This non-fiction book has been on my TBR for a looooong time and my book club decided to read it for Non-fiction November.

With a great blend of storytelling and research, Amanda Montell dives into the language used by cultish groups, from religious movements to fitness brands. What linguistic techniques do cult leaders use to keep their followers loyal? Is brainwashing real? What does the word “cult” mean in today’s culture?

Initially, I started listening to this on audio but was disappointed to find out that the author, who is a podcast host, was not reading her own book. I also wanted to highlight passages to bring to my book club meeting, so I ended up switching to the e-book.

That aside, I really enjoyed this book! I appreciated the structure, the use of story to explain linguistic tactics and concepts, and the author’s humour. It was so interesting to learn about how language can be honed into such a destructive tool. I appreciated that Montell didn’t only focus on the groups we typically think of when we hear the word “cult,” she also talked about terms in everyday life like “cult favourite” or “cult classic.” She also shared the harmful language that can sometimes be found in multi-level marketing companies, gyms, and even yoga classes. Overall, this was an enjoyable and informative read.