A review by arosyriddle
Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing by Emily Lynn Paulson

funny informative

4.0

Hey Hun was a captivating, fun, and somewhat insightful look into the top of these MLM’s and what the experience is really like from the inside. While the author has made major strides in unpacking MLM’s cultish nature, their ties to white supremacy, and the inherent problems in society they prey upon, I felt that there wasn’t as much connection as there could be. I really wanted a better breakdown throughout the book of the white supremacy Paulson mentions and defines lightly, rather than her bookended approach. Perhaps this is asking a lot of a memoir, and already her connecting it to white supremacy and mentioning the political issues at play in these communities is way more than I expected. But I do think the book could’ve enjoyed some academic rigor, or if the author didn’t feel comfortable with that, references to places readers could connect to deeper analysis on these topics.

I read this book as an audiobook, which I highly recommend to those interested. Paulson’s speaking skills and personality really shine through in a way that helps get across her personal story more where the writing is weaker. It felt like a great gossip podcast, which fueled my morbid curiosity in the same ways that make me watch reality TV or follow up on book drama.

Overall, I really do like this book for its analysis not just of MLM’s but of cult behavior, and its a good reminder of how we all are susceptible to cults.