wright_rendon_reads's review against another edition
5.0
This book combines two of my special interests: language and cults. This book is split into sections covering cults and cult(ish) groups: religious groups, self-help groups, MLMs, fitness groups, and online influencers/political groups. The book doesn't claim all of these are cults but that they do use language that cult groups tend to use like thought terminating cliches and love bombing.
This book was interesting, thought provoking, funny, and informative. I found myself turning it on even for a short drive to pick up food. (I listened to it on audiobook). I greatly enjoyed this as my last summer read before school started.
Moderate: Cursing, Suicide, Emotional abuse, and Sexual assault
Minor: Racial slurs, Religious bigotry, Body shaming, and Racism
These content tags are based more on frequency of mentioning rather than going into detail.bashsbooks's review
4.25
Graphic: Violence, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Toxic friendship, Suicide, Murder, Religious bigotry, Racism, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Death, and Child death
Moderate: Antisemitism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Child abuse, and Addiction
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
bethancy's review against another edition
4.0
Moderate: Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Racism, Xenophobia, and Body shaming
hannah_and_her_stories's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Alcohol, Religious bigotry, Adult/minor relationship, Violence, and Gun violence
Minor: Cancer, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Racism
divine529's review against another edition
That said, tread lightly if you have triggers as this book deals with heavy and difficult topics at times.
I highly recommend this to everyone.
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Addiction, Body shaming, Murder, Racism, Confinement, Pedophilia, and Sexual assault
remimicha's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic, Gaslighting, Murder, Mental illness, Homophobia, Violence, Sexual violence, Religious bigotry, Racism, Suicide, Sexual assault, Pedophilia, and Fatphobia
alsoapples's review against another edition
4.5
Moderate: Trafficking, Confinement, Gaslighting, Murder, Suicide, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Death, Racism, and Torture
cady_sass's review against another edition
5.0
In all seriousness this is EXPERTLY done and I’m blown away. I’ve always been drawn to cult history and I really, really appreciate the work the author did here to include “cultish” behavior (hence, the title) of non cult entities- MLMs, fitness & CrossFit culture, MAGA, etc.- along with the obvious identifiable cults like Jonestown, Heavens Gate, and Nxivm, among others.
Super important to give language to the behaviors and vernacular that are big red flags 🚩 so people can engage carefully and make informed decisions. Highly, highly recommend.
Graphic: Child abuse, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Ableism, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Drug use, Eating disorder, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicide, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Chronic illness, Sexism, Classism, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Murder, Racism, Sexual harassment, and Suicide attempt
rionstorm's review against another edition
4.25
I liked that the author explored a wide range of groups, from the types of groups that would traditionally be seen as cults, to new age social media healers, MLMs, and conspiracy theory communities like QAnon, as it was really fascinating to see the same core linguistic and persuasive principals being applied in such different scenarios.
They look at both the positive and negative aspects of tight knit cultish groups, and consistently invite the reader to remain empathetic about to the factors that lead people to become part of these groups, without excusing any harmful behavior or views.
Graphic: Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Suicide
Moderate: Antisemitism, Cultural appropriation, Sexual violence, Body shaming, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Pedophilia, Cancer, Racism, and Vomit
nadia's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked how Cultish was packed with research but also featured a lot of personal anecdotes, both from the author and people she interviewed. I also loved how we spanned many different types of "cult", including instances that several of us experience day-to-day, and the focus on language was fascinating.
I've got lots to go away and think about, and look out for (👀), now!
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault, Racism, Sexism, and Gaslighting
Minor: Death