WALKING WITH THE ENEMY
A TESTIMONY by C. Read
Writer Digest Book Awards
Judge’s Commentary
2016-2020
“Judge, 28th Annual Writer’s Digest
Self-Published Book Awards”
Entry Category: Life Stories
3 November 2020
Judge’s Commentary*:
This book provided a portrayal of the author’s difficult experiences with a particular group. As the author, C. Read, tells the story, it unfolds at a good pace within the text.
There were several letters and conversation references within the book. Sifting through the letters was challenging. As a reader, it would have been easier to follow if these letters were excerpts of the most important information. What may have been more beneficial would be to talk about what was being addressed in the letters and using this to tell the story.
The references and end notes were helpful for the reader if they wished to know more. This might be a good place for the letters, if they are important to the writer to share.
It took quite a bit of reading to get to the gist of the story, namely, what experiences were of the most challenge to the author as the main character. To bring this information to the forefront of the book would have more likely engaged the reader to want to understand more. An editor who understands story flow might be helpful for this.
This book provides the opportunity to get to know the emotional conflict of the main character. It would be beneficial to paint a picture of who that person is. A backstory, history of where they came from, pertinent facts of their life, would be helpful for understanding.
The table of contents was well organized. The cover was an attractive design, although it was difficult to connect with the title of the book. The title seems appropriate to the meaning of the book. The back cover had just the right amount of information, related to the meaning of the book.
Entry Category: Nonfiction / Reference Books
3 November 2020
Judge’s Commentary:
The author weaves a special tale of her own faith as she struggled with the realization she had joined a cult. In religion, it is certainly easy to believe in false prophets. Through her personal stories, she digs into the difficult decision to confront the people she thought she could trust. This is a fascinating tale for those interested in religion. It can bring such great light to people, but it can also bring darkness. There are those out there that wish to take advantage of those who have strong faith. Obviously, the comparisons between the story of David Koresh and Waco are interesting, but this story is different. There are definitely some similarities. It shows how easy it is to get caught up in these bizarre situations. The author does a fantastic job of telling her story. Some of the details, such as the letters, really bring the story to life. The writing builds suspense, drama, and leads to a story you can’t put down. The book is well organized, structured, and paced. There are also small details that work, such as the names of the chapters.
The production value of the book is also well done. The cover design on the hardback is fantastic. The interior pages are also well designed.
Entry Category: Inspirational
3 November 2020
Judge’s Commentary*:
WALKING WITH THE ENEMY by C. Read is an amazing and shocking testimony. As a young Marine, C. Read gave her life to the Lord after a fellow Marine gave her a Bible and advised her to read it. She never saw the Marine again. This alone is a fascinating testimony. The story that follows is a warning for the wise. Young Christians (whether young in years or spirit or both) may think that, despite the Bible’s admonitions to beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing, that today’s religious leaders are sincere. Most are, but Christians should always be, as the Bible says, wise as serpents but innocent as doves. Followers of any religion must choose their leaders with care, as there are, sadly, wolves in every religious leadership. And even smart people can be misled, as the author’s story shows. By telling events as they happened, with documentation, the reader can learn from this author.
The book’s production values are excellent. The book is professionally bound and the cover works well. The endorsements on the back are excellent. The blurb explaining that the author is warning about evil is excellent. An author photo would have added interest, but the reader can respect the author’s choice not to include one since the text reveals the truth about real people and an actual situation.
Overall, this is a book worth reading, and heeding.
“Judge, 27th Annual Writer’s Digest
Self-Published Book Awards”
Entry Category: Inspirational
4 December 2019
Judge’s Commentary
WALKING WITH THE ENEMY: A TESTIMONY by C. Read is a compelling true story and cautionary tale about how one should not trust everyone who says they serve the Lord Jesus. In truth, it’s good to trust yet verify (not my original words) in any situation. I appreciate the fact that this book is written by a Christian, a woman who clearly loves the Lord, has loved Him for years, and is serious in her faith walk. This book will inspire those with and even those without faith. Perhaps it may bring some to the faith. Nice work.
