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crybabybea's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
4.0
I really liked this perspective on cults and other cultish groups, language is extremely important and this is filled with good information about how linguistics play into the role of cults across the entire spectrum.
Amanda Montell's use of the word "cultish" in an attempt to create distance from the word "cult" that comes with all kinds of negative connotations and promises of death and danger was interesting. She had some profound things to say about how language dehumanizes members of cult groups. I thought it was very clever for the author to point out the way the words "cult" and "brainwash" have become thought-terminating clichés, considering her focus on how cult groups use thought-terminating clichés to foster control over their members.
I just really appreciated the attempt to re-humanize cult members and survivors. On top of dispelling the myth of "brainwashing", the author constantly talks about how human beings are wired to desire community, connection, and purpose in life. It's not just "stupid, lazy people" that get trapped in cults, but it can happen to anyone and everyone, especially those who are vulnerable culturally or spiritually, and especially especially when the groups are ran by somebody who knows how to weaponize language to their advantage. I found it to be super compassionate and a perspective that doesn't get talked about enough when talking about cults and their members and survivors.
It was also interesting to see the ties between modern-day cultish messaging to the Protestant Reformation, which has such deep ties to the founding of America that it's intricately woven into almost every part of our daily lives. The author pointed out a lot of words that have connection to religious teachings and sayings, that have become so normalized I didn't even realize they were connected to religion at all.
The analysis of language is definitely a useful tool for anyone that wants to practice critical thinking and make informed decisions about the activities and groups they become part of. It definitely made me think about some groups I myself am a part of and wouldn't have considered "cultish" but see the parallels clearly now.
The only reason I don't want to give this 5 stars is because I felt like it was a bit short and didn't go as in-depth as I would have liked. If you've already read books (or even watched YouTube videos or listened to podcasts) about MLMs, cults, and diet culture, then a lot of the information here isn't really new.
Amanda Montell's use of the word "cultish" in an attempt to create distance from the word "cult" that comes with all kinds of negative connotations and promises of death and danger was interesting. She had some profound things to say about how language dehumanizes members of cult groups. I thought it was very clever for the author to point out the way the words "cult" and "brainwash" have become thought-terminating clichés, considering her focus on how cult groups use thought-terminating clichés to foster control over their members.
I just really appreciated the attempt to re-humanize cult members and survivors. On top of dispelling the myth of "brainwashing", the author constantly talks about how human beings are wired to desire community, connection, and purpose in life. It's not just "stupid, lazy people" that get trapped in cults, but it can happen to anyone and everyone, especially those who are vulnerable culturally or spiritually, and especially especially when the groups are ran by somebody who knows how to weaponize language to their advantage. I found it to be super compassionate and a perspective that doesn't get talked about enough when talking about cults and their members and survivors.
It was also interesting to see the ties between modern-day cultish messaging to the Protestant Reformation, which has such deep ties to the founding of America that it's intricately woven into almost every part of our daily lives. The author pointed out a lot of words that have connection to religious teachings and sayings, that have become so normalized I didn't even realize they were connected to religion at all.
The analysis of language is definitely a useful tool for anyone that wants to practice critical thinking and make informed decisions about the activities and groups they become part of. It definitely made me think about some groups I myself am a part of and wouldn't have considered "cultish" but see the parallels clearly now.
The only reason I don't want to give this 5 stars is because I felt like it was a bit short and didn't go as in-depth as I would have liked. If you've already read books (or even watched YouTube videos or listened to podcasts) about MLMs, cults, and diet culture, then a lot of the information here isn't really new.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Religious bigotry
pilicreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
Amanda Montell has an absolute GEM here! i cannot overstate how much this book came at the PERFECT time, a time where I’ve been feeling lost and confused about my relationship to spirituality. Montell is witty, clear, thorough, and fun to read.
Montell brings wisdom, solace, compassion, and education to her readers and to the subjects she writes about.
My biggest takeaway from this book was much less about cults and language (though that is of course present) and much more about the joys and perils of seeking a sense of community, spirituality, and purpose.
The book can at times feel like a student trying to reach the word count, but usually Montell’s anecdotes bring a colorful, nuanced perspective to the varied topics she discusses. I do wish that some of her anecdotes (because there are MANY) were sometimes swapped out for more empirical research.
Consider me a #MontellGroupie! ;)
Montell brings wisdom, solace, compassion, and education to her readers and to the subjects she writes about.
My biggest takeaway from this book was much less about cults and language (though that is of course present) and much more about the joys and perils of seeking a sense of community, spirituality, and purpose.
