Reviews of “Walking With the Enemy”

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…”

I greatly appreciate honest and thoughtful reviews, but I realzie not everyone will value my writings. I have selected excerpts from some of the reviewers who have read “Walking With the Enemy,” with the full reviews included at the end.

“For all its narrative flaws, WALKING WITH THE ENEMY is an utterly unique book that offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the author, who lives by a Christian code that most people would find alien in the modern world.” Indie Review (3 Stars)

 

“This book immediately drew me in from the very beginning with the transcript of C. speaking with a prophecy and cult expert about her recent departure from a cult.”
Booktasters/Goodreads Review (5 Stars)

 

“Read’s writing is brutally honest, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and the courage required to overcome it.” Booktasters/Goodreads Reivew (4 Stars)

 

“This was a fascinating and sometimes scary look at how close this woman came to losing her identity.” Goodreads Review (5 Stars)

 

“And if, as Read attests, the devil is everywhere, and in all guises, especially those who brandish Bibles, then the only way out is to give oneself completely over to God, without reservations.” Indie Reviewer (2 Stars)

 

“The authors voice comes through well, and you definitely feel the pain, suffering and torment that was bestowed upon her, and her strong beliefs got her through that difficult time.” Booktasters Reivew (4 Stars)

 

“..this is a book that could lead us to question some things, if we are so inclined, because it speaks to the fact that others are not always who they appear to be.” Booktasters Reivew (4 Stars)

 

“It explored the depth of cult and people’s different beliefs only to turn back to the significance of Christianity and God himself.” Goodreads Review (3 Stars)

 

“I enjoyed reading this book and it was a fantastic book.” Goodreads Review (5 Stars)

 

“I would highly recommend this book to anyone whether they are a practicing Christian or not because it is an honest retelling of an individual making sense of life, morality, and the world around them through their personal beliefs.” Goodreads Review (3 Stars)

 

“Very inspiring and informative book. It opens the eyes to the dangers that are out there and how to recognize the wolves in sheep’s clothing. A great book for those that are searching for truth in a confusing world.” Goodreads Review (5 Stars)

 

“The book is dominated by Biblical quotations that reminded me of the old saying, ‘Even Satan can quote Scripture…” Goodreads Review (31/2 Stars)

 

“C. Read tells us everything there is to know about her experience with deception and finding truth in God.” (3 Stars)

 

“Readers will likely be convinced of the author’s devoutness early on, which she bolsters with many biblical references…” Kirkus Review

 

“An inherently fascinating, thoroughly absorbing, candidly personal story that should be considered urgent reading for anyone having to deal with a loved one tempted to join a cult or already part of one.” Midwest Book Review

 

“In the end, this is all about one woman’s enlightenment, and she does a good job of bringing hope and restoring faith to readers who perhaps have misplaced theirs along the way. Whether you are a believer or a critic, C. Read’s testimony is something you should ‘listen to.’ Feather Quill Review

The Full Reviews…

3 Star Review by Fedythereader
(Booktasters Reviewer) at Good Reads
13 December 2024

Thank you to the author and @booktasters_ on Instagram for sharing a copy of this book with me!!

“That was a night that none of us present will ever forget. It is because of what has transpired since that night as to why this has become an issue”

This literary fiction book is perfect for every person who feels like they have lost the way and are looking for their way back into their inner Christianity. It was a sort of memoir of an experience the author had in what was originally a bible group and then turned into something more.

It explored the depth of cult and people’s different beliefs only to turn back to the significance of Christianity and God himself. It was a journey through knowing oneself and our religious spirit. Our belief and the awareness of something bigger and stronger which is there to protect us, even though sometimes we might feel like we are abandoned or we have forsaken Him.

It felt very personal and very powerful but at the same time it showed an incredible sense of community and belonging even if following a strange and maybe darker path. Every chapter, more people talking about their beliefs and their story and their experience. I did appreciate the passages from the bible. I did find myself reading it at a slower pace but simply because it is not necessarily my genre. Don’t get me wrong, of course, not every story was a happy one but it was real. They were true. And sometimes we might appreciate books like this. I’m glad I had the opportunity to get through it.

