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The Burn Zone by Renee Linnell

After seven years of faithfully following her spiritual teacher, Renee Linnell finally realized she was in a cult and had been severely brainwashed. But how did that happen to someone like her? She had graduated magna cum laude with a double degree. She had traveled to nearly fifty countries alone before she turned thirty-five. She was a surf model and a professional Argentine tango dancer. She had started five different companies and had an MBA from NYU. How could someone like her end up brainwashed and in a cult?

The Burn Zone is an exploration of how we give up our power―how what started out as a need to heal from the loss of her parents and to understand the big questions in life could leave a young woman fighting for her sanity and her sense of self. In the years following her departure from the cult, Linnell struggled to reclaim herself, to stand in her truth, and to rebuild her life. And eventually, after battling depression and isolation, she found a way to come out the other side stronger than ever. Part inspirational story, part cautionary tale, this is a memoir for spiritual seekers and those who feel lost in a world that makes them feel less than perfect.

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Author’s Bio

Renee Linnell is the author of an upcoming memoir to be published in 2018. She is a serial entrepreneur and has founded or co-founded five companies. Currently she is working on starting a publishing company to give people from diverse walks of life an opportunity to tell their stories.

“Embrace your skeletons in the closet. Pull them out and paint them pink. Celebrate them. Your skeletons are probably the most interesting part about you. Your difference is your destiny.”

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My Review

5 stars

This is a touching memoir from Renee Linnell. Renee seemed to have everything that we consider to be successful. But after the death of her parents and god mother she felt lost and alone. She went on a quest for answers to life’s questions and didn’t really find them until one day she took a meditation class and felt at peace. What follows is Renee becoming part of a cult for several years.

I will be the first to admit that when I read about cult members I want to know what would make them follow someone that seems so clearly wacko. But there is so much more to cults and this book really makes you think about them. Renee is at her lowest and wanting love and acceptance and she finds it. What is heartbreaking is watching her as she progresses in the cult what you just want to grab her and shake her to wake her up.

This is a wonderful story of lose and recovery. I was so happy that Renee could heal from everything she went through and share her story for others to enjoy and grow too. At times it is hard to read but in the end is was a fantastic journey. This is definitely one book you need to read. It is going on my keep shelf.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank FSB Associates for the opportunity to read and share this book.