what_is_meg_reading 's review for:

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

4.5

informative reflective medium-paced

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I really enjoyed this book. It was well researched and an interesting look at how we use language around cults and a great breakdown of how dangerous vs. innocuous groups we call “cults” can be. I really enjoyed the stories from people in very levels of high control groups that gave first hand experiences from different levels of “cults.” It can be a little slow at times simply due to the amount of information, but overall it’s an excellent read for anyone curious about cults and high control groups and the language used by these leaders. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Sexism, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting

This book is about cults and high control groups, so there are discussions about how leaders manipulated and abused followers. The author does try to limit descriptions of that abuse while also informing why these group leaders are dangerous or at least toxic.