The book can at times feel like a student trying to reach the word count, but usually Montell’s anecdotes bring a colorful, nuanced perspective to the varied topics she discusses. I do wish that some of her anecdotes (because there are MANY) were sometimes swapped out for more empirical research.
Consider me a #MontellGroupie! ;)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Suicide, and Murder
fkshg8465's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
5.0
I accidentally joined a cult in college and managed to extricate myself and my friends from it within a couple of weeks as soon as I realized this wasn’t a regular church. Since then, I’ve been fascinated by what makes people tick, and book’s like this one is very helpful in my journey.
It was good to get a broad spectrum of cults versus just the ones deemed deviations of mainstream Christianity. By including fitness cults, social cults, New Age cults, and pyramid schemes, it makes it really obvious that we are all much more susceptible than in previous times. I would be really interested in reading an extra chapter devoted just to the MAGA cult at some point, if the writer were ever to update the book with one.
I give it a five because I’ll want to read this again later, rather than because it’s as good as a five might be.
It was good to get a broad spectrum of cults versus just the ones deemed deviations of mainstream Christianity. By including fitness cults, social cults, New Age cults, and pyramid schemes, it makes it really obvious that we are all much more susceptible than in previous times. I would be really interested in reading an extra chapter devoted just to the MAGA cult at some point, if the writer were ever to update the book with one.
I give it a five because I’ll want to read this again later, rather than because it’s as good as a five might be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Dysphoria, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic
friendly_neighborhood_grandma's review against another edition
I got triggered and i dont want to read this anymore
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Religious bigotry, and Gaslighting
yourstrulyrosie's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child abuse and Child death
Minor: Homophobia and Racism
ashlynregan's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
REALLY loved the writing style of this book (it read like a long-form collegiate essay with online colloquialisms interspersed) and cults are always a huge interest of mine. ILY AMANDA MONTELL.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, and Pandemic/Epidemic
sheriffrockyraccoon's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
This book was addictive- I read it in less than a day! Amanda Montell’s writing felt like listening to a friend talk about her latest obsession, in a good way.
I loved how this book was divided to include not only actual cults but other groups we might not necessarily consider “cult-ish”. Montell was respectful of both cult victims and those who participate in SoulCycle in a way that was full of compassion and avoided being demeaning. I also found it funny how to “learn” the language of Cultush the book ironically created a language of its own, further emphasizing Montell’s point that it’s pretty impossible to avoid a “cult” as a human being.
I’d recommend this book to anyone looking to get into nonfiction that doesn’t want to stress about dense historical backgrounds or difficult vocabulary. Montell takes the time to explain everything to her readers and guide them through her thesis. It’s also great for any nerdy English majors such as myself who love to learn about how language can change our worldview.
I only wish that Montell had the time to write about January 6th, as this book’s manuscript seemed to have finished by the time it happened. I would have loved to hear what she had to say about it!
I loved how this book was divided to include not only actual cults but other groups we might not necessarily consider “cult-ish”. Montell was respectful of both cult victims and those who participate in SoulCycle in a way that was full of compassion and avoided being demeaning. I also found it funny how to “learn” the language of Cultush the book ironically created a language of its own, further emphasizing Montell’s point that it’s pretty impossible to avoid a “cult” as a human being.
I’d recommend this book to anyone looking to get into nonfiction that doesn’t want to stress about dense historical backgrounds or difficult vocabulary. Montell takes the time to explain everything to her readers and guide them through her thesis. It’s also great for any nerdy English majors such as myself who love to learn about how language can change our worldview.
I only wish that Montell had the time to write about January 6th, as this book’s manuscript seemed to have finished by the time it happened. I would have loved to hear what she had to say about it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Grief, Religious bigotry, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, and Pandemic/Epidemic
alexisdillon725's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
3.75
Audio. It was an interesting and good book, but it was a little underwhelming. That may be because a lot of the things in the book I was already familiar with as a cult/cultish nerd. However, I did learn some new things which were really fascinating! I also don’t think the reviews that imply there isn’t any talk of the language of cults is ridiculous. There was a lot of focus on the language of cultish things or cults themselves but you do have to give background to the topics you’re talking about for the audience who hasn’t ever been exposed to the topic. Would still recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Suicide, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
danimacuk's review
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Suicide, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Physical abuse and Sexual assault
Minor: Body shaming, Confinement, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Racism, Rape, Trafficking, Kidnapping, and Pandemic/Epidemic
erinkellyreads's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I've been a listener of Amanda Montell's podcast "Sounds Like a Cult" that was sparked from this book for a couple of years now, so I was very excited to get my hands on the book/audiobook itself. I had previously listened to Amanda's other book, "Wordslut", which she read herself and focuses on the power of words and reclaiming words through an easy to read but well researched linguistic interest. I actually recommend reading/listening to "Wordslut" before you read/listen to "Cultish", because you'll get a better insight into the deliberate phrasing both Amanda and the various cults use to craft what they want you to understand.
