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Non fiction about “cults” (really, cultish behavior) in America. Why are we fascinated by them, why do people buy-in to them (sometimes literally, looking at you, Amway) and how do we spot one? Author covers religious cults but mostly social cults like multi-level marketing, influencers, fitness (SoulCycle, CrossFit), etc. She has strong opinions about politics though, and that makes me give this ⭐️⭐️1/2 stars. (Sick of politics)

Absolutely fantastic and utterly fascinating. Highly recommend, especially if you have ever gotten into something all-consuming and wondered, is this a cult?

I started this months ago fro #booked22 and then somehow forgot about it so picked up again for the readerton. I enjoyed the style of writing and the main push of the authors point - language is powerful and a factor in how cults emerge but at times it was a little clunky with also storytelling about specific groups. I most enjoys the section on wellness and fitness groups and how language is used there @Andrew65 1 down 17 to go 🙈

I agreed nearly wholeheartedly with Montell‘s observations. As people make a mass exodus from organized religion, it stands to reason that they‘re going to try to fill that spiritual need elsewhere.

Also, can we talk about MLM and Direct Selling companies? It‘s why I quit social media. #hoopla

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Flexibility without structure is chaos

If I'd realized how good this was I'd wouldn't have put it off. Very very interesting and informative. I plan to drop a couple phrases I have used after reading this such as "They drank the kool-aid " and "It is what it is ". Both witty and sobering read.

Super interesting. There were several points that she made that I had not thought about.

I am enjoying Cultish, but the author just described Great Expectations as a “rags-to-riches“ story and -- has she read the book? Because that is not remotely the point of the book. Dickens was many things, but Horatio Alger was not one of them.

Just finished my book club‘s pick! Such an intriguing read! It is unlike any book I have read before! Montell did a great job of showing the depth and intersectionality of the word cult, cults themselves, people in cults, and people fascinated with them. There are diverse types of cults explained, not just the typical ones, such as Jonestown. The book is easy to understand for readers not in linguistics. I look forward to reading more by her!

Really interesting, nearly read in one sitting! I had a couple nitpicks but overall a really great read

I managed a bingo for May!

#bookspin #doublebookspin #bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

This is a great read! Really well written and engaging. I am fascinated as to how people are drawn into cults. This book focuses on the use of language and covers not only cults but everything from fitness movements to Qanon to Amway. Really interesting reading

4/5

A look into the language of both actual cults and groups with cult followings like soul cycle, cross fit, and amway, and how specific language helps define them. It was a super interesting read. The chapter on suicide cults was dark and a little difficult to get through, so I'd warn anyone thinking this is a light read, to be prepared for that.

Cults—religious and not—function on the foundation of specific language. Montell explains how they draw members in and keep them hooked. She also points out how MANY types of entities use this language to achieve cult-like ends—businesses, fitness companies, indeed practically any brand wanting to be the next big thing.

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com
#thebibliophage #booked2022 #aboutcultorreligion #nonfiction2022 #imasinner

“But with a glimmer of willingness, language can do so much to squash independent thinking, obscure truths, encourage confirmation bias, & emotionally charge experiences such that no other way of life seems possible.” I really never thought a lot about how language can be used as a tool to manipulate people. I really liked this book & found it totally fascinating. #bookspin #nonfinction2022: I‘m an escapee, #booked2022: about a cult

What do Scientology and Soulcycle have in common? A targeted use of language to create community, ritual, meaning and a common sense of purpose. This book was fascinating and thought provoking. My biggest take away is the concept of “thought terminating cliches”. I‘ve been subject to them but also guilty of using them myself! 😱

#Booked2022 - Winter edition - About a cult or religion.

I loved ‘Wordslut‘ and liked this one just as much. I love how Amanda makes linguistics both fascinating and fun! This one had the added bonus of being about cults and ‘cultish‘ language, which totally sucks me in. It looks at the use of specific language and at the ‘semantic murkiness‘ of influencing others, from Jonestown and Scientology to MLMs and workout ‘cults‘ and I couldn‘t stop listening to this audio! #booked2022 #aboutacultorreligion

I blame @britt_brooke & #NashvilleLittens for this one! ? Still wrapping my brain around "language that is cultish" versus "the language of cults".

⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We made it home in time to be with #Isabel. Her pain meds help, but it‘s apparent that the fluid in her lungs is getting worse. She heads to the vet for the final time at 3pm.

While I wait with her, I thought I‘d review Cultish, a fascinating look at the language surrounding fanaticism. I loved the broad focus on how cultish language & traits appear (to varying degrees))in fitness & wellness programs, social media influencers, and #BossBabe MLMs.

