Books matching: psychological manipulation
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- #1
The Magus by John Fowles is a complex and mysterious novel set in Greece, following the story of Nicholas Urfe, a self-absorbed Englishman who takes a teaching position on a Greek island. Nicholas finds himself entangled in a series of mind games and deceit orchestrated by the eccentric millionaire Maurice Conchis. The plot twists and turns, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, questioning themes of freedom, power, knowledge, and love. The writing style is described as beautifully written, suspenseful, and engaging, with a mix of psychological mind games and supernatural events that keep the reader intrigued.
I was born in 1927, the only child of middle-class parents, both English, and themselves born in the grotesquely elongated shadow, which they never rose sufficiently above history to leave, of that mo... - #2
In 'Sinister Kisses' by Adriana Noir, readers are taken on a dark and disturbing journey through an abusive relationship filled with psychological manipulation and power struggles. The story follows the unconventional meeting of Taylor and Sebastian, where she is quickly ensnared in a toxic relationship with a possessive and obsessive man who leads a clandestine organization. As the plot unfolds, Sebastian's controlling and abusive nature becomes increasingly evident, leaving Taylor trapped in a situation from which she may never escape. The book delves into themes of dominance, submission, and the blurred lines between love and manipulation, evoking strong emotions and keeping readers on edge throughout.
Tears stung Taylor’s eyes as sharp twigs snapped beneath her knees gouging the tender skin. The barrel of a semiautomatic rifle prodded her damp cheek and threatened to capsize her. She whimpered, bit... - #3
'The Lure' by Felice Picano is a thrilling novel set in 1970s New York City, delving into the gay scene of the era. The plot follows Noel Cummings, who gets entangled in a dangerous game as he becomes the bait to capture a killer known as Mr. X. As Noel navigates through the complexities of New York's gay life, he finds himself facing suspenseful twists and turns, leading to unexpected outcomes. The book offers a mix of suspense, intrigue, and nostalgia, capturing the essence of the 70s while exploring themes of identity and danger.
The writing style of Felice Picano in 'The Lure' is described as engaging, involving, and well-paced. The author skillfully creates a vivid depiction of 1970s gay life in New York, incorporating elements of thriller and suspense to keep readers on edge. Despite some opinions criticizing certain plot developments, the book is praised for its entertainment value, memorable characters, and the ability to transport readers back to a significant era in LGBTQ+ history.
Noel Cummings swerved his ten-speed bicycle to a stop at the railing and listened. One sneakered foot remained tight in the metal clamp of the bike’s pedal, the other dangled gingerly on the thin conc... - #4
Steven Hassan's book "Combatting Cult Mind Control" delves into the mechanics and techniques of destructive mind control used by cults. Drawing from his personal experience and research, Hassan provides insights on how cults manipulate individuals, isolate them from their loved ones, and instill fear to maintain control. The book not only exposes the tactics employed by cults but also offers strategies for healing and empowering individuals to break free from the influence of cults. Through a blend of psychological, sociological, and historical perspectives, Hassan guides readers on a journey towards self-discovery and liberation from mind control.
Since February 1974, I have been involved with the problems caused by destructive cults. That was when I was recruited into the “One World Crusade,” one of hundreds of front groups of the Unification ... - #5
'Unorthodox' by K.V. Rose delves into a dark and twisted world, exploring the sinister realm of human sex trafficking and the brutal realities of betrayal, lies, and violence. The story follows the lives of two broken souls, Max and Addison, who are bound together by pain and violence, their connection devoid of sweetness and love. As the plot unfolds, the characters face unimaginable challenges, confront their haunting pasts, and navigate a world filled with cruelty, heartache, and gut-wrenching experiences. The author weaves a narrative that is unique, painful, and unlike any other book, evoking a roller coaster of emotions and taking readers to the darkest of places.
The writing style of K.V. Rose immerses readers in Max's dark world, portraying complex characters whose pain and struggles bleed through the pages. is described as fast-paced, interesting, and filled with brilliant characters, both good and unbelievably evil. Despite the darkness of the story, readers find themselves hooked and unable to stop reading, captivated by the intricate plot twists and the intense emotional journey of the characters.
