Danielle T. (sugarkane) -
Helpful Score: 3
This book is absolutely engaging! Layton does such a good job explaining the paranoia surrounding the People's Temple that I started to look over my shoulder a couple of times. By the time I was mid way through this book, I could not read it if it was dark outside, or else I got kinda freaked out. An excellent, although mentally scary book.
Jennifer G. (puakinikini) reviewed Seductive Poison : A Jonestown Survivor's Story of Life and Death in the People's Temple on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
So intersting - this book tells the story of Jonestown from the inside. A very engaging memoir.
Amy D. (Iowan) reviewed Seductive Poison : A Jonestown Survivor's Story of Life and Death in the People's Temple on + 173 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is a first-person account of the seduction of members, many disadvantaged, troubled or young, into the cult that was the Peoples Temple. The author, Deborah Layton, found solace in the church that had already welcomed her brother. Her rough teen years were quickly put behind her when she rose through the ranks of the church and gained Jim Jones trust.
However, he garden of Eden that was promised in Guyana turned out to be anything but and Layton knew that she had made a terrible mistake. Leaving behind everyone she held dear, she risked her life to return to the US.
Regardless of how many historical accounts you may have read of the massacre of 1978, this eye-witness testimony underscores how so many could have fallen under the spell.
However, he garden of Eden that was promised in Guyana turned out to be anything but and Layton knew that she had made a terrible mistake. Leaving behind everyone she held dear, she risked her life to return to the US.
Regardless of how many historical accounts you may have read of the massacre of 1978, this eye-witness testimony underscores how so many could have fallen under the spell.
Tricia C. reviewed Seductive Poison : A Jonestown Survivor's Story of Life and Death in the People's Temple on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
If you want to understand how brain washing can work, how cults can form, you should read this book. A fabulous insider's account about what happened at Jonestown, and the lessons we still have not learned (see Waco).
