A review by mmccombs
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

funny hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

What a fun and informative and thought provoking read! I loved how focused it was, Montell doesn’t necessarily cover all of the factors that create cults and make us join them, but creates a convincing argument about the role of language in all of the groups, movements, Instagram pages, and cults we may join. I loved the lightness and compassion she wrote with while also balancing the very real layers of oppression, harm, inequality, and trauma that come with the subject. I kind of wish this kept going, there’s just so much to mine here! This was so accessible and just a fun thing to read.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual harassment

Minor: Suicide