Seductive Poison : A Jonestown Survivor's Story of Life and Death in the People's Temple

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Summary: They don't get any better than this
Review: I have met the enemy and he is I. Seductive Poison is a beautifully written and touchingly profound memoir of youth and innocence taking a detour from life's simple path. The story is capitivating, the narration spell-binding and the dialogue between the heroine and the devil incarrnate, Jim Jones realistic and creepy. I now understand what happened to so many people twenty-some years ago in Guyana South America.

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Summary: Seductive Poison should be required reading for all
Review: To read Deborah Layton's account of Jonestown and her life within the People's Temple is to read about the abuse and coersion involved in any cult or cult-like relationship. It's just that when reading this, you already know the outcome and so it is that much more real--that much more revealing. Pick up this book, begin reading and you can't put it down. It is an important window on a frightening reality that people really need to see. Cults of all kinds are on the rise and the public needs to become more aware of their insidious nature.

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Summary: Absolutely Incredible
Review: Saw Deborah Layton on MSNBC TV and realized you can never truly know the struggles someone has bared. What an eloquent speaker and spokesperson for those who have found themselves as victims and survivors. At last, we have a reporter who can explain what it was like to be on the front lines of unimaginable tragedy.

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Summary: Uganda, Waco, Heaven's Gate, Omshonrikio
Review: Until people read Seductive Poison, we will never understand the mind set of those like us who join. Group think permeates our society inside and out.

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Summary: History made exhilarating
Review: I have never read anything like this before. I am researching a paper on hysteria and cults and this is the only book that made it visceral. The web site for this book (of the same name) has a wealth of information for those who want to read more about it. The government sites, NPR which Layton 'appeared' with Noah Adams and lots more. My professor touts this book as the only non fiction work which begins to explain cult life from "the inside out". It reads like a Steven King thriller.

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Summary: Profound
Review: Once in a life time you find and read a book that changes how you see things and actually makes a difference in your life. This is one of those extraordinary storys. I am an avid reader, love the classics, sometimes peruse the mind candy, and appreciate honesty in the protagonist's voice. In all my readings I have never felt as though I left this world and entered another. Other peoples reviews of this book have mentioned this same experience, the sense of disbelief and yet a glimpse of understanding. What I loved most is the author never once tried to defend her actions and perhaps because of that I became her cheerleader, supporter, and armchair godparent--praying that she would make it out of the devils playground. I knew she escaped and wrote the book, but there were many times in the reading that I believed she'd fail. Seductive Poison is deeply affecting and a terribly important historical document which should be read so we may someday understand a soceital phenomenon that we haven't yet come to grips with yet.

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Summary: captivated me
Review: I am a 17 year old girl from the mid-west. I wouldnt normally read a non-fiction book but I was in my sisters room (who is away at college)when I came across this book, "seductive poison" At first I thought that it was a romance so I picked it up, and boy am I glad I did. It was wonderful! It touched me so deeply i couldnt help but cry when i finished it! I wasnt aware of cults and stuff like that so i never would have guessed how hard it would be to escape from such a horrible place. This book has changed me a lot and to who ever hasnt heard of it should find out about it and read it! I couldnt put it down. my mom had to take it away from me so i could sleep! I've just gotta say thank you to Ms. Layton for having the courage to write it and thank her very much! I hope more people read it and it touches them like it touched me.

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Summary: GRREEEEAAAAATTT
Review: This is an 'enjoyable' read. I qualify that with it's disturbing and yet so well done that any age group can be entertained and educated. It is a must read for all teenager and their parents.

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Summary: A fresh and enjoyable voice in non fiction
Review: This gem of a book kept me awake all night until I finished every word. The author is able to recreate the world she lived and almost died in. It deserves much praise.

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Summary: Beautiful and sad
Review: I wish she hadn't had to go through all that, but I'm also glad that she decided to write about what happened. My school had the writer of Seductive Posion come talk to us and she was really interesteing to listen to. I had read some of the book ahead of time btu I didn't need to to understand the message. I think this book helps kids see how easy it is to go down the wrong path and how important it is to ask questions and not look out side of ourselves for answers.