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This sort of thing is what happened to me. One day, in FellowLaborers, I found myself all alone in the house for some reason. I happened to look in a full length mirror and, just like that, like a bolt of lightning, a feeling of self-awareness came over me as I found myself asking, "How the hell did I get here?". Now, I don't mean I couldn't remember arriving or the trip there. I mean I suddenly wondered how my life could have evolved so drastically without me noticing. I realized I wasn't the same person I had been before I got involved with The Way. Not just a little different, but like a completely different person. My bridges to return were gone, vanished. It's not a good feeling. I started to silently question everything that was happening. If only I had paid closer attention to what was unfolding, life might have been very different. Would it have been better? Would it have been worse? Who's to say. But, for sure, it would have been much different.

Legal authorities are the only ones with leverage? After the cult or narcissist has led one to abandon all friends and family and education and career, where will one go? Where is one’s support? Leverage. Mental tricks are designed to distort reality. The prison feels real, even if it’s a state of mind.

"If you leave now, the adversary will have free reign to harm your family." (or so we are told, as Advanced Class grads.)

An interview was posted by the writer of the book that sparks questions.

Just to remind people, this thread is about Charlene's book. It is not about snowstorms, snakes in gardens, lesbian sex, or even, really, about VPW himself. It's about her take on his teaching. Her book. Which, doubtless, Mike and other derailers have not read.