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A review by rorikae
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
'Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism' by Amanda Montell is an engaging book that looks at the language used by cult and cultlike groups. Montell delves into different ways that cults use language to entice and ensnare members from the more insidious to the common place.
What I appreciated most about this book is that it not only delves into the more well known fringe cults like Jonestown and Scientology but that Montell also explores how similar language techniques are used by popular fitness workouts, brands, and multilevel marketing schemes.
By starting with the most insidious cults and then branching out into the more common day examples, Montell does a great job of cementing a base understanding of how cults use language and how this has been coopted for everyday uses. Montell balances interrogation of methods and language uses with empathy, which I felt gave the book a more open view of how people get involved with cults. Montell also includes stories from people who have been in cults to provide first hand experience on how language can manipulate perception. If you have any interest in linguistics or have ever wondered how people get involved with cults, I recommend this book as a great source of information.
What I appreciated most about this book is that it not only delves into the more well known fringe cults like Jonestown and Scientology but that Montell also explores how similar language techniques are used by popular fitness workouts, brands, and multilevel marketing schemes.
By starting with the most insidious cults and then branching out into the more common day examples, Montell does a great job of cementing a base understanding of how cults use language and how this has been coopted for everyday uses. Montell balances interrogation of methods and language uses with empathy, which I felt gave the book a more open view of how people get involved with cults. Montell also includes stories from people who have been in cults to provide first hand experience on how language can manipulate perception. If you have any interest in linguistics or have ever wondered how people get involved with cults, I recommend this book as a great source of information.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Body shaming and Bullying