Though the cover is dark, the sword tip makes it eye-catching. Though I appreciated seeing book reviews on the back cover, personal endorsements would have been more effective. The book summary is excellent. I would have liked to see an author photo.
Inside, I was a bit put off by several different types of styles. They include Q and A, interviews, narrative, etc. I believe this story would have been far more compelling had this book been placed in the hands of an editor skilled in writing truth as a novel. The story is important; I would have liked to have been more taken by the presentation.
Overall, this author has a wonderful heart and is in tune with God’s will.
Entry Category: Life Stories
4 December 2019
Judge’s Commentary
Anyone who falls into the life of a cult and experiences what C. Read experienced and survives to write the tale deserves to be applauded. Walking With the Enemy is an inspirational story of surviving abuse, cult life and what comes after escaping. It’s hard to use the phrase “I enjoyed reading the book,” because of the subject matter, but overall I did.
However, now about the writing and the structure of the book: While I understand putting in copies of the letters that the author wrote to everyone involved as well as the transcripts of taped messages she had left, I do wish the book started out being written in a more narrative form. By page 37, I was still just reading the letters the author wrote and I found that to be quite long. She could’ve structured it a little differently, because I felt a little lost and after a while, I wanted to move on from the letters. A little more about the feelings and emotion of the author and her experiences at the beginning of the book would have been more intriguing and kept me turning pages.
I commend the author for writing a book after such a traumatic experience.
Entry Category: Nonfiction / Reference Books
4 December 2019
Judge’s Commentary
Illuminating and often inspiring in its scope and detail, this highly personal hardcover book—a new edition of the author’s book first published in 1995—reveals her troubled religious path, including her warnings about the “enemy”—the devil, or Satan. She cites how to recognize and defeat this pervasive and malignant force and how we face a turning point in history. Her theological testimony on her own spiritual passage and awakening, strewn with self-criticism, is buttressed by many Biblical precepts. Her bouts with a Bible study group are candidly discussed. Many letters, as well as taped messages and transcripts, are forceful and passionate in their message. Excerpts from her journal also attest to her suggestions on how to be a good Christian in today’s world. Prophecies and cults, including the Branch Davidians, are put into clear focus. The chapter on making a choice between Christ and the Anti-Christ is particularly vivid.
The book also offers a useful timeline of her prolonged situation, an index of Holy Scriptures, and extensive end notes.
Inserting any relevant photos would give the book a good pictorial dimension. A headcut of the author would be appropriate.
The title is intriguing. The words “A testimony” accomplishes little by itself and would work better with a subtitle that clearly indicates the book’s contents. The testimonial on the front cover would be better placed on the rear cover. The cover image is good.
“Judge, 26th Annual Writer’s Digest
Self-Published Book Awards.”
Entry Category: Nonfiction / Reference Books
27 November 2018
Judge’s Commentary
This is a very personal and, in places, courageous account by the author of her encounter with and escape from a cult that began as a Bible study group. In her narrative, she underscores her faith on almost every page…To a large part, her testimony is constructed of letters she exchanged with members of the study group/cult and others. The letters are complex, often repetitive, but always sounding sincere. There are also transcripts of audio tapes, radio interviews, courtroom testimony and legal statements. The text is also documented extensively with end notes and biblical quotes appropriate to the specific text. The result is an almost overwhelming “voice” of faith and concern emerging from a 1993 incident… Ultimately, the goal of this testimony of faith and its upmarket packaging is to bring forth the author’s battle with the members of the study group/cult, and in this, the author succeeds.
Entry Category: Inspirational
20 November 2018
Judge’s Commentary
WALKING WITH THE ENEMY: A TESTIMONY: THE VICTORY EDITION by C. Read is an amazing true account of the inner workings of a cult. This book is a fabulous tool for evangelization and will also open the eyes of those who already know the Lord. We must always be on the lookout for the deceptive wiles of Satan and be on guard so we can avoid them and fight them if necessary. The author reinforces the account with cautions and warnings that will help others not to fall into a trap. By reading this account, innocent people can learn and then use the tools discussed and illustrated through this memoir to fight for the right. I hope everyone reads this book. The presentation and production value of this book is amazing…Clearly the author intends for people to keep this on their library shelves and I believe it has earned a place there. The raised gold print gives the book more importance. The cover flaps offer much helpful information as well. All in all, this is a heartfelt and sincere memoir with a purpose and mission. I believe this book has the power to change lives.
