Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While also in an Actual Cult!) Hardcover – October 22, 2024

I have long been fascinated by the physiology of cults and cult leaders so this book was a definite must read for me.The constant theme of these “leaders” is the ways in which they can manipulate situations and their “followers” which further isolates them. They prey on individuals’ insecurities. We all have insecurities so no one is immune from being courted to join some sort of “cult”. The use of a recognized, organized religion is also not uncommon.Thank you to Joy and to the other family members for writing this book. This must have been cathartic for you all.The biggest lesson everyone should take away from reading this book is: Be wary of who you trust. Not only with your money, but your faith and your time.When it comes to your own faith, do your own Biblical research, know the historical context of the books of the Bible. Don’t take someone’s word as truth, don’t follow blindly!

I was a huge fan of One Tree Hill back in the day, so I knew I had to read this. I honestly had no idea that Joy was going through all of this. I always connected to her character more than any of the others on the show, but this was really eye opening. I’m glad that she has been able to turn her life around.

I thought Lenz did an incredible job at depicting just how easy it is to become a part of a cult; or any abusive relationship. It was educational to see the timeline of manipulation — slower than what one would presume, but then made all the more sustainable; or rather, more difficult to tear yourself away from. I was encouraged by Lenz's honesty and her ability to see both herself and the situation she was in so clearly. And, Lenz is a great writer, too. I enjoyed her storytelling as it was engrossing. I didn't want to stop reading. This was an excellent memoir, but it was also a perfect lesson in cult behavior.

Joy tells her story in a way that makes it easy to understand how anyone-no matter how smart or grounded-can get caught up in a cult or a narcissistic relationship. She describes, with honesty and clarity, how she and others in the “family” were drawn into a deeply manipulative dynamic with the leader, Les (a pseudonym), making the experience both relatable and compelling. The memoir stands out for its strong writing and the credibility that comes from Joy’s habit of keeping detailed journals throughout her journey. This attention to detail helps bring each person’s personality to life, making the group’s dynamics feel real and vivid. I found this memoir gripping from start to finish-I simply couldn’t put it down!

While she praises her editor, this book rambled and repeated almost endlessly and could have been tightened considerably.As much as she’s an outstanding actress, hopefully the memoir writing ends here. I’d have given it one star but I like her so much I gave it three.

Being a OTH fan and also a fan of Bethany Joy Lenz, I was really excited for this when it was announced—excited as in anticipation for becoming in the know of what she could have been talking about and what she went through. And what a journey it is! Lenz does a great job of explaining her story, how she became a member, slowly and without and clue, of a Christian/religious cult, and how the beliefs and actions that she was conditioned to feel and do severely affected her life, finances, and most importantly her mental health and well being. It’s insane to thing that people exist out there who have this desire and ability to have power over others on such a harmful way under the guise of trust, family, and vulnerability. But, it was a fascinating read in that vein, but also about Lenz’ career, some behind the scenes info, and glimpses into positive lights and most of all, her daughter! Definitely a compelling read, even though there is also an eye opening and sad element to the tale.

I watched Ms. Lenz when she played on Guiding Light. Michelle and Danny were my favorite couple for the short time she was on. I must confess I started watching One Tree Hill because of Ms. Lenz. Excellent actress. Most of us never realizing the life you were maintaining.Thank you for sharing your pain and heartache with us. It's not easy to show that side of things. This book also shows how strong and caring and loving you are and I am so happy to read through the lines that you didn't let them win. You kept you.Didn't want to put down. Thank you for sharing and maybe saving someone else from this path.

I was engrossed in this book! I finished reading in less than 10 hours! It’s a fascinating read. It’s well written that you don’t want to put it down. To hear her story and being a fan of OTH, it’s just wow. The strength she had inside! There are only little mentions of OTH so don’t buy this for any behind the scenes of the show. It has made me want to rewatch the show to see how she was going through so much and such a great actress with a starring part of such a huge show.