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nasalle2842's review against another edition
4.0
This was fascinating!! From more obvious cults like Heaven’s Gate and Scientology, to modern day trends that have are said to have cult followings like Peloton and Instagram/social media, this book explains just how powerful and dangerous language can be when used to manipulate and overpower groups of people. We are all susceptible to it and if you don’t think you are, this book will be an eye opener. I read this via audiobook and really enjoyed it!
inaplanetyat's review against another edition
3.0
I wish it was just slightly more academic and delved deeper into the actual linguistics
lara_ayrolla's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This was a nice book that made me learn patterns and concepts that I'll never be able to unlearn. The writing wasn't the most polished and there were many things that I would like changed, but, overall, it was pleasant and intelligent. I'm glad I read it.
Pros:
Pros:
- The linguistic explanations present in this book are interesting and reflective, creating a whole new perspective on multiple scenarios for me.
- Many examples used enriched the experience and helped me better understand the consequences of linguistic choices.
- This book has two things that make me swoon when I'm reading: many quotables, and knowledge that will not allow me to be the same as I was before reading it.
- I like how many of the concepts taught in previous chapters are carried to the next ones and used organically, making it easier to internalize the knowledge and truly understand it.
Cons:
- The writing is a bit clunky and needs more editing.
- The order in which things are said seems random and not planned. Reading that something will be spoken about in other chapters adds nothing but frustration and confusion to the reading experience.
- Much information without sources was given.
- Too many personal examples and experiences are used, making the book sound less professional and a little too much like a linguistic-themed memoir at some points.
- There is so much unnecessary history and background that it becomes daunting to read until getting to the actual point.
- I'm glad that there are notes, but it's quite unfortunate that they are all at the end of the book with no identifiable number or code whatsoever.
- I know I bring it upon myself by reading books from the United States but the hyper-focus on the country and the almost fantastical view of other places never fails to disappoint me. I would have liked this book tons more had it been more focused on the topic in general than so specifically on US culture.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Murder
shadysands's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Interesting reflection on the power of language. I enjoyed the exploration of pyramid schemes, spiritual groups and crossfire of which I hadn't considered much before. I just found I occasionally lost interest/ wasn't paying attention. And perhaps it wad things I was already aware of, however was interesting to think about.
alisarae's review against another edition
5.0
I read a lot about cults because I enjoy it. This book is unique from many I've read because it looks specifically at the language and communication patterns used not just by classic cults but also by those organizations and people who feel "cultish." You know the ones: MLMs, crossfit gyms, overly enthusiastic startups. It's hyperbole to call these groups "cults"--Peloton is no Jonesown--but what is it exactly that makes them so culty?
Linguistically, they all use the same techniques:
1. Love bombing (effusive compliments)
2. Us vs Them rhetoric ("There's winners and there's quitters.")
3. Thought terminators (phrases that shut down questions & dialogue: "Do the research." "God has a plan.")
4. Verbal abuse (can range from body shaming in the gym to put downs when you aren't performing well, and etc)
5. Jargon and assigning common words a new meaning (the "WOD" at the crossfit "box")
The book looks at the traditional biggies like Scientology and Jonestown, but also has chapters on politics, fitness programs, MLMs and #bossbabe culture, and internet cults like new agey Instagram influencers and Qanon.
Interestingly, it appears that some people are naturally attuned to this type of language and are instinctively turned off by it, while it resonates strongly with and attracts other types of people. Thankfully you can learn to spot it ("It's like porn: you know it when you see it.") and the book has a wealth of examples of the language techniques being used in every sort of context. Rather than blaming and judging people for getting sucked in, Montell says she learned that "humans are physiologically built to be more mystical and comunal than [she] knew."
I am one of those people who can instantly sense manipulative language even before I can put my finger on what feels off about the situation, but I still found this book helpful because it distilled the techniques down into basic categories and gave me labels to be able to name what I am sensing. Great book and engaging writing.
Linguistically, they all use the same techniques:
1. Love bombing (effusive compliments)
2. Us vs Them rhetoric ("There's winners and there's quitters.")
3. Thought terminators (phrases that shut down questions & dialogue: "Do the research." "God has a plan.")
4. Verbal abuse (can range from body shaming in the gym to put downs when you aren't performing well, and etc)
5. Jargon and assigning common words a new meaning (the "WOD" at the crossfit "box")
The book looks at the traditional biggies like Scientology and Jonestown, but also has chapters on politics, fitness programs, MLMs and #bossbabe culture, and internet cults like new agey Instagram influencers and Qanon.
Interestingly, it appears that some people are naturally attuned to this type of language and are instinctively turned off by it, while it resonates strongly with and attracts other types of people. Thankfully you can learn to spot it ("It's like porn: you know it when you see it.") and the book has a wealth of examples of the language techniques being used in every sort of context. Rather than blaming and judging people for getting sucked in, Montell says she learned that "humans are physiologically built to be more mystical and comunal than [she] knew."
I am one of those people who can instantly sense manipulative language even before I can put my finger on what feels off about the situation, but I still found this book helpful because it distilled the techniques down into basic categories and gave me labels to be able to name what I am sensing. Great book and engaging writing.