51 pages 1 hour read

Amanda Montell

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2023

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, Amanda Montell explores how American cults and various modern communities like MLMs and fitness groups manipulate language to shape reality and control members, illustrating a shared cultish language. References to and depictions of suicide, homicide, racial issues, political issues, kidnapping, harm to children, gun violence, body shaming, sexual abuse, and rape are present.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Amanda Montell's Cultish receives praise for its engaging exploration of the language used by cults to manipulate and control. Readers appreciate Montell's insightful analysis and accessible writing style, though some critique the book for lacking depth in certain case studies. Overall, it is seen as a compelling read that sheds light on the power of language.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Cultish?

Readers who relish dissecting language, culture, and societal influences, akin to those who enjoyed Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari or The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, will find Amanda Montell's Cultish compelling. This book suits enthusiasts of linguistics, psychology, and the subtle power of words in shaping belief systems.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Psychology

Religion / Spirituality

Crime / Legal

Themes

Identity: Language

Genre

Psychology