Tom Duncan is the sole survivor of the Good weather Cult mass suicide. After a Netflix documentary portrays him as a perpetrator in the terrible massacre and not a victim he goes into hiding but an invitation from a few other Good Weather exiles that left before the terrible incident occurred pulls him out and back into the past where he will have to face the not only the decisions he made the the uncover the truth of what really happened.

This was a gripping and addictive story; the Netflix elements made this feel like an actual documentary or true crime podcast. Tom's survivors guilt and his slow revelations of what happened in the leading up to the suicides was so interesting and the focus on the reunion group allowed the reader to see all of the varying emotions from those left behind after a truly horrific event.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review

I was intrigued when I read the blurb for this. I always find the concept of a cult to be fascinating so I was looking forward to this book.

At first, I found the format difficult to adjust to - the whole concept of a Netflix documentary means that it is almost written like a script. However, once I got used to that, I actually quite enjoyed the layout.

The story was interesting and seemed almost as though it could be a true story, so it kept me engaged like non-fiction would.

A different but enjoyable read.

[1 Stars]

Nope.
There were A LOT of grammatical and structural issues in this book. I sincerely hope that this is attributable to the fact that I was reading an advanced reader's copy, but still......it definitely detracted from my ability to enjoy the story. The entire reading process felt like a puzzle and there were a couple of sentences that I still don't know what they were trying to say.

Aside from that, the plot itself really didn't deliver. The characters fell extremely flat for me. It felt more like they were pawns that McCord was moving around against their will than naturally acting people. Which meant that I didn't believe any of their actions, words, or decisions. Furthermore, I don't think that this book explored or worked through the complexities of the Good Weather Cult's mass suicide in any meaningful way. It mostly just fell stagnant and a lot of loose ends were left behind (like I still don't understand how Tom possibly could have survived).

Overall, I wouldn't recommend this. There are many other books out there that do this idea better.

The Good Weather cult resulted in a huge number of suicide deaths, and of course years later Netflix is there to make a documentary about it. Tom Duncan is the sole survivor of that day. There are accusations that he was also the mastermind.
Through the lens of the documentary, and also Tom meeting with survivors that left the cult before the end, we see how things aren’t always what they seem.

I was fascinated by the premise of this book; I mean how could you not be? A cult commits mass suicide and everyone points the finger at the sole survivor, Tom Duncan. The book follows Tom as he struggles to deal with not only the fallout of the mass suicide, but the aftermath of a poorly done documentary on Netflix. After an incident at a park, Tom meets up with 3 other members of the cult for a reunion. During his time at the reunion, we find out that Tom has been holding on to trauma (of course) he has yet to share with anyone. He discloses some events with a member, Thames, who was both close to Tom’s wife, Alle, and Rain the cult leader.

I found the book to be entertaining and thought the wrap-up was done nicely. I also enjoyed the addition of the documentary, I like podcast type books so that was a nice touch.

Half the time I was reading this I had to remind myself that this book wasn't a real memoir but a brilliant work of fiction. As a huge true crime fan, it really hit true to so many facts and stories I've heard but still was refreshing in it's originality.

3.5/5

"Don't buy all the B.S. you hear on the news. I'm sure they'll make it seem like we're a bunch of psychos and not a community of people who all believe the same thing and who don't want to journey through this life alone."

I was super excited going into this read. The premise is exciting and I enjoy cult stories, fictional or non-fictional. This book follows Tom Duncan, the sole survivor of the largest mass suicide in US history. Tom Duncan and his wife were a part of the Good Weather cult for most of their lives and in this story, readers follow as he tries to cope with what happened and how it affects his belief in their message while he also tries to reconnect with his adult daughter. Tom faces a lot a of backlash from the public after Netflix makes a documentary that accuses him of masterminding the mass suicide. As the danger in his life rises, he is invited by former members of the cult for a reunion to commemorate the lives lost.

I really enjoyed the format of this book! One of my favorite parts is that the story is written with sections from Tom's perspective and then, opposite that, there are clips from the Netflix documentary. This is another book that I think is already written to make itself into a very interesting TV show or movie.

I appreciated the content as well. The author really does a great job of making it easy for readers to empathize with the cult members. It can be easy to demonize people that take part in things like this and forget that most cult members take part because they want to be seen and wanted and loved and a charismatic manipulator takes advantage of that. I enjoyed these characters and felt emotionally involved with all of the things they were going through, but this is a short book and I wanted a bit more insight into what they all experienced in the past and present.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone that likes cult stories, true crime, or Netflix documentaries!

CW/TWs: multiple mentions of suicide, one page descriptions of murder/suicide, animal killing, emotional abuse, manipulation, infidelity

Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for my copy of this book!

For me, this book suffered from its choppy formatting and incomplete storyline. I found the premise entirely intriguing. The word "cult" is the buzzword, and when I read it in a title or description I think "Say less." Sold already. I loved the premise of the Netflix documentary and the use of transcripts, but for me, the story felt too short, too incomplete, and a little pointless. I'm really sad this one didn't work for me.

