Ms. McChesney travels down the "Yellow Brick Road" and through the "Dark Forest" as she finds herself getting increasingly entangled and her choices taken from her in a Christian nondenominational fellowship of believers in the late 70s to 1990 in rural United States. As the entanglement progresses to a form of imprisonment, she angrily and secretly challenges the God of her religion in the way of questions for which she demands and expects answers. Answers pour forth in waves of several disturbing events that impact her and her family until a time of death and destruction that serves to eventually pave a way out. She tells her story not to condemn the offenders, but to encourage victims to be strong, release fear and take personal responsibility.
Assessment:
Plot: Makena McChesney’s heartfelt memoir offers a plot with clear scaffolding from the very first page, and the ensuing tale of submission, disillusionment, and realization, while at times slow, is nonetheless compelling and empowering.
Prose: McChesney’s memoir strikes an honest and conversational tone throughout the book. Though her prose can be verbose, it is also raw, and packed with authentic emotion and thoughtful reflection.
Originality: Seeking Oz presents the view of a cult and cult leader as they consolidate power—rich and familiar territory for a memoir. However, this book is more than a cult story--it is the unique and relatable tale of a flattened and preyed upon woman claiming her physical and emotional space in the world.
Character Development: In the sharing of such a personal journey, the most layered and developed character is, of course, the narrator, who unflinchingly recalls her past with honesty and candor. While other characters do not always feel fully fleshed-out, their impact and effect upon McChesney is fraught and dynamic.
Date Submitted: August 28, 2018
1.
Johanna Carroll reviewed Seeking Oz: My Twelve-Year Journey in a Cult
A false prophet is finally busted! August 17, 2018
Wow what a journey for the author. It’s amazing that under the guise of religion she tried to endure such manipulative behavior. It’s even more amazing she was brave enough to stand up for herself and finally leave!
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2.
MEHERNOSH D. reviewed Seeking Oz: My Twelve-Year Journey in a Cult
Engaging. August 14, 2018
Heartfelt narrative with strong analogies. Will wait for the sequel as hinted in the book.
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3.
Chuck Boge reviewed Seeking Oz: My Twelve-Year Journey in a Cult
Amazing August 1, 2018
Is amazing that these people made it out.
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4.
TurbanDiva reviewed Seeking Oz: My Twelve-Year Journey in a Cult
1 of 1 people found the following helpful
I couldn’t put it down! July 6, 2018
This is a fascinating, fast paced read. Having gone to Catholic school for 12 years, I could relate to the guilt that can override our intuition and leave one in a state of codependency and submission. The author’s deep faith and goodness left her susceptible to religious manipulation, and we must be ever faithful to our personal connection to God as we understand that spirit.
