“That’s because 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.”

-Amanda Montell

In Cultish, Amanda Montell walks readers through all types of cults—from the seemingly mundane to the life-or-death—and explains how these groups use language to create and maintain power over people. I’ve been anticipating this book for a while, but when I first started reading I was surprised at Montell’s choices when it came to structuring the book. She begins with the “blockbuster” cults, like Jonestown and Heaven’s Gate, then over time moves to lower and lower stake groups, from MLMs to SoulCycle. I was worried my interest in the book would wane as it went, but by the end I fully agreed with Montell’s choices to start with those big groups (which everyone thinks of as dangerous cults) before moving into groups that we’re more likely to encounter in our own lives (and may not think of as “cultish”). Wait, is she using language to suck me in the same way these cult leaders do?

Cultish is one of those great non-fiction books that’s obviously well-researched but doesn’t feel like reading a research paper. I also liked how easy it was to read long or short sections—whatever I had the time for—and still feel like I got through a complete thought. It’s also a book I could see myself reading again, which is unusual for me to do with non-fiction. Instead of just imparting knowledge, Montell really works to get you thinking about the topic. And not just thinking about cults, either, but thinking about how language influences our lives, and how easy it is for us to fall under the influence of other people. After all, we’re only human.

I’m definitely planning to check out some of Amanda Montell’s other work in the future (and yes, I listen to her podcast). If anyone has read Wordslut, let me know!