“Now I speak to your heart and tell you this,
if you really want to enjoy my bliss;
let go of the anger and rage inside,
and open your heart and get it real wide”

 

4 Star Review by Natalie
(Booktasters Reviewer) at Good Reads
26 November 2024

“A true story following C Read’s involvement in what appeared to be a bible study group, but in actual fact the group turned out to be a cult, with similarities to that of David Koresh and Waco.

I have mixed opinions on this book. Firstly, it’s not really what I had expected and it’s a little hard to read, with many editions, introductions, and biblical quotations. As my faith is rather lacking, or “on the fence” the authors writing style and voice can be quite overpowering at times. But, with that said, it’s a really interesting read and most certainly eye opening.

The authors voice comes through well, and you definitely feel the pain, suffering and torment that was bestowed upon her, and her strong beliefs got her through that difficult time.

Let’s hope that her voice reaches others in similar circumstances, or those in need in general.

A difficult read, but well worth the effort.”

 

4 Star Review by MyLife Style
(Booktasters Reviewer) at GoodReads on 23 November 2024

“The hardest thing I had to learn this year was how to recover from absolutely everything and move on without the people I once thought would always be there for me, but unfortunately, it was never like that. I had to realize that you have to do things on your own because the only person that will get you back on your feet is you and nobody else. And , somehow I found myself digging into the story of “Walking with the Enemy” by C. Read it was a raw and powerful journey of resilience and self-discovery.

The story follows the protagonist through a maze of betrayal and hardship, highlighting the strength it takes to stand alone. Read’s writing is brutally honest, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and the courage required to overcome it. Set against a backdrop of conflict and turmoil, the protagonist’s struggle to navigate a world filled with deceit and danger is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Each chapter unfolds with a new challenge, pushing the character to their limits and forcing them to confront their deepest fears.

What stands out in this book is the profound message of self-reliance and inner strength. Read masterfully portrays the protagonist’s transformation from a state of dependence to one of empowerment. The emotional depth and complexity of the characters make this a compelling read, resonating with anyone who has ever faced adversity and emerged stronger.

Overall “Walking with the Enemy” is not just a story of survival; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to heal and thrive despite the odds. It’s a reminder that, in the end, the only person who can truly lift you up is yourself. This book is a must-read for those seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of their own resilience.”

5 Star Review by Phylicia
(Booktasters Reviewer) at GoodReads on 20 November 2024

“This book immediately drew me in from the very beginning with the transcript of C. speaking with a prophecy and cult expert about her recent departure from a cult. It felt like a Netflix documentary in book version! As a fellow Christian who joined my first Bible study group with my new church, I could relate to the feeling of unease and wanting to run when something feels off. This resonated deeply with me, prompting me to read the entire book within a day. We all desperately crave a sense of belonging and acceptance within a community. However, it’s disheartening when the community you’ve envisioned and believed to be welcoming turns out to be the complete opposite, and even worse… a nightmare.

I’ve also questioned the practice of some women in my church speaking in tongues, which always occurs after praise and worship. I wonder why this happens at that specific moment. If God wants to speak through someone in tongues, wouldn’t it happen at any given time? I completely agree with C. about some tongues being demonic. Enough of me. Getting back to C. and her book. 🤭

The only truth we should listen to is the word of God, from the Bible. So I appreciate that she backs up her arguments with scripture. However, I must admit that I expected more significant events to unfold in the cult, and I somewhat disagreed with her classification of Bill as the antichrist. Anyone who is an antichrist rejects Jesus Christ as being the son of God, and denies his crucifixion for our sins. In my opinion, Bill doesn’t fit that description, he doesn’t seem to deny who Jesus is or refute his resurrection. He was, however, under the devil’s control and committed significant sins.

