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

This book does a really good job of breaking down and explaining the language used by cult leaders and extremists to gather a following and sort of bring people in and keep them in. Scientology, Jim Jones, Heaven's Gate, etc. But also how that same language is used by people or groups or companies to get them to spend money, join an MLM, make serious life-changing choices. And I think Montell communicates really well that the solution to this is not to commit to being closed-minded and never join a group or chant, but to be aware of how language is used to try to control behavior. And to keep that in mind, so that you can seek out connection and spirituality and mysticism without being easy prey for people who just want to use you for their own power or monetary gain.