Thought provoking and well written, this book tells the story of the survivor of a mass suicide. Was he instrumental in orchestrating the suicide or was he a victim like everyone else?

I have a bit of a fascination with cults, though the novels I've read in the past are mostly YA, mostly featuring young women fleeing oppressive religious regimes. The protagonist in this novel is a grandfather- one of a handful who survived a mass suicide attempt and the only survivor who was present at the event itself. He has reunited with his daughter, who was raised outside the cult, and her own young daughter Terra, named in defiance of the cult's obsession with water, specifically rain. Though he's been cleared of any legal responsibility, a recent Netflix documentary has made him the target of hate, and his daughter is forced to ask him to keep his distance for everyone's safety. Coincidentally, an invitation has arrived to a 'reunion' of sorts- two cult members (one who was exiled, one still devoted) and a member's son are meeting at a hotel close to the remains of the cult compound. They are seeking closure, though their proximity to the wilderness where they spent so many years together poses a danger so obvious the reader can't help but wonder...does the protagonist still have a death wish?
The story is told in a non-linear fashion, with 'the facts of the case' revealed in flashbacks and excerpts from interviews from the fictional Netflix documentary (I wonder if Netflix cares that they've been namechecked?) The reader doesn't learn anything that the narrator doesn't, which is particularly frustrating when other characters receive letters that they aren't inclined to share! I would recommend this novel to fans of The Blinds, The Girls, and Nine Identical Strangers- anyone who enjoys non-religious cult strangeness and mystery!

I really love books centred round cults so was so excited to read this one. The story was engaging and kept me interested. The character development was great! Really enjoyed this one!

I couldn’t tell if this was a fiction or non-fiction book at first, and the link to a 2020 Netflix documentary (also fake) didn’t help me. I had to do some googling before found out it was indeed all a fictionalised novel. And I’m very glad it is, as imagining this could you happen is quite horrifying.

I am fascinated by stories - real or fictional - about mass deaths, serial killers and cults as I find I (thankfully) cannot get into their headspace, so it’s always a real eye opening and endlessly interesting.

I did find it difficult to read at times, with the main narrative interspersed with interviews, TV footage, and screen captions. Each section also rolls into the next so you’re not always sure what bit you’re reading. There are also no chapters, which personally I don’t like. I enjoy short chapters that I can get stuck into. However, once you’ve wrapped your head round the formatting, you can lose yourself in it.

It’s a dramatic book that - considering the unusual and niche storyline - is steeped in realism. It is entertaining and engaging and emotional.

📚ADVANCED READER REVIEW📚⁠
⁠
Reviews are in for Reunion of the Good Weather Suicide Cult by Kyle McCord

That this would rate as a solid ❗ on the student resident reading scale (see scale below). I can imagine how my students would enjoy this and its writing style.

For my part, I have a habit of collecting similar topics and digesting content. I'm also currently watching Waco, the miniseries, and a bunch of documentaries about Jonestown, so of course this book has some interesting timing.

The "Netflix Documentary" feel was at first, not my favorite, but grew on me for sure. I cant help but feel frustrated at the protagonists obstacles and truly hate the animosity he faces regularly. I wish better for him, and as the book unfolds these feelings fluctuate and shift often... at some points i'm frustrated and others I feel very empathetically toward the characters and their traumas. The realism and flow of the writing is what keeps you reading.

Thanks @atmospherepress and @netgalley for this digital copy in exchange for an honest review. Reunion of the Good Weather Suicide Cult will be published on September 15th, 2021

#BookReview #HonestReview #ReunionoftheGoodWeatherSuicideCult #KyleMcCord #NetGalley #ARC #advancedreaderscopy #BookReviewer #2021Books #BookRecommendations #CultBooks #HonestBookReviewer
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{{{Reading Scale (provided to me by my students) }}}

❌ Was Weak (1)
⭕ Was Stupid (2)
❗ Went Crazy (3)
❗❗ Went Insane (4)

Tom Duncan is the sole survivor of the Good Weather Cult mass suicide. After a Netflix docuseries is released pointing fingers at Tom, aka Ohio, he struggles to reintegrate into life outside of Good Weather following the deaths of his wife and friends. Tom receives an invitation to attend a reunion of former Good Weather members who had left the cult prior to the mass suicide.

When I saw the description of this book I was instantly intrigued, I am fascinated by stories of cults and how rational people can be lead astray when in a community lead by a charismatic and manipulative leader. Good Weather certainly paints the picture of the ways that someone can fall prey to a cult by illustrating the strong sense of community and family the remaining members of Good Weather had with each other. Like many cults in the real world, the members were lonely or looking for direction in their lives and unfortunately the leader, in this case a man who goes by the name of Rain, took advantage of those desires.

I loved the development of the characters and seeing them tackle their grief over the course of this book. I thought it was beautiful the ways that the characters could grieve in their own ways while also grieving together. The interspersed descriptions of the Netflix docuseries helped to paint the picture of public opinion and add drama to the plot.

I did wish there was more of Alle and Anna throughout the book. Both characters had such interesting stories and are so important to Tom it would have been interesting to see them more throughout the story.

