Manhattan cult story My unbelievable true story of sex, crimes, chaos, and survival

At 29, Schneider felt his talents going unrecognized as he toiled in his job at a law firm, and yearned for something more. Enter Schneider's acquaintance Bruce, who approached him about an institution offering greater knowledge. The origins of "School" were murky, but the literature it espoused and the affirmation of fellow classmates pulled Schneider in. He was eventually introduced to the charismatic leader of the group, Sharon Gans, whose approval could put a classmate on a pedestal, while her blistering put-downs could chasten the most boisterous. Despite warning signs about School's true purpose, Schneider and others were kept in place by feelings of validation and growth. Now, 30 years later, Schneider has an education not so much in esoterica, but more in line with being the survivor of a cult. His book, captivating throughout, blows the lid off the shady organization he was part of, illuminating School's levels of abusive power and insatiable greed.

In 1989, Schneider, a blogger at cultrevolt.com, joined School, a cult run by Sharon Gans in Manhattan. Members of School are taught techniques which claim to help them achieve a higher state of mind and Schneider outlines the core teachings and recruitment methods. However, Gans manipulated her followers' insecurities and controlled their personal lives, even dictating their relationships. Schneider chronicles his time with School, showing how he became susceptible to recruitment during a vulnerable period in his life and was coerced into staying in the cult until 2013. Each School member was expected to attend weekly classes, endure abusive behavior and cut ties with outsiders. He details the methods by which Gans controlled him and other members and forced them to do things for her including forced labor at her Montana retreat. Schneider has keen insight into Gans and shows the extent of her power and need to control others. Finally, Schneider reveals how he left the cult, and details offenses that he believes Gans committed until her death in 2021. VERDICT A highly personal account of a cult survivor.--Rebekah Kati