"Cultish" was read by a different audiobook narrator, and I actually enjoyed that. I know Amanda's vocal/writing style from consuming her other content, so it was interesting to get another interpretation of it on top of what she wrote. The book is set up in various section with a different focus on each. Part One focuses on Amanda's thesis of the evolution from the cults of the 1900's (I cringed suuuuuuuper hard writing that, as a millennial) to the culty language of modern day fanaticism. Part Two focuses on background information on some major cults of the past such as Heaven's Gate, Jonestown, the Branch-Davidians of Waco, and even the cult that her father escaped as a young man. Part Three breaks down some more modern religious sects that could be considered culty and why - mostly through the use of language (from the in-speak of a group through even speaking in tongues). Part Four gets really interesting as it moves away from spirituality and into a somewhat new religious experience of the 2000's-2010's - fitness! From the various gurus and "gurus" of different yoga traditions to SoulCycle, Peloton, and Crossfit, Amanda digs deep into the similarities with these "lifestyle cults" to actual cult techniques. If you are a fitness buff, don't worry, she also looks at the good things that people get from their favorite fitness groups. Part Five digs into how social media has shifted and continued the use of culty language and groups with a deep dive into the Instagram Witch trend from 2018-2022 (that's the timeline I think fits best there, in my opinion). From there, we bring it all home in the conclusion.
I've always been interested in cults, how they work, and why someone would want to join one. Over the years I think I've answered those questions for myself, but I really appreciated Amanda's focus on language as uniter in these instances. Beyond that, it is very easy to see how we all use language that can sound cultish with the things we are fans of (I'm a bookstagram using Swiftie who eats a lot of Trader Joe's - I totally see it). Amanda did a fantastic job researching this book with statistics and interviews from everyone from survivors, academics, and current fanatics. I enjoyed "Wordslut" fine enough, but "Cultish" is really Amanda's best work so far. I say so far because her new book "Magic Overthinking" just came out a couple of weeks ago! That is my next read, and I'm excited to see where this goes next. 5 stars, recommended read!
"Cultish" was read by a different audiobook narrator, and I actually enjoyed that. I know Amanda's vocal/writing style from consuming her other content, so it was interesting to get another interpretation of it on top of what she wrote. The book is set up in various section with a different focus on each. Part One focuses on Amanda's thesis of the evolution from the cults of the 1900's (I cringed suuuuuuuper hard writing that, as a millennial) to the culty language of modern day fanaticism. Part Two focuses on background information on some major cults of the past such as Heaven's Gate, Jonestown, the Branch-Davidians of Waco, and even the cult that her father escaped as a young man. Part Three breaks down some more modern religious sects that could be considered culty and why - mostly through the use of language (from the in-speak of a group through even speaking in tongues). Part Four gets really interesting as it moves away from spirituality and into a somewhat new religious experience of the 2000's-2010's - fitness! From the various gurus and "gurus" of different yoga traditions to SoulCycle, Peloton, and Crossfit, Amanda digs deep into the similarities with these "lifestyle cults" to actual cult techniques. If you are a fitness buff, don't worry, she also looks at the good things that people get from their favorite fitness groups. Part Five digs into how social media has shifted and continued the use of culty language and groups with a deep dive into the Instagram Witch trend from 2018-2022 (that's the timeline I think fits best there, in my opinion). From there, we bring it all home in the conclusion.
I've always been interested in cults, how they work, and why someone would want to join one. Over the years I think I've answered those questions for myself, but I really appreciated Amanda's focus on language as uniter in these instances. Beyond that, it is very easy to see how we all use language that can sound cultish with the things we are fans of (I'm a bookstagram using Swiftie who eats a lot of Trader Joe's - I totally see it). Amanda did a fantastic job researching this book with statistics and interviews from everyone from survivors, academics, and current fanatics. I enjoyed "Wordslut" fine enough, but "Cultish" is really Amanda's best work so far. I say so far because her new book "Magic Overthinking" just came out a couple of weeks ago! That is my next read, and I'm excited to see where this goes next. 5 stars, recommended read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Racism, Sexism, Suicide, Violence, Mass/school shootings, Gaslighting, and Classism