A review by applesodaperson
Don't Call It a Cult: The Shocking Story of Keith Raniere and the Women of NXIVM by Sarah Berman

dark informative tense fast-paced

4.5

This was definitely the most perfect true crime book I have ever read. I have listened to to true crime Youtubers and pocasts for years, and I loved how this book felt like listening to a true crime podcast. I liked how it went in chronological order (for the most part), because it made it very easy to follow and understand. This is something that I really don't think I'll Be Gone In The Dark did well, which is another true crime book I have read. That book left me feeling so confused about the timeline despite the fact that I was already familiar with that true crime case. 
I also really liked how easy it was to remember who was who. The author repeated full names a lot, and gave context if it had been a while since they were mentioned, which made it really easy to keep track of all the people in this story.
I loved how over and over again, the pattern of people being coerced into the cult until they were too far in was highlighted. It really showed how exploitative Keith Raniere was, and showed how people got roped into doing crazy and horrible things for the cult. 
Plus I just learning about cults and cult psychology in general, so this book was right up my alley. I think it was really well done and interesting. Overall, Keith Reniere sucks and is an absolutely terrible person.
Listened to on Libby.
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