Amazon Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars So important to understand.
If you ever wonder “what happened “ to that friend or family member… Read This Book!!
The vulnerability and honesty, wisdom and integrity shared by Katrina is so helpful.
If it happened to her it can happen to anyone AND it’s never too late to turn things around.
Great read!
5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant, vulnerable, and gripping tale of one woman’s decent into, and out of, QAnon
Katrina Vaillancourt’s book ReQovery: How I Tumbled Down the QAnon Rabbit Hole and Climbed Out was one of the very few books I almost couldn’t put down, and I highly (even urgently) recommend it to anyone who has been puzzled, disheartened, perplexed, or saddened by the phenomenon of QAnon, or other hard-to-understand “conspiracy” theories or radicalized belief systems. I was captivated by her story, touched by her vulnerability, and heartened by its message. “ReQovery” is a transparent, timely, informative, and well-crafted autobiography that skillfully chronicles her personal journey into the world of QAnon, the impact on her friends and family, and her eventual path out.
ReQovery is more than just a personal memoir, though. It is a crucial resource for understanding the broader phenomenon of conspiracy theories, and QAnon in particular. Even more broadly, the book helps shed insight into the phenomenon of radicalization in general: people, political parties, or religious affiliations that are radically and sometimes incomprehensibly different from our own beliefs and world view.
The book was satisfying for so many reasons. It was a compelling and easy read that, as I mentioned, I didn’t want to put down. It gave me insight into the QAnon phenomenon, of which I had only cursory understanding. It also gave me hope. I do not know of any examples where someone has “goes down the rabbit hole” of a conspiracy theory and come out, and then was able to chronicle the journey with intelligence, nuance, depth, and clarity. My hope is that her story is widely read, both as a compelling memoir in its own right, but also as a source of solace, understanding, and hope to anyone whose life has been affected by QAnon, or any other radicalizing conspiracy theory, or even (non-conspiracy) radicalizing points-of-view.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Novel—And Necessary—Perspective
This story isn’t nearly what I expected it to be when I first received it. I was intrigued by the nature of ReQovery as it seems the vast majority of those who fall into QAnon never come around. I had so many questions around how one ever falls into QAnon in the first place, much less a staunch Bernie Sanders supporter and NVC trainer. I had to know what could possibly be appealing about it from Katrina’s standpoint. I have some sympathy to the mass trust fallout of our government and health institutions during the 2020 pandemic, so this had me curious enough to see if that was a contributing factor. Indeed it was, along with so many other little bits and pieces of things I’d seen in the media since then that seemed awfully suspicious or odd. Katrina speckles the book with quotes and tidbits of information, each with commentary and source citations that add context to the discoveries she made both during and after her fall into QAnon. These I think hold some of the most value in this book. They’re what really fills in the gaps and educates around the slippery slope into QAnon and deeper. Katrina’s voice is a crucial one in today’s political landscape, and ReQovery calls to so many of the pains, distrust, and confusions the American people have suffered in the last decade. It’s loaded with cliffhangers and page-turning accounts of real events that makes you feel like you’re falling into the rabbit hole right alongside her, only, with a plethora of vetted information and holistic perspective. This was a truly incredible read.
5.0 out of 5 stars An unexpected thriller – A compelling read…
I’m so curious about QAnon and how someone could be seduced by it’s stories, by it’s movement. I’ve met people and I’ve wondered.
Katrina captured my attention in each chapter, and I wanted to know more. I started in the middle, and I had to force myself to go to the beginning.
The prose is clear and lays out a path so clear, it continues to help me understand where anyone could follow the trail. She made it easy for me to learn. And answered so many questions. Her reflections of her inner experience really enriched each section.
I can’t imagine escaping the thinking without the support of others (which Katrina writes about). Her story gives me hope. Her story inspires me to engage with empathy with those on the QAnon path. And to meet them with curiousity and not judgment.
Though I know the ending, I still have a few chapters left. (I’d be done if it was an audiobook).
I give this book my highest recommendation if you are curious about QAnon and how it operates, and if you have loved ones caught in it’s web. I think this is a resource for anyone supporting people trying to escape a cult…
Bonus, if you follow Nonviolent Communication, Katrina is a Certified Trainer through the Center for Nonviolent Communication. This enhanced my learning from the book, and I hope it supports your learning and understanding the way it supported me.
5.0 out of 5 stars An AMAZING & IMPORTANT read in a turbulent & divisive time
GREAT read, easy to become immersed in. Worthy of a read during this turbulent time in human political history.
In ReQovery, Katrina does a wonderful job of describing the very real and relatable experience of learning about the illusion of choice in our often-corrupt world. At a time when the general public is becoming more divided than ever and political parties are purposefully pushing for partisan segregation and cultural polarization, especially within the volatile lines of the United States of America, Katrina has found a way to comfort those who are looking for a holistic, relationship-driven solution or approach to living through her rabbit hole tumble. Anyone in alternative lifestyles will understand the path Katrina journeys down in order to find her version of peace in this lifetime – and as someone who finds meaning in every day things, it has been meaningful for me to read about Katrina’s struggle down the QAnon rabbit hole and how she clawed her way back out in a safe and emotionally secure manner – without losing the important relationships in her life (a feat in and of itself!).
