Cultish The Language of Fanaticism

The book is presenting facts in such rhythmic writing and style that you can read it in one sitting. The topic is interesting, the personal stories and interviews are making the book even more enjoyable!

I’ve been flirting with this book for quite a while before I finally committed to buying it. Not just because cults and conspiracies and the mindset behind it have an unending fasciation to me, but also simply because the cover is stunning (A+ to the designer). I’m glad I finally caved! It’s a very fun - if slightly disturbing - ride through a number of different organizations and groups that engage in cultish language. The writing is very fluent and engaging, and I’ve had general trouble putting it down at times. The individual chapters feel like episodes on a podcast, each dipping into a different area, group or organization, so it never gets too repetitive. The overarching focus is on the linguistic similarities that they all share with each other, like creation of insider language, slang and an emphasis on broad, general statements. And this is where the long-lasting value of the book comes from, in my opinion. Because while it is of course very entertaining to read about what some specific cults and cult-adjacent groups were/are up to, these concepts are what stick with you long after you’ve forgotten the details. Cultish language patterns are ever present in our everyday lives, especially on social media, and recognizing them for what they are is a valuable skill to have.

Rarely do I take this much out of a book that I can apply in everyday life. Language on its own is thrilling to me but Amanda Montell opened up a whole new perspective on how language can be used to manipulate and exclude/include. Yes, scientology was a topic - but so was Tupperware! And Taylor Swift. Everybody comes in contact with cults, whether with full awareness or not, as company CULTure could not exist without cult as well. All in all, a fun and informative read which is proven by facts.