I find both cults and words fascinating, so this book was right up my alley. An interesting topic told in an entertaining way. I liked how the author explored cults in religion to MLM to fitness & wellness & explained the language & the words that draw us in. This one will keep me thinking. I WILL get to Wordslut soon!

(2021) It's about how cults use manipulative language -- and how the same techniques are used by groups that you might not think of as cults, like Amway or CrossFit. It's an enlightening look at cult-ish group behavior, and Montell's snarky, cynical voice is a pleasure.

I am drawn to stories about cults whether it be a TV documentary, a book, or a movie. I can't look away.

When Cultish came up as a Kindle Daily Deal I snatched it up.

This book examines the language of cults in an entertaining way that scares you.

Now I want to read Wordslut by the same author. Has anyone read it??

It started with a prayer.

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

Sorry for the spam posts you‘re about to see! I decided a little late in the game to join #booked2022 Cults fascinate me and this one was about the language, or word choices, cults use. Interesting. ~about a cult or religion

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #reread

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55338982

PS. I highly recommend Montell‘s podcast “Sounds Like a Cult” with comedian Isa Medina. It‘s great fun! 😄

Interesting analysis on language being the key component used to ensnare/coerce/inspire someone into joining a group. Notorious cults are examined as well as multi-level marketing (Amway has quite the slimy history), gyms, new age groups, and QAnon. It‘s a wild world out there, folks.

A very, very interesting analysis of the language of cults. Montell explores different ways that cults use language to manipulate behaviour, and then examines the many contexts in which language is used similarly in cult-like features of our everyday lives. It is clever, engaging, and well-reasoned. I was captivated.

A really excellent nonfiction read about how language informs / creates cults and cultish groups, from dangerous sects like Scientology to workout groups like CrossFit. I'm fascinated by both cults and language so this was the perfect cross section for me, and explored an aspect of cults not always focused on, especially in this broad a context. Highly recommend.

the Kindle deals have been 🔥 this weekend. I‘ve loaded up on some fun stuff, including this one I‘m super excited to read! some purchases give you a 30 cent discount toward another Kindle book, too, as seen here.

I‘m always intrigued by cults and the different ways that you can be deceived into them. Language, using right words with the promise of better life can do that easily … and the author treated this serious topic - linguistic (in connection to social elements) in understandable way and with wittiness. Very readable, and I little bit scary, if you think about how quickly different aspects of our life can fall into cultish category. #audiowalks

Yogi Tea!

“… language doesn‘t work to manipulate people into believing things they don‘t want to believe; instead, it gives them license to believe ideas they‘re already open to.”

A well researched well written book on an incredibly interesting topic.

Had some structural issues for me but i don't think the odd chapter breaks and reiteration are reasons not to read this one.

Fascinating and accessible. Montell examines the language and tactics used by scary religious cults, fitness "cults," and MLMs. Obviously, not all "cults" are created equal (Crossfit is not Jonestown). I appreciated that Montell took a compassionate view of the how and why people are drawn to certain groups. Very timely, and it weirdly made me feel a little better about the world, though I'm not sure I can pinpoint exactly why.

Enjoyable non-fiction read! The author wrote for beauty magazines early in her career. She has a fun writing style about serious and disturbing themes!

A quick round up of all the reading challeneges and buddy reads I've decided to join this year!

We have A Kind Of Spark for @PuddleJumper 's #Roll100 book 1.

Egyptian Mythology for #FoodandLit - I made an amazing rice dish that I'll share later @Texreader @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

I attempted to read Code Name Verity for #YAbuddyread @megnews but I just couldn't get into it.

Finally I read Cultish for #Booked2022

4/22 I enjoyed this book, especially the sections that moved on from traditional cults to other aspects of life which are cultish in their language. It was interesting and I will definitely keep it in mind as I navigate my way through modern life! #booked2021 #bookaboutacult

Happy Litsyversary @IamIamIam #5YearGiveaway
Books on my wishlist are Cultish by Amanda Montell or Orwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit 🎉🎉🎉

Written in an unpretentious conversational tone “Cultish” is interesting, informative, and well referenced, with added bits of humour that keep it from feeling too heavy. The central theme of the book is the use of language by cults (and cultish groups) for influence and control. Montell shares how to recognize and question problematic language (for example gaslighting / language that encourages you not to trust yourself.) Really enjoyed this one

I‘ve been waiting eagerly for my audible credit to come so I can get this book on the go. It will be my #booked2022 #aboutacult book.