I’m grateful to have read C.’s redemption story and how God is using her experience as a testament to the dangers of being easily led astray and using wisdom and discernment to know what is of God and what is not. The devil often disguises himself in ways we can’t imagine. In today’s society, we must remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to this deceit by keeping God front and center in our lives. We serve a mighty God! I wish C. and her family all the best.”

4 Star Review by Kelly
(Booktasters Reviewer) at GoodReads on 9 January 2024

“I think this was different from anything else I have ever read before, but that was what made it an interesting read. At first, it seemed like an uplifting story about the author’s experiences with the church, and how their faith helped them. As I read on, however, I found the story behind this book was much darker, much more sinister. In some ways, it was quite difficult to read, but it was an eye-opener. Much of the story was told through letters and transcripts, which somehow made me feel more emotionally involved. I think this is a book that could lead us to question some things, if we are so inclined, because it speaks to the fact that others are not always who they appear to be.”

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6149165747

5 Star Review by Megan
at Goodreads on 3 September 2021

“I was very interested in this book. The testimony of what went on in this church was and (sp) the author. I was very surprised to see that there were things that shouldn’t have taken place within the church. The author uses story telling and testimony in such a way that reveals act or actions that occurred during the biblical study made sense to why she reacted toward the member of the church. I did like how the author used scriptures to explain the different scenarios in this book. The book letters written back in forth between the author and leaders/members of the bible study as well as interviews and many conversations that took place in the past. I enjoyed reading this book and it was a fantastic book.”

3 Star Review by Sean
at Goodreads on 12 September 2020

“Walking with the Enemy by C. Read was definitely different from anything I have ever read before. Even after reading the synopses and summary it was still not the book I expected when I began to read. what I expected was a story or narrative about the author’s experiences being involved with a bible study group in actual time with the events being revealed as they happened. What the book turned out to be is a retelling of the events that happened after the fact jumping back and forth between dates often in the form of personal letters and interviews. In short I expected and actual movie but got a documentary instead. There were also bible verses and scriptures throughout the book for the purpose of substantiating the author’s claims against the leaders of the bible study. It did take sometime for me to get used to the style of writing but after finishing the book, I do understand why it was written the way it was and I got some personal benefit from the book. This book is an excellent journey through one woman’s struggle through life and how she is informed and guided by her Christian faith as seen through her eyes. I would highly recommend this book to anyone whether they are a practicing Christian or not because it is an honest retelling of an individual making sense of life, morality, and the world around them through their personal beliefs.”

5 Star Review by Debbie
from Goodreads on 4 July 2020

“Very inspiring and informative book. It opens the eyes to the dangers that are out there and how to recognize the wolves in sheep’s clothing. A great book for those that are searching for truth in a confusing world.”

3 ½ Start Review by Linda
at Goodreads on 4 July 2020

“While I am not a member of an Evangelical church, I am “churched” and I’ve experience working with Southern Baptists. Having said this, I will also say that this book isn’t for everyone. Rather, I’d say this book is for those who feel that their relationship with God is on shaky ground and are looking for guidance on their spiritual path. The book is dominated by Biblical quotations that reminded me of the old saying, “Even Satan can quote Scripture”. Keeping this in mind, the gradual overwhelming of the author’s own spirit and common sense can be seen as inevitable. Had there been more input from outside – but that’s just it, cult leaders succeed by isolating their victims. Don’t let the court transcript style of the writing put you off. It works for the author in ordering her memory of events.”

Book Review by Indie Reader

 IR RATING: 3.0 (Good, worth reading)

 For all its narrative flaws, WALKING WITH THE ENEMY is an utterly unique book that offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the author, who lives by a Christian code that most people would find alien in the modern world. As if that wasn’t interesting enough, the book shows us that woman in combat with a lustful, manipulative Bible study leader who abuses his followers’ earnest hunger for meaningful faith in the world.

Inspirational/Spiritual, Nonfiction

• Posted by Jeff Suwak
• May 8, 2020

Synopsis:

In the early 1990s, C. Read joins a Bible study group and thinks she’s found her family in Christ. Soon, however, the manipulations and sexual misdeeds of the group’s minister draw her into confrontation not only with the study group but also with the shadowy forces she comes to believe are guiding it.