Thank you to Atmosphere Press and NetGalley for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review

Ehhhh. Well at least I learned what a bean hook is. This book had a good premise but it had a lot of holes. Id liked to have known more about how Tom ended up with the cult recovery center help, what exactly happened to Thames, how Bryce is so happy and so much more. The format was good with the cut scenes to the “Netflix” show transcripts. I really enjoyed that. It’s a shame this plot just didn’t work out for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC. This was a unique story for me. Very timely, the book is about a cult that commits mass suicide with only one survivor, Tom Duncan. A Netflix documentary and public opinion conclude that since Tom survived, he must be the mastermind behind the entire plot. Not true. Good Weather Suicide Cult was fascinating because Kyle McCord seems to have researched cults and cult mentality very well. From Jonestown to Waco to Nvixivm, the story rings true. The characters are developed and the book almost seems like non-fiction, following the life of Tom Duncan after the mass suicide.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book.

I enjoyed this, thought Tom Duncan was a memorable protagonist. The novel has something interesting to say about the ethics of true crime, and notably skewers the Netflix approach to that genre.

I struggled at times with the narrative voice - which felt like it moved through several distinct styles as the novel progressed. I would've liked a little more specificity and consistency.

Cults are a source of endless fascination and certainly the first 100 pages harnessed that intrigue, and that mystery. I did wonder, in the second half, whether the point of view of the cult in question felt original or startling enough. That's always the challenge of taken on a well worn subject and The Reunion of the Good Weather Suicide Cult doesn't always quite meet it.

Nonetheless, I read the novel in two days, and was fully invested throughout. Definitely worth reading if the subject appeals.

*I have received this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Cults. I’ve read and listened to a lot on that topic. I know things that my mom considers creepy to know. But I can’t help it. I’m absolutely consumed by intrigue. When I saw this book on NetGalley, it was an instant request. And I was checking my inbox regularly to see if they’d accepted me, not expecting them to. I was elated when they responded.

This book follows Tom Duncan, who is the only person at the Good Weather cult camp that survived the night of their mass suicide. Unfortunately, these things don’t just go away. A Netflix documentary is made about that night that includes Tom’s interviews with a detective who believes Tom masterminded that whole thing. The documentary gains traction, and suddenly people on the street feel like they know him, and they don’t like who they know.

After being told by his daughter that she needs space and he needs to leave, Tom finds himself at a reunion of other people who had been a part of Good Weather at one time or another but were not there that night. All of whom have had drastic differences in how they experienced the camp. There are laughs, shared secrets, and heartbreaks.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐(3 stars)

I was worried because I’d never read about a fictional cult before, only true crime stores. How would it compare to all of the information stored in my mind? I was pleasantly surprised. McCord knows his stuff about cults. How they operate, what type of people lead them, etc. Good Weather felt like a place I could easily hear about on one of the podcasts I listen to. I was ready to hear the sordid details and feel all of the feelings.

Unfortunately, the only real feeling I felt was solemnity. There wasn’t much in the way of happiness, or horror, or awe. There was some sadness and the rest an even-keeled solemnity. I wanted to feel more; I wanted to be more surprised; I wanted a bigger reveal.

Tom was likable, and I wanted him to get off well in the end. But there was no significant character growth. His daughter once mentioned therapy for him, and he never even considered it. He didn’t seem to get over any of the crucial problems that ailed him. We never saw him do anything for those issues aside from reconnecting with others from the cult.

Lastly, a tiny thing seemed to be an inconsistency to me, and that just bugged me. I wished I could ask the author to explain it to me, but it will always bug me now.

The book was well written and an easy read. But it wasn’t anything too exciting. However, I commend McCord, and I’ll keep an eye out for other books .

Suicide cults fascinate us all ,how do people become so embroiled in the philosophy and religion of a cult that they willingly commit mass suicide
This novel tells the story of one such cult through the eyes of the very few who for a mixture of reasons survived the mass suicide that was the ultimate fate for so many of their friends
I read an early copy on NetGalley uk and it was unfortunately riddled with formatting errors making reading it as times a struggle .It was however the high quality of the writing that kept me reading .A less well written book and I would have abandoned the struggle
The main character is interesting and I really wanted to know more about his life.The book is fast paced and exciting focusing on the relationships between characters rather than on the horror of the mass suicide
I found the character of Thames the least well drawn I didn’t feel I knew enough of her personal psychology to fully buy her own struggles and ultimate end .She was introduced later on in the story when she probably needed to be a more major character all along for her ultimate fate to resonate more with the reader
Ultimately I did enjoy the book but my jiggles with the ending reduced my rating from 4 to 3

I thought I was going to adore this and there were times that I absolutely did, but overall it felt just 'meh' to me. My main issue with this book was the lack of voice (I kept feeling like multiple people wrote this and the juxtaposition of the darkness of the suicide meshed poorly with the characters interaction / dialogue). There was also plenty of issues with formatting which made it difficult to follow at times, but I can only assume that will be fixed by time of publication.