I can see why this book is highly recommended

I heard the author interviewed on two different podcasts about escaping and preventing the ongoing harm done by ‘high demand’ groups. Ie: organisations (small or large) that fill up all of your available time. These might be religious, political, new age, gamers/social, businesses or groups within those. Big tip: you won’t be able to tell straight away, because high control organisations or individuals reach you through everyday activities which are friendly and helpful.

The fact that the author herself was trapped in one of these high control organisations for 9 years meant that I greatly trusted the academic lens that she also brings to this work.

Real examples, sobering facts and practical suggested solutions.

I found this book so insightful that I have also bought a hard copy so I can look at the diagrams and refer back.

I recommend this to anyone who has themselves left a high control group, or was born into one, including families where control is exercised through fear, guilt, reward and punishment, control of financial resources, close monitoring of time and activities etc.

I also recommend this book for anyone who thinks ‘this could never happen to me or my children’. Also recommend it to anyone who works in public health, politics, activism, policing, security, family violence prevention/recovery and teaching. To be informed is certainly to be forearmed!

Reading this book has helped me feel more compassionate towards myself and others, and curious to keep learning more.

Absolute gem of a book. I reckon it would be great for adult book groups and high school classes in civics or health.

Thank you Alexandra for turning your experience into an important shared learning.

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