Author C. Read is a fire-and-brimstone Christian and a proponent of bibliolatry, meaning there’s no room for nuance or historical or philosophical context in how she reads the Bible. In WALKING WITH THE ENEMY, her hardline Christianity runs headlong into a very different sort of theology. Back in the early 1990s, Read joined a Bible study group. She thought she’d found a family in Christ, but things got weird as time went on. She labels the group a “cult.” Going by what’s presented in the book, it’s questionable that they’d qualify for that dubious descriptor. There’s no evidence of deliberate brainwashing or any of the other marks that signify a true religious cult. However, the leader of the group is undoubtedly unethical and manipulative (though perhaps unconsciously so). He takes sexual advantage of the members of his flock. In at least one, his misdeeds provoke legal action.

All in all, the story is based on an intriguing dramatic scenario. Where the book fails lives to up to its potential is in its narrative structure. WALKING WITH THE ENEMY is written as a series of personal letters written from Read to former members of the group. The letters are interspersed with Read’s thoughts and occasional recreations of events. This actually could have been a terrific and novel choice for the book’s structure, but the execution is lacking. There’s also almost zero physical description. People and the places are simply there, never rendered in any kind of interesting detail that could draw readers in. And because Read concerns herself so much with addressing the former members of the group, she doesn’t built tension well or ever rise to a clear climax. This deadens the book’s pacing, as well. But it’s unlikely Read was concerned with such notions of narrative structure.

WALKING WITH THE ENEMY is a testimonial, not a novel. This is likely an insurmountable problem with the book for some readers, but is also the most fascinating thing about it. For Read, this book is literally an account of her encounter with Satan himself. In WALKING WITH THE ENEMY, she confronts her former accuser and readers alike with her righteous notion of Truth. The leader of the Bible study group (the man who unethically sleeps with members of his flock) is an interesting (though reprehensible) character in his own right. He comes through to us in transcribed interviews. He doesn’t seem to have ever had any evil intentions. His influence got to his head, and his rather liberal interpretations of the Bible allowed him to justify taking advantage of people. The core of the book’s draw, though, is always Read. Her conviction oscillates between inspiring and infuriating. Seeing the world through her eyes is a literary experience one is not going to easily find anywhere else.

In terms of the nuts and bolts of writing, Read is a skilled wordsmith. It was obvious that she put careful labor into every sentence in WALKING WITH THE ENEMY. Her prose is clean, efficient, and direct. Read doesn’t strive for poesy or glitz. She strives for precision. The obvious care with which she crafts her words is admirable. The book is also meticulously copy edited.

For all its narrative flaws, WALKING WITH THE ENEMY is an utterly unique book that offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the author, who lives by a Christian code that most people would find alien in the modern world. As if that wasn’t interesting enough, the book shows us that woman in combat with a lustful, manipulative Bible study leader who abuses his followers’ earnest hunger for meaningful faith in the world.

~Jeffery Loren  for IndieReader

Indie Reader Review of Walking With the Enemy: A Testimony, by C. Read.

3 Star Review by Duncan
at Goodreads on 15 September 2020

5 Star Review by Victoria
at Goodreads on 28 June 2019

“Wow. This book opened up my eyes to the fact that anyone can be pulled into in occult, not because of who they are, but because of the leaders of the cult. This was a fascinating and sometimes scary look at how close this woman came to losing her identity. I also want to mention that this is also a book that shows religion in different ways, sometimes in ways that I did not agree with, but had to read to understand what the author went through. This is not a book to be taken lightly. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.”

Feathered Quill Book Review
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
5 January 2018

“In the world we live in today, it is not that difficult to come across a news story that is pure evil. What is amazingly difficult, however – as well as frightening – is the fact that because of so many horrific events, people are hardly batting an eyelash when the next one hits the headlines. It is rare to find that glimmer of hope…a story that, although wrapped in horror relates how a person walked through darkness in order to see the light through the power of her faith in God.

