I actually started listening to “Sounds Like A Cult,” Amanda Montell’s podcast that grew out of her book, Cultish, first. When I recognized I was listening to the episodes as soon as they were released, it was clear I was bound to enjoy the denser book. The book doesn’t just look at fanaticized brands/communities (like Peloton, Jam Bands, Momfluencers) and determine their level of cultiness; it examines the language of cults. What is the lexicon leaders use that makes them so powerful? What key words were bandied about to make Jonestown and MLMs so successful?
Prior to reading this book I didn’t realize Montell’s personal tie to cults – her father was once a member of Synanon (the subject of another great podcast, The Sunshine Place). I subtracted some stars only because it didn’t quite capture the irreverance of the podcast I love so much. If I read the book first, I would have surely given it at least 4 stars. I appreciate that this is a serious take on cults that is analytical while also far from boring. I also liked that there was a clear focus: the language, not the scandal, of cults. Her abiltiy to secure interviews and firsthand experience (loved when she tested the Scientology waters) to corroborate the importance of language within cults definitely set this one apart.
3.75 out of 5 stars.
Pair with: An Olipop (Strawberry Vanilla or Cream Soda)
Peaches to Apples 