- #6
The Confidence Men by Margalit Fox tells the remarkable true story of two British prisoners of war, Elias Henry Jones and Cedric Waters Hill, who escape from a Turkish POW camp during World War I. Using Ouija boards and supernatural tricks, they manipulate both fellow prisoners and their Turkish captors into believing in their paranormal abilities. Their elaborate con becomes their path to freedom, but when plans go awry, they resort to feigning insanity to secure a prisoner exchange. The writing is engaging and accessible, blending historical narrative with a deep dive into the psychological elements of spiritualism and con artistry.
The book is a blend of thrilling escapades and insightful commentary on the culture of belief in the early 20th century. Throughout, Fox explores the influences of spiritualism on society and the psychology behind deception. The narrative nonfiction style keeps readers intrigued, making the historical details and personal accounts come alive. While the book includes extensive research, it remains engaging, avoiding the dryness often associated with nonfiction. Overall, it presents a fascinating tale of resourcefulness and the human spirit amid the hardships of war.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini is a classic book that delves into the psychology behind how people are influenced and persuaded. The book covers various techniques used in marketing and sales to manipulate human tendencies and decision-making processes. Cialdini explores six key principles of influence - reciprocation, consistency, social proof, liking, authority, and scarcity - backed by academic research, real-life examples, and pragmatic advice. The writing style is described as insightful, practical, and engaging, providing readers with a deeper understanding of how they can be influenced and how to defend against unwanted manipulation.
I GOT A PHONE CALL ONE DAY FROM A FRIEND WHO HAD RECENTLY opened an Indian jewelry store in Arizona. She was giddy with a curious piece of news. Something fascinating had just happened, and she though...- #8
'Daddy Love: A Novel' by Joyce Carol Oates is a dark and disturbing tale that follows the abduction of a young boy named Robbie by a man who goes by the name Daddy Love. The story delves into the cycle of sexual and physical abuse that binds the boy and his captor as father and son for six years. The book also explores the impact of the abduction on Robbie's real parents and the painful reunion that follows. Oates skillfully portrays the psychological turmoil of the characters, particularly the abused boy, and the anguish of the parents living with the loss of their child.
The narrative is gripping and unsettling, shedding light on the heinous acts of the predator Daddy Love and the emotional toll it takes on the victims. Oates' writing style is described as macabre, brilliant, and riveting, drawing readers into a nightmare world where they witness the horrors faced by the characters. The book addresses a taboo subject with depth and insight, prompting reflection on the darker aspects of human behavior and the lasting effects of trauma and abuse.
- #9
'Comfort Food' by Kitty Thomas is a dark and twisted tale that delves into the psychological journey of a young woman named Emily Vargas, who is abducted and forced into a master-slave relationship. The book explores the complexities of power dynamics, manipulation, and the disturbing evolution of Emily's mindset as she finds herself in a situation that challenges her perception of freedom and choice. The narrative is intense, thought-provoking, and pushes the boundaries of traditional romance, offering a unique and unsettling exploration of dark erotica.
The writing style of 'Comfort Food' is described as engaging, well-crafted, and psychologically driven. Kitty Thomas's attention to detail in portraying the characters' psychological states adds depth to the story, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience. The book is not just about the physical aspects of the relationship but focuses more on the mental and emotional aspects, making it a dark and captivating read for those interested in exploring unconventional and challenging themes.
The first day of my captivity was like being born . . . or dying. They’re both kind of the same thing with the long tunnel and the bright light at the end. Maybe it wasn’t like either, actually. Maybe... - #10
'A Thousand Lives: The Untold Story of Hope, Deception, and Survival at Jonestown' by Julia Scheeres is a deeply researched account of the tragic events that unfolded in Jonestown. The book delves into the charismatic leadership of Jim Jones and the gradual descent of the People's Temple into madness and tragedy. Scheeres uses a combination of recently released documents, survivor interviews, and public records to provide a comprehensive look at how Jones manipulated his followers, leading to the mass suicide of over 900 individuals in Guyana. The writing style is straightforward and engaging, offering a vivid portrayal of the individuals involved and the psychological manipulation they endured.
The journey up the coastline was choppy, the shrimp trawler too far out to get a good look at the muddy shore. While other passengers rested fitfully in sleeping bags spread out on the deck or in the ...