Not unlike the Branch Davidians who suffered death and destruction by following the teachings of a demon by the name of David Koresh (who, unfortunately will live in all of our memories for a good, long time to come), this woman discovered her faith only to find herself immersed in a Bible study group that was all about lies. A collection of people who most definitely fell under the definition of “cult” and not an actual loving group.

Read is not a flighty woman, by the way. We are talking about a member of the United States Marine Corps, who found her way and committed her life to the Lord in the fall of 1979. A Marine, whom she had never met, came up to this woman, handed her a Bible and walked away. This was the moment in time when C. Read began studying Jesus and walking down a path that had everything to do with living a life based on faith. For three years Read was a part of a Bible study group with members and “leaders” who she had grown to love and respect. When lies were uncovered, however, and the truth was revealed about evil things these people were doing and saying, that respect and trust was lost.

In this book, readers are given her testimony. She explains various meetings and offers up a variety of letters that went back and forth between her and the leaders/members of the group, as well as letters that her husband penned when it came to his outlook of what was going on. She shows how Bill and his ministry strived to get her back within the confines of the group, and how much they wanted to get her back under their control so she would not release the truth about them and their teachings to the rest of the world. She offers up many experiences; she also includes a section of End Notes that give extra information on the events she talks about, as well as the scripture she quotes.

Readers will note that this testimony – the unveiling of secrets, etc. – takes a while to be told. For approximately the first 100 pages of this book, the reader is given many of the letters to read that do not exactly get into the facts. Instead, these are letters stating who was right and who was wrong, and why. There are also apologies by the author to friends and family, as well as a great deal of scripture references before getting to the exact details of what occurred.

In the end, this is all about one woman’s enlightenment, and she does a good job of bringing hope and restoring faith to readers who perhaps have misplaced theirs along the way. Whether you are a believer or a critic, C. Read’s testimony is something you should “listen to.”

Quill says: This author should be commended for bringing her struggle to light in order to make others aware of the evil that is still, unfortunately, operating among us.”

Walking With the Enemy Review by Feathered Quill

READ THE INTERVIEW!

Review by IndieReader
Ron Capshaw for IndieReader
17 April 2017

“Designed to be an inspirational story for those seduced, at times literally, by a cult, WALKING WITH THE ENEMY does have relevance for those wanting out. But Read’s relentless Manichaeism, and reduction of everything down to God vs. Satan, will repel readers of less fundamentalist persuasion.

If there is a phrase that runs throughout this sincere, but at the same time, somehow repellent memoir/spiritual journey book, then it would be “the Devil can quote scripture.”  It is apparent that Read’s journey out of a cult that masqueraded as a Bible study group has value, and can be instructive in a “you can too” kind of way for those deceived by Bible-thumping libertines.  Such an escape has relevance in our own era of red-state fundamentalism, where religious leaders perform exorcisms and speak in “tongues,” and more often than not, young girls on the verge of puberty and teenage runaways fall under their sway.

And it must be said that Read, unlike other cult members, doesn’t go to the other extreme by chucking her Christianity overboard and bashing those who don’t with public expressions of atheism and paeans to the joys of hedonism. Read, a former Marine, doesn’t give up on her Christian fundamentalism.  But there is a difference between keeping one’s faith and retaining its Manichaeism.  Read is as uncompromising in her reduction of everything down to God vs. The Devil as she was when in the charismatic way of a David Koresh-style leader (the leader, unmasked, has Koresh’s sexual appetites with his “flock”).

As recounted in the book, God is repeatedly saving her from the Devil, and the Devil, and his earthly beings are everywhere, especially in the guise of those pretending to be Christians.  A woman who successfully “exorcises” Read’s daughter by speaking in many “tongues” turns out to be an acolyte of Satan.  Reading through this book I was reminded of the fundamentalist parents in Stephen King’s Carrie (1974), in which the father carried a gun in his lunchbox to work in case he ran into the “Anti-Christ.”