“Judge, 25th Annual Writer’s Digest
Self-Published Book Awards.”
Entry Category: Inspirational
29 November 2017
Judge’s Commentary
“Author’s personal experiences add to the depth of authority and reliable testimony in this important book. We are intrigued by the author’s opening statement of having walked with the enemy while believing author was walking with the faithful. We remember the Waco event, and as such have a mild understanding of what can happen, but it is this look into the inner world of a similar follower that awakens understanding, guiding us to question our own beliefs and associations. Well done.
Author has taken what I’m sure what a challenging journey and has spent much time and care in the creation of this book. I’m impressed by the amount of research and scripture use here, and doubly impressed by the author’s exposition on such insights. Well done.
Within this journey, we see and feel the effects of relationship wreckage, moving portions that elicit great emotion in us. Author’s letters contain great humility and profound expressions of respect that concern us. The author brilliantly paints for us a look at how disconnection isn’t immediate, and that grains of follower mindset still exist during the disconnection and disillusionment phase. Well done and nicely paced.
Author’s writing voice is relatable as it is instructional, and we listen intently for the next dose of wisdom to come. Very engaging. I was especially moved by the author’s take on some letters as being ‘prideful and arrogant,’ when what I saw was healthy self-esteem. Well done.
We can see the spell starting to wear off… ‘Just because you believe something doesn’t make it true…’is the heart of the book. We can feel the weight of this battle and applaud the author for the bravery in sharing this growth journey. Pace is stellar, the book engaging from cover to cover. Well done.”
“Judge, 4th Annual
Self-Published e-Book Awards.”
Entry Category: Life Stories
25 January 2017
Judge’s Commentary
A beautiful start with the ‘translation’ from darkness to God’s light creating a sense of expectation in the reader. Well done. Very visual and experiential. The author removes many of the assumptions we may have about what it takes to move into the light. We feel, via the author’s relatable and authentic writing voice, trepidation about peeling back the layers of religious groups who may influence us or our loved ones.
Author smartly weaves her own experiences into the book in a great balance, with a maturity of writing that goes beyond ‘here is what I did’ to creating a touchstone for the reader to relate to. Well done. Author shows great spiritual growth in the message of expressing kindness to those who have hurt us, and we get a clear and resonant message that some people cannot be guided. The author shows great dedication to trying to be of help, and our reading experience brings with it that sense of service.
The transcripts with Kim are difficult to read emotionally. There is a palpable sense of pain and fear of loss there. Well done. Author does a great job of differentiating characters and capturing voices, creating fully-rounded personas for each. Impressive. Scripture is well-chosen and shared generously, adding a depth of inspiration to the book and adding to our own faith journeys. We feel a power of conviction in the author’s efforts to try to expose Bill’s cult, at times creating a sense of fear in us, followed swiftly by a feeling of admiration for the author. A moving tale, enjoyably read thanks to the author’s brave and authentic writing voice.
“Judge, 24th Annual Writer’s Digest
Self-Published Book Awards.”
Entry Category: Inspirational
30 November 2016
Judge’s Commentary
Walking with the Enemy by author C. Read is well written and well organized. Mrs. Read shares her story of spiritual awakening. She writes about her involvement with a Bible study group that turned out to be a cult remarkably similar to the incident at Waco, Texas, led by David Koresh. The best part of Walking with the Enemy is the research the author did on the Timeline Index and Holy Scripture Index at the end of the book…Mrs. Read rounded up a generous collection of anecdotes, illustrations, descriptions, dialogue, and quotes. The author mentions how her life changed after receiving Christ as Lord and states: “Regardless of your individual circumstances, if you have never experienced the amazing grace of God, and incredible forgiveness of the Lord, either way, the end result is the same: You need the Lord God Almighty in your life! And I pray that you have come to that same conclusion.” Sharing her personal experience through the Bible, she explains how our own choices and actions will dictate our own fate.