⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Verified Purchase – You won’t be sorry you took the spiral dive into Cyndy Etler’s predatory home life and involuntary captivity in a teen mind control cult, where only insanity assured survival. Cruel truth, thriller pacing, and immersive description make ‘The Dead Inside’ a fast, engrossing, emotional must read.
Ms. Etler writes with absolute authority on Straight, Inc.’s brainwashing and intimidation tactics that turned so many formative teen minds against themselves. Her angsty youthful narrative voice careens you through the: shock, panic, terror, and psychotic submission necessary to survive the abuse of such environments.
Having suffered captivity and deprivation under different circumstances, I found the universal truth of Cyndy’s experience undeniable. I would have liked more about life and recovery post Straight, Inc., but hope to find it in some form in her future works. I only make the time to review material that merits 5-stars. I read this book twice and appreciated it both times. I’ll be reading more by Cyndy Drew Etler in the future.
Soaring with keen eyes and sharp talons, ‘The Dead Inside‘ is a screaming eagle among YA memoirs.