A review by lara_ayrolla
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

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:
  • 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.
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