The Burn Zone

A Memoir

By: Renee Linnell

Narrated by: Katie Schorr

Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

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 50 countries alone before she turned 35. 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.

©2018 Pink Skeleton Publishing, Inc. (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Riveting!

I had read the book but wanted the experience of listening. I got even more out of it the second time around. Now I want to read it again. Renee has given us a vulnerable and raw account of her time in a cult and her struggle to come back from that ordeal; an ordeal that took seven years of her life. In writing so honestly, she has helped me realize some truths about my own life and a recent struggle that knocked me flat, and that I, too, will be better than before.

Even the smartest get screwed

I couldn’t put this down. The story was so well told that I was yelling at my phone at the narrator because I was so mad at what was happening to Renee. She’s so nice and trusting. And pretty and SMART! And look at how this cult crap can still creep in with the worst of intentions, when the innocent participants are only searching for enlightenment. It was so relatable that I felt like I was going through it with her, agreeing with all of her choices and then SMACK we’d get a pie in our faces when we least expected it. And it kept happening! Even when I was a wary reader, trying to figure it out and out-think Renee—nerp.
A riveting, honest testimony about how even the good guys don’t always come in first. Or maybe, if they keep their undeniable spirit and eternal optimism...they’ll come in on top which, is even better. Fantastic read.

A MUST READ - Spiritual Guru

At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about the chapters and how it flowed, but then I really enjoyed the style. I was able to relate in SO many ways, inspired and enlightened by her perseverance, strength, and grit! I highly recommend this as it’s a great read!

enlightening, interesting, smart, fun

Renee's story reminds us to be real, connect with truth, and embrace life- the good and the bad. what a great book to remind us all what matters. enlightening, interesting, smart, fun.