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Cult Deception: How a Personal Development Company Seduced Me and How I Broke Free Kindle Edition

by Dana Baker (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
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About the Book
In this riveting true story, Dana Baker describes her innocent entry into what she thought was a self-improvement organization to her abrupt exit from what was a harmful, mind-boggling institution.
The moment Dana enters “Duped Development,” readers will be intrigued with her story. You will be surprised at the prevalence of mind control and group hypnosis all around us. Readers will learn the dangers of cults and how to avoid being deceived by lofty promises.
Brainwashing does not just happen to the gullible; the most educated and emotionally strong among us are susceptible.
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  1. Print length
    59 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    October 15, 2017
  5. File size
    889 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B076GVZV78
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 15, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 889 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 59 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 13 ratings

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
13 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Laura Shanley
5.0 out of 5 stars "Personal Development" groups exposed for what they truly are
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2017
Verified Purchase
This book couldn't have come at a better time. The day after reading it, a friend approached me encouraging me to join a group exactly like the one Dana wrote about. Oddly enough, two days later another friend did the same thing. Different group, same tactics - encouragement to attend a "graduation" i.e. recruitment, where I could learn more about their trainings, statements to the effect that the high cost was worth it and that I simply wasn't capable of making any meaningful progress in my life without the trainings, repeated requests to "at least attend one session" where they were sure I would be convinced to sign up. These were not stupid people. Like Dana, they were educated women who wanted to make a change in their lives and were swayed by the instant friendships made and bits and pieces of truth that were scattered throughout the trainings. Of course I declined their requests. I also shared what I had learned from Dana's book in hopes that perhaps sooner rather than later they would realize they had been duped by an organization that truly did not have their best interests in mind. This is an interesting, quick read. Highly recommended!
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Penne D. Ard
4.0 out of 5 stars Compelling, Cautionary Tale of Triumph
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2017
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Thoughtful, emotional experience for both author and reader. The story draws you in and holds the audience spellbound for most of the book. Some of the historical background seems to be based on personal viewpoints, but everything ties together nicely in the end with timeless wisdom and a huge lesson learned. Well worth the read, and the knowledge that even the most educated minds can unwittingly fall prey to deceptive and devastating “marketing” tactics.
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Patricia
5.0 out of 5 stars IMPORTANT BOOK FOR ALL
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2017
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This first book of Dana Baker's is an excellent and to the point exposure of this dangerous practice of mass brainwashing and mind control. I had often wondered how these things were accomplished, and it was good to have a concise source explaining these methods. Her use of the "Red Flags" was especially helpful. I have long been aware of society's and the media's strong influence on our beliefs of false ideas of such things in matters of health, nutrition, childbirth etc, so the content of this book was not surprising to me. I am thankful that the author and her husband were able to escape from the grasp of these very dangerous people. I think this book will be very beneficial in exposing the agenda of cults who can do so much damage.
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Jade Stacey
4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2019
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Mrs. Baker’s attempts to educate us on cults and the various ways they intrude on our lives didn’t disappoint. She uses her experiences, albeit short-lived, to help us recognize the tactics of nefarious organizations. While I don’t agree with her view on what organizations constitute cults, I can see her view when the people in these organizations are hurt by their representatives. Overall an intriguing read.
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Julie G.
5.0 out of 5 stars She analyzes HOW it happens
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2017
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This is an engrossing story of how Dana Baker and her husband got sucked in to an organization that seemed like it was offering a legitimate path to personal growth. There were bits of truth and wisdom in the mix, just enough to keep her sickeningly confused for a few months until she was able to get out, after coming to the conclusion she had been manipulated and deceived. What is helpful here is that with her "red flag" format, she analyzes exactly HOW it happened. She teases out and uncovers all the separate, subtle tricks and methods of these organizations that are very hard to see.
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Bob
5.0 out of 5 stars Beware! Cults are All Around.
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2017
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WOW! Dana hits the nail on the head regarding the insidious presence of cults in our lives. Some of this is Steven King scary, since almost any group can be labelled as a cult by checking just a few of the ‘red flags’ she captures in the book. Bullying, intimidation, marginalizing, double speak, secret handshakes, etc. , all are tools of the trade for controlling others. The reader can easily imagine that organized religion, the Federal government, their political party and even the local Community Association can come very close to cult status. Just check off the boxes. A great read well written. Just be prepared for the reality.
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Sanddog Sailor
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2018
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Dana covers many red flags but missed a few. The authority on mind control is Robert j Lifton and his book thought reform and the psychology of totalism which identifies the red flag called the cult of confession. Another red flag is the accusing disgruntled followers of formatting rebellion or as she was accused of staging a coup, to force them back into submission to a cult leader. Robert J Lifton is the foundation and Dana Baker is one of the bricks in the house of anti cult understandings.
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Bonnie Griesemer
5.0 out of 5 stars This will make you think twice...
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2017
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This book is well worth reading. The author speaks from personal experience and provides an important service with well thought out and informative lessons for anyone considering a group such as "Duped Development". This is also a very valuable tool for anyone concerned about a loved one becoming involved. The author's candor is refreshing and the book is filled with important insights.
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