A fast read, well-edited, and hard to put down. I’ve been super busy lately and still can’t stop reading it lol!
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating read with implications into the dangers of AI in our internet age
This book took me on an intriguing trip into the bizarre world of Q as the author detailed her challenging journey to recovery. The light Katrina shines on the algorithmic power of our digitally wired world was both instructive and concerning. Her struggle to re-engage with her community with a broadened perspective and a new sense of self-empowerment is inspiring.
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and Eye-Opening!
ReQovery was a captivating read, one that I devoured in just a few days. It offered me invaluable insights, fostering a deeper sense of perspective, empathy, and compassion towards those whose political views once seemed incomprehensible to me. In fact, it’s brought me closer to family members and friends whose political views differ from my own.
It also renewed my faith in the notion that, despite our differences, most of us are striving to be good humans to the best of our abilities. Given the profound political divide we face, especially with the upcoming presidential election, this book couldn’t have been released at a more crucial time. I sincerely hope more people read this book!!!
5.0 out of 5 stars A riveting and important story to tell
Katrina’s story is extremely important in this age when we are so politically polarized and divided. The writing is extremely engaging and pulls the reader along. Having just navigated these tumultuous years, I could resonate so strongly with each part of her story. What shines through for me is the importance of human connection and communication, seeing the heart of the person before you rather than judging them based on their beliefs. Whether your differences are political, religious, race or culture, we are all human, and we share one small planet in this vast universe. It is imperative for the future of humanity that we find a way to live together. I am grateful that the author had the courage to share her powerful story with the world.
5.0 out of 5 stars Page-turner
ReQovery takes the reader with the author through a swirl of online algorithms that took her to a dark mental space that friends and family never thought could happen. But the author also takes you with her as she climbs out again with family support and with her own resilience, using non-violent communication strategies. Fascinating read.
5.0 out of 5 stars A challenging topic navigated with courage, compassion and hope
This book is a testament to the author’s incredible courage and compassion — her willingness to delve into a profoundly disorienting chapter of her life and share her journey through conspiracy theories and political polarization with raw honesty and a pervading sense of hope. For anyone who has wanted to understand how a “perfectly normal” person could find themselves lost in QAnon land, or who wishes they could reach someone in that place.
5.0 out of 5 stars Important!
This is such an incredible book and so important for humanity in this day and age. Katrina writes in such an elegant way and you can see the amount of research she has done to come to the truth of the situation. Thank you so much for this informational book and research.
Order ReQovery on Amazon
Los Angeles Book Review – 5 out of 5 Stars!
Politics and religion are two topics that are best avoided during a conversation if you want to keep things light and friendly. There is a reason for this rule that allows all participants to feel safe and comfortable. Katrina learned this the hard way when she became involved with QAnon; swaying people’s opinions to her political and moral “truth” was the goal, and she was unapologetic. In 2020, when COVID-19 hit the United States, people struggled not only physically but also mentally and emotionally due to the lockdown, the isolation, and (for many) the results of the presidential election. The two major political parties were more divided than ever, causing people to be on the offensive while being more defensive at the same time.
Since she was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and in an adverse emotional state, Katrina didn’t notice how deep she had fallen into the conspiracy theories until confronted by her fiancé, Stephen, and family members. Over the next six months, she grappled with intense emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger, paranoia, obsession, and depression, which threatened her relationships and mental well-being. Despite the difficult period, she managed to overcome these challenges, regain a positive outlook, and now sees herself as a stronger person as she continues to face the aftermath of the social, emotional, and mental backlash and scars of being involved with QAnon.
Vaillancourt’s experience, as depicted in ReQovery: How I Tumbled Down the QAnon Rabbit Hole and Climbed Out, is informative, insightful, timely, and humbling for all readers. She writes her story in a vulnerable and conscientious manner, understanding that there’s a fifty-fifty chance that her audience will correctly interpret and accept her information; knowing this, she is brave to “out” herself and shows her priorities by attempting to help others through her message. Her work shows how she’s human and capable of falling prey to the tricks and schemes that professionals create for an agenda.
I enjoyed several aspects of the book. I appreciated how the author presented political ideas in easy-to-understand language, even for readers who aren’t interested in this topic. She sticks to the main points and clearly states her intentions and plans for the book upfront. The story reads as a combination of memoir and research paper. She emphasizes the importance of finding credible sources and not taking information at face value; she includes numerous pages of references, including abundant journals, articles, and documentaries supporting her claims. I chose this book because I was semi-familiar with QAnon and wanted to learn more. Vaillancourt delivered the promised information and provided an experience that exceeded my expectations. I feel like a better informed and prepared person because of it.
Reviewed By: Rachel Dehning
https://losangelesbookreview.com/review/reqovery-how-i-tumbled-down-the-qanon-rabbit-hole-and-climbed-out/