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saucy_bookdragon's review against another edition
3.5
Sections 4-5 were disappointing though, dealing with MLMs (the pyramid schemes kind not the gay kind) and fitness programs. They spent the whole time justifying why these groups are cultish and so mainly applied the information discussed in the first half, which made it redundant and the authors arguments felt like reaches at times, she even admits at the end of chapter five that fitness programs aren't really a concern. This would've been stronger if it focused specifically on religious cults and then made quick comparisons to how the methods apply to non-cult groups, or maybe if it had been one chapter about cultish groups.
The last section is a return to form as it discusses New Age and conspiracy theory internet personalities. These are much closer to traditional cults and its a fascinating discussion on how these groups form with the internet. It made me wish that the non-cult sections had been cut/condensed and the book could've expanded more on actual cults, especially since there were a lot of examples mentioned that could have used expanding on.
Also, it seems odd that since the doors were opened for cult-like groups that there wasn't any discussion of celebrity fandoms. They're mentioned maybe twice but never expanded on or explained. I mean they're groups of people extremely devoted to one person/a group of people who have their own distinct language, in jokes, and culture. Their beliefs are often near religious and the lore they create is often intricate and a mythology around the person. I think especially Swifties, kpop stans, and Beatlemania would be interesting to study.
Cultish is overall an interesting introduction to the role language plays in cults and thought provoking, though it could have used more focus and more examples.
Graphic: Murder, Suicide, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Gun violence and Rape
roniread's review against another edition
Graphic: Suicide and Violence
readbooksovermygrave's review against another edition
3.5
Moderate: Suicide
jtpgdavey's review against another edition
3.0
Moderate: Suicide, Bullying, Murder, and Gaslighting
beccasova's review against another edition
4.0
Minor: Sexual assault and Suicide
Discusses the influence of speech and language in cults, and how it has been used in modern marketing today.mgaff57's review against another edition
3.25
Graphic: Suicide
kimib79's review against another edition
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Self harm, Emotional abuse, Suicide attempt, and Gaslighting
cassiebartelme's review against another edition
3.0
Moderate: Gaslighting and Suicide
camilla_perotti's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
maximauve's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Racism, Pandemic/Epidemic, Emotional abuse, Death, Mass/school shootings, Police brutality, and Suicide