Dead, Insane, or in Jail

A CEDU Memoir

By: Zack Bonnie

Narrated by: Zack Bonnie, Anne M. Carley

Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Zack Bonnie was 14 when his parents sent him to a "troubled teen" facility. The author takes listeners there in a thrilling psychological ride. Sequestered where bizarre cult-like techniques become the norm, hear for yourself exactly what the controversy is about. Should we mold a child's behavior using the tools of brainwashing? With coarse, brutal dialog and authentic source materials, this nonfiction memoir, the first in a series, exposes the secrets and tells it all.

Dead, Insane, or in Jail: A CEDU Memoir is named for the range of options open to the author at 14, if he ran away from the cult his parents inadvertently inducted him into. This is the first time he has told his story. And it’s a doozy. Too many people can relate to this account, unfortunately. Although Rocky Mountain Academy has closed its doors, several hundred residential teen-treatment programs, religious reeducation camps, and places that commit spiritual assassination still operate without oversight in the United States.

©2015 Zack Bonnie (P)2018 Zack Bonnie

Critic reviews

"Imagine (or remember) being a confused teenager. Now imagine that the only solution your parents can devise is sending you away to be 'fixed.' Zack’s touching, true account of being trapped in the 'scared straight' industry just might be the book your reluctant teenage reader has been seeking." (Barbara J. Danis, Literacy Specialist/Coach)

"Zack Bonnie’s work is a gift to those interested in the history and dynamics of coercive residential teen-treatment programs. With gut-level insight, humor and frankness, he describes the inner experience of a precocious 14 year-old who was engulfed and overwhelmed by these bizarre, yet legal, forms of psychological abuse." (Marcus Chatfield, author, Institutionalized Persuasion)

i think this is a great listen during plane trips.

What an odd set of obstacles the parents imposed on their rebellious son! He had an intense adventure.

Thank you for sharing your story

This was an incredibly well explained rendition of the intense situations you went through. I’m in awe of the fact that people can condone these types of institutions and I am so grateful that you are shedding light on the matter. I’m so sorry for everything you have gone through, but I am so grateful you decided to share your story. I hope it continues to take part in correcting the issue with the troubled teen industry.

well written, with a lively, heartfelt narration

Reading this book was very cathartic, as somebody who has been to one of these schools. Also had my mom listen, to gain insight into my experience. She found the book both entertaining, and informative.

Zack brings vivid truths to paper and audio.

Shocking Truth.
As someone who struggled through this unbelievable experience in the same years as the Author .
To some it may seem a amazing fictional tale.
To others scattered amongst you it is our past ..and In many ways our everyday still.

This book is as important as it is well written.

Even if you forget the fact that this book documents one of the darkest parts of American education first hand, this is still just a well written and interesting book. Zach tells a hard to tell story with humor and intelligence. This is a must read for everyone!

Incredibly entertaining and unimaginably accurate storytelling

An incredibly entertaining and accurate telling of a manipulative cult and their mistreatment of teenagers, bound to the word of Khalil Gibran. An amusing way to expose a traumatic institution and their nefarious ways. PG56

intense doesn't even begin to describe it...

I read this book when it first came out and was "blown away." Listening to it in the author's voice was powerful. While the narration was a little rough in spots, the story is compelling and heartbreaking. Educators working with at-risk youth need to give this a listen.

Emotional and relatable

This is a must read for anyone who has been in the troubled teen industry.

So accurate, and so well done!

I also was sent to a program, CEDU was a predecessor of wwasp, and he was captive in ‘88 the year I was born, but so relatable. The author does an excellent job of portraying how horrid life is in a program. And I love the monotonous lady voice who reads the letters from his mother and the program brochure lol. DO NOT SEND YOUR “REBELLIOUS” TEEN TO A THOUGHT REFORM PROGRAM!!! It will traumatize them!

great, painful memoir

Really excellent. My only minor gripe is that it leaves you with so many questions. Mainly - did Zack really finish at RMA on the 2nd attempt? is there a 2nd memoir? I'd be thrilled to read one.