This is one of the darkest memoirs I have ever read, if not the darkest. I definitely plan to read this, but need to pick it back up at a later time because this one is truly that dark.

With that being said, I can tell this will likely end up being one of my favorite books of all time. It's written really well, is captivating and there is a bit of dark humor thrown in. Even though I know I shouldn't read it right now, I really want to. I think having conversations around cults is also important. There are a lot of really important messages and bits of information to be told from this book, and it truly deserves to shine, it just definitely needs to be read when a reader is prepared for what's ahead.

I feel odd rating a memoir, so it gets 5 stars.

Content warnings: very detailed attempts of $ewuicide

Thank you for allowing me to read this in advance of its publication! This is my honest opinion I am leaving voluntarily.

This memoir is truly exceptional and an impressive debut.

I have nothing but positive praise. It is such an emotional, raw, and vulnerable opening to Veena's life and all that she has dealt with in regards to her mental health. I've seen tv shows about cults, I've read books about how people fall into cults, but never have I read such an emotional piece like this. Yes, it's about cults but it is so much more than that and really goes into detail what lead Veena to this cult starting at age 19. I was finding myself so happy when Veena experienced joys, and I was shaking my head and had my eyes filled with tears during some of the most gut wrenching moments of this book. It is extremely heavy at times. What a life this woman has lived and I feel so special for having the honor to read it (and so early too!)

The writing is very conversational and approachable and the pacing is fantastic. Also we need a special shoutout to the cover designer because it's gorgeous.

I can't wait for this book to be officially released because I can't wait to read what others think of it!

Thank you NetGalley, Veena Dinavahi, and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy!

What a fascinating book. I loved the way it was written - drawing us in the way Veena was drawn into the cult starting at age nineteen. What an eye opening book and a great conversation starter. It was easy to read, drawing me in with a conversational tone. I was invested in Veena's life, struggling with her when she was struggling, finding joy when she found joy. I loved how she opened her heart to the reader so we could walk the journey (and her healing) with her.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book through netgalley. I did not have to write a review; all opinions are my own.

If you’re a fan of books like “Cultish” by Amanda Montell, you’re going to devour this one.
This is single-handedly the best description of what it’s like and what forces are at play when being sucked into a cult and how insidious cult leaders are when playing psychological tricks.
This book honestly had be thinking, “yup that would have been me too” as I was reading it. I appreciated that Dinavahi purposefully allowed for confusion and emotion and intellect all to battle on the same plane - because this is truly what would be happening.

Definitely read this book - so well written

This might be my new favorite memoir? I've been speechless for a while now after finishing it.

The hook here will inevitably (IMO, unfortunately) be The True Happiness Company's cult status. There is no question the cult plays a huge roll here, but the underlying story was even more beautiful. But anyone here because they <i>only</i> want "the cult stuff", you'll be fine. It doesn't <i>feel</i> like you're invested until you're in too deep to put this down. How odd, as finding yourself a member of The True Happiness Company seems to happen the same way.

I'm torn between going more in depth in this review... or leaving it fairly vague until everyone has a chance to read it themselves so the amazement is firsthand. For now, I'm sticking with vague... But I have a strong feeling I'll be back and adding more to this soon...

{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Veena Dinavahi and Random House for the DRC in exchange for my honest review!}