to show that Charita was doing a lot of research and had probably read about this.
Good point about the triggers, it would be such a process in the beginning to figure out what all her triggers are.
@@ChantelReadsAllDay you might have me interested in cult books :)
Agreed! It sticks with you and you chew on it. It also made me think about being cautious so I don't accidentally get dragged into a cult. I don't think I will be but as my Dad has said, anyone can be deceived".
@@melodieschellenberg906 haha, they are so interesting!
Finally getting around to watching this. I am so glad you loved it! In regards to how her parents handled the situation I think they weren't perfect but I also think sometimes we have a tendency to just assume people know things so we don't explain them because every 12 year old already knows this. I loved her stepmother - she was so gentle and patient, not perfect but a really beautiful character.
Also, just a couple thoughts about cults and brainwashing. I grew up with an uncle (by marriage) who was a pastor of a communal church that gradually became a cult. I wasn't allowed to see my cousin for years because they all cut ties with family. I think things happen so slowly, and things become justified little by little. You can go from a solid, Bible based church to something that is so off base so gradually that I think people just accept little tiny changes. A to B is not a big deal...and then C...and suddenly you're at Z and those on the outside say how did they get to the point where alcohol and drug abuse, sleeping around, and molesting children is the norm, but those on the inside have either left by that point or are just so completely blind to what is actually happening. It's a disturbing thing but even just looking at the world in general today people are so easily accepting of what they are told. The government says this or the CDC or this person or that person so it must be true and they don't even question anymore. It's a scary thing.
Thanks for sharing all this, Anne! Yes, it's definitely those slow shifts that seem to catch people!
#1. I have an eight year old daughter and no I would not let her read this. Her maturity is not ready for it but it is extremely well written and the tough topic is dealt with in ,I think , a sensitive manner. I certainly would recommend it to 11/12 year olds.
I would say this book is for older kids, at least 12. In the book, I got the impression the changes in the cult were gradual and the children had a different level of brainwashing than the adults who joined. I think the tea was drugged. The lights being on all of the time also probably messed up their brain chemistry a bit. These two things helped with brainwashing the kids.
I would have liked a longer timeline for the girl to need to get back to the cult. More time would have made her developing bond with her family more believable.
Yes, you are right, the tea was drugged, I was just curious as to what kind of drug/what the exact effects were. They seemed to be a bit lethargic but was it more than that?
That is such a good point about the lights being on messing with their brain chemistry - I tried to Google it after reading your comment but the only stuff I could get to come up is how light is positive (I think in regards to the winter blues and stuff in places where it is dark a lot).
I'm sure the tea was used at least to help the children sleep with the lights on. There may have been other uses for it, but the book made it unclear. I found more results when I searched "effects of sleeping with lights on."
Where is this buddy read held? I’m confused how this works
Just here in the comments!
#2 (or actually #1, lol) - I don't know. I want to say yes but I really have no experience with someone coming out of a cult. But, I agree with you that they should have explained the food situation.
I think the liars daughter was a way better explanation of a cultish childs experience!!!!! I really think that one is so much better of life outside and how a child tries to adapt!!!!
It was really well done!
I agree that this isn’t a middle grade book that I’d give to younger kids in the middle grade age range. I don’t think Claire would understand the deeper issues and the emotional aspects would go over her head.
I actually think the parents handled the situation really well. Zylynn shut them out as much as possible, so she would’ve refused to listen to them that much more if they tried to explain who her mother was or that things she learned wasn’t true. I’m also not sure they knew the extent of the trauma/brain washing, because she refused to speak with them for the most part.
At the leader’s house at the end of the book, I think the other adults had been brainwashed for years and the process has been gradual. When Zylynn’s dad left, it wasn’t nearly as bad as when Zylynn was taken out of it. No one ever went into the leader’s house except a select few who were chosen, so the kids and other adults never would have known the hypocrisy. Even if they did, I think they would’ve believed the leader’s explanation to Zylynn. I think the only reason she could see through it was because she’d been out of the cult for long enough that she was starting to discover the truth.
Great points! I think you are definitely on to something about Zylynn's mom, had she found out earlier she probably would have been in denial, the way it came out was probably the best for her.
I would say the ideal age would be the older end of the middle grade age range so 12/13
I agree!
#6 Yes, I,too, had a hard time understanding how they could justify the feast on a hungry day, the guns, the wealth of his house when the others are in what sounded like boot camp with lightbulbs everywhere....I mean wow hypocrisy much? But, as you said, I know it happens.