I've been Beyond the Threshold too - Rated 
Despite some halting language, this book is intelligently, sensitively and honestly written. I have similar, though less dramatic experiences with the same Association and can sympathise totally with the author. Her frank but unsensational treatment of this subject is a long-awaited and necessary exposure of life inside Opus Dei. Her terrifying experiences in Rome reflect what many others have undergone in different places and in different decades. If only the authorities in the Catholic Church, in the Vatican, would read and take notice!
Won't win any prizes, but contains pertinent information - Rated 
Wow. It is interesting to read the reviews of this book - very polarised. Either people love it (ex-Opus Dei members generally) or they hate it (current Opus Dei members). I am neither. My sister is involved in Opus Dei, which I must say I am not happy about. I read this book to gain a better understanding of the machinations within the organisation, as my sister has told me NADA (she's been involved with Opus Dei for about 10 years). Yes, Ms Tapia is subjective in many parts of the book, however, I do feel that she did her best to give a "reasonably objective" view of Opus Dei and its internal workings. Alot of what she says rings true with my limited experience with the work. For me, the main message of the book was this: Opus Dei has some admirable goals and beliefs, however, those methods they have chosen to achieve their goals are at times questionable, and in some cases subversive. I think that is something all people should keep in mind when reading this book or formulating an opinion on Opus Dei. I personally do not support Opus Dei and, as I said before, I am not happy about my sister being involved in it. Nevertheless, in my sister's case, she appears to be happy at this point in her life, and if Opus Dei has contributed to that happiness, then I am of course grateful to the Work. My main concern is, however, that my sister refuses to listen to any other opinion about the work other than that information given to her from the work itself. This, of course, leads to a biased and subjective understanding of the work - exactly that which many of the readers of this book have accused Ms Tapia for. Interesting, is it not? So, there you go. This book does suffer from circumlocution, digression and subjectivity, however, it does give a fascinating and thought provoking portrait of Opus Dei and its Founder. I believe Ms Tapia to be of sound mind and I believe what she says to be true, albeit biased by her own personal opinions. This book is definitely worth reading, as it will help the reader to formulate a "more complete and objective" opinion of the Work - just remember to read other books, as well, including Opus Dei publications.
A much better book: Vitrorio Messori's "Opus Dei .." - Rated 
I ordered a book from Amazon last month: Vitrorio Messori's "Opus Dei - Leadership and Vision in Today's Catholic Church" It is a more accurate & objective portrayal of Opus Dei. Opus Dei is greatly misunderstood from my experience. It is an incredible service to the Church, but membership is clearly not for everyone. In the same way, the life of a Carmelite Nun in a Closed Order is not for everyone... some people would go mad living such a lifestyle, simply because it is not their vocation & thought it might be... but the Spirit of the Carmelites is not bad, it's just not for some people. The same with Opus Dei. It's message is for everyone (universal call to holiness) but not everyone has the grace to live a life of discipline, detachment, apostolate & self-sacrifice as members do. There is no need for books like this to bash such organizations of the Catholic Church. There is always room for criticism to help things improve (I'm all for that!), but books like this promote bitterness & misunderstandings. It is inaccurate in many places. It undermines the judgement of the Church concerning Beatifcations & Canonizations. (including that of Blsd Escriva.) Messori's book is much better.
Fascinating but to be read with caution - Rated 
The book is as fascinating, as the Opus Dei is controversial. Definitely Opus Dei is not for every one and certainly it was not for Ms. Tapia. Many things in her book are true but her emotions reduce her credibility. Being a devout catholic I consider Opus Dei as one of the most conservative orders in the Catholic Church today, and a stronhold of our faith. Nevertheless their methods are sometimes questionable. I was active in the Opus Dei and I admire their principles but three points made me realize Opus Dei was not for me: 1.- Their fanatical devotion to their founder Mgr. Escriba. It is not a devotion but an obligation to worship him 2.- Their obsesive secrecy. It really seems that they want to to hide something wrong. If you are sure about your principles there is no need to hide them. 3.- Next to their secrecy, their recrutments methods (also secret)among young people. I support Ms. Tapia, Opus Dei is not perfect but neither is her. I should also say that Opus Dei is changing and becoming becoming more open.
And the Truth will set you free! - Rated
I am forever grateful to Maria del Carmen for having had the strength to write this brilliant book. It has helped and strengthened me and my family immensly. I am a former member of Opus Dei and I have personally experienced much of what is recorded in this book, including the manipulative scouldings and accusations. For a long time I desperately clinged to the half hearted belief that my experiences and Kafka-like life were exeptional and a result of my imperfection as opposed to the perfection of my 'brothers and sisters in the Work', and this 'helped' me stay in Opus Dei. But as Maria del Carmen shows so clearly, these are all control and manipulation tecniques, and their practice continues. I understand that i can be hard for those who have not themselves been 'beyond the threshold' to believe what Maria del Carmen has experienced, but she is not alone, many have similar experiences. We are many who have left (eventhough few have had the insight of Maria del Carmen) and after an initial rough period out in the cold, most of us grow strong! I hope this much needed personal account will inspire and strengthen others who are afraid to tell of their experiences. I also hope this book will inspire us to organize and make our voice heard (through ODAN and the likes). This tribute to Truth must be read by all who sincerely want to know the true nature about Opus Dei. But let us remember that noone is as blind as the one who refuses to see. I pray that more people choose to see!
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