Overview

Right under the noses of neighbors, clients, spouses, children, and friends, a secret society, simply called School, a cult of snared Manhattan professionals, has been led by the charismatic, sociopathic, and dangerous leader Sharon Gans for decades. Spencer Schneider was recruited in the eighties, and he stayed for more than twenty-three years as his life disintegrated, his self-esteem eroded, and he lined the pockets of Gans and her cult. Cult members met twice weekly, though they never acknowledged one another outside of meetings or gatherings. In the name of inner development, they endured the horrors of mental, sexual, and physical abuse, forced labor, arranged marriages, swindled inheritances and savings, and systematic terrorizing. Some of them broke the law. All for Gans. During those years, Schneider writes, my world was School. That's what it's like when you're in a cult, even one that preys on and caters to New York's educated elite. This is my story of how I got entangled in School and how I got out. At its core, Manhattan Cult Story is a cautionary tale of how hundreds of well-educated, savvy, and prosperous New Yorkers became fervent followers of a brilliant but demented cult leader who posed as a teacher of ancient knowledge. It's about double-lives, the power of group psychology, and how easy it is to be radicalized, all too relevant in today's atmosphere of conspiracy and ideologue worship.

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9781666612028

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Spencer Schneider is an attorney who specializes in corporate litigation. An open-water marathon swimmer and ice-water swimmer, he works as an ocean lifeguard, operates a lifeguard training academy, and co-founded a water-rescue group. A member of School's inner circle for twenty-three years, he is the only former member to publish about his experience in the cult. He lives in New York and East Hampton and has a son and a dog. Austin Rising began acting at the age of four and went on to study acting at the University of Denver. He can be seen on television in shows like Better Call Saul and Longmire. A gifted mimic, he enjoys narrating audiobooks in a number of genres including young adult, science fiction, and fantasy. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

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