Read is not as lethal-minded, and to her credit, she does pray for those in the sway of “Satan.”  But if her “ravenous wolves,” “false prophets,” and other undercover followers of Satan are truly so embedded in our society, then it is hard to see where prayer will be enough; and violence will begin to look more attractive.  Read does not subscribe to such actions—she states she continues to pray for the cult leader—but ultimately, that is where the book leads, especially if her cult leader truly is like David Koresh, who armed himself and his followers against the “unbelievers” in the  government.

Meant to be an inspirational story, and at times it is that (Read literally ran out of the cult, and had, for a time, to use evasive tactics), what WALKING WITH THE ENEMY ultimately leaves even fundamentalist readers with is depression.  For if everything is reduced down to God vs. Satan, then that leaves the humans in between as nothing more than puppets a la Job (and we know what he went through).  And if, as Read attests, the devil is everywhere, and in all guises, especially those who brandish Bibles, then the only way out is to give oneself completely over to God, without reservations.  Those who seek to bring free will and rationality into the mix are only fooling themselves and inviting the Koreshes in.”

(Indie Reader Review of Walking With the Enemy)

Review by Midwest Book Review
January 2016

Synopsis: “Walking With the Enemy” by C. Read is about the author’s involvement with a Bible study group that turned out to be a cult. As of 28 February 1993, Read had been with this group for some three years, and had grown to love and trust the leaders completely; but after she found out the truth about them she could no longer remain. That did not stop them from wanting her back under their control and influence; and her testimony will show how they tried so hard to convince her that they were right, and she was wrong. This is a war between God and the devil! And innocent, unsuspecting souls continue to be taken in by false teachers and deceitful men. The target of such groups are men, women, and children; especially those searching for love, acceptance, and a deeper meaning to this life. Cults are on the rise, and no one is exempt from their evil influences!

Critique: An inherently fascinating, thoroughly absorbing, candidly personal story that should be considered urgent reading for anyone having to deal with a loved one tempted to join a cult or already part of one. Simply stated, “Walking With the Enemy: A Testimony” is very highly recommended for personal, church, community, and academic library collections. Indeed, “Walking With the Enemy: A Testimony” is critically important reading for all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational affiliation!

Midwest Book Review/Small Press Book Watch/The Christian Studies Shelf

Review by Kirkus Reviews
23 April 2015

“Read offers her personal tale of religious awakening, including her experiences with people whom she says were falsely serving Jesus Christ.

The author tells of how she joined a small Bible study and prayer group led by a man named Bill, and goes on to explain the ways in which her relationship with the group soured before she finally left in the 1990s. She states at the outset that she “was able to be deceived into thinking that I was walking with followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, when in truth, I was walking with the enemy.” She relates her journey of discovery in this memoir, in which she makes allegations regarding the group’s leader; for example, in a 1993 statement, she said, “He pursued the ladies in the group in a sexual way if they would have it.” Her account makes frequent use of such primary sources, including letters, diary entries, and transcriptions of tape-recorded conversations. She compares her own struggle with that of the infamous Branch Davidians, led by the charismatic David Koresh, and she makes clear that Koresh was “of the same ‘antichrist spirit’ as the man sent to try to destroy me and my family!” Although Read’s account doesn’t end in fiery government intervention, it does contain stories of demonic attacks, the author’s ruminations on the nature of evil, and the recurring question of whom one can trust when committing to follow Jesus Christ. Debut author Read’s story is clearly heartfelt. However, it’s somewhat repetitive, with frequent declarations on such subjects as the power of God (“God is all-powerful! God is in control! And it doesn’t matter whether men believe it or not”), which don’t make for the most engaging prose. Readers will likely be convinced of the author’s devoutness early on, which she bolsters with many biblical references, so subsequent mentions of her devotion often seem extraneous. Nevertheless, her memoir delivers a quick, highly personalized account of her life’s journey.

An earnest, if occasionally redundant, description of one woman’s rocky spiritual path.” ─Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews-“Walking With the Enemy: A Testimony” by C. Read