Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism Hardcover – 22 July 2021

Brilliant book. A thoroughly-researched, fascinating and accessible exploration of the language used by different groups and communities, from traditional interpretations of cults through to the modern-day 'cults' of wellness, MLM and social media.I liked that Montell doesn't cram in endless linguistic terms, but instead explains some of the most commonly used tactics in a way that makes this book more like a switched-on person's guide to spotting the language of fanaticism rather than a broad glossary of terms, which is infinitely more helpful.I also loved that, although there are plenty of stories of people who have lost their lives, money and so many other things to cults and unhealthy communities, the book, on the whole, feels non-judgemental and, often, compassionate to how people fall into these situations and become swept away by cults and bad relationships.I need to go back and read Montell's first book now because that somehow passed me by!

The book promises to explore the influence of language, its use and abuse, on fringe belief.It does that very well but along the way seems to me to spend more time exploring a variety of those beliefs. The concentration on language is more of a perspective used to explore those strange worlds than the central content of the book.It's very good and I highly recommended if you bear in mind that it isn't principally for linguists.

Easy to read and understand, a critical analysis on the language and thought stopping cliches in regular use by conspiracy theorists, cults, and religious groups

Thoroughly enjoyed the book so much I whizzed through it! Touches the tip of the cultish iceberg and am actually going to try an IntenSati workout to see how it feels to do a mantra-y workout session!

Witty, insightful, educational and eye-opening. This book was my first step toe dip into considering Psycholinguistics and I am decided. Following up with The Cult of Trump by Steven Hassan

Having some experience myself with religious indoctrination and always thinking that a big part of that was the insidious use of special language; I found this book fascinating. It doesn't solely address cults in the traditional sense but focusses more on the specific language used by cults, mlms, spiritual influencers and fitness crazes.

Cultish is a book that can be a bit repetitive at times and more focused on the cults than the language in itself, but it is worth reading if you know very little about this topic. I learned a lot!

I was expecting an etymological review of language, instead it was a highly biased feminist platform which concentrated on the author's view of life and how those words fitted in.Such was the level of lecturing, and having views forced through the book that I could not finish it.It is simply a poor excuse for the author to get her issues out in the open.Very Poor.

Great information. I think everyone should read this book. Easy read because it’s so interesting!

Well written, well researched, engaging, and thought provoking. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in learning about what makes people tick.

En un inicio el libro te atrapa y parece muy interesante pero conforme pasas la mitad del libro empiezas a ver qué todo se repite pero con palabras distintas o ejemplos similares y termina aburriendo

Amanda Montell's book looks at how language is employed by cults in order to bind members into the cult. For example, they use code words and phrases unique to the cult in order to separate members of the cult from people that are not part of the cult. Cults also employee "terminating phrases" that shut down any criticism or even questioning of the group.The book begins with the stories of people who survived the mass suicide/murder to people in Jonestown and the Heavens Gate cults. She then continues with a discussion of Scientology and explains the specific uses of language employed in each of these cults. She then shows how the same language techniques are used in Multilevel Marketing schemes ranging from Amway to LuLaRoe to Mary Kay Cosmetics. The book covers a number of these direct sales schemes that were later revealed to be pyramid schemes. Finally, she extends here discussion to talk about the use of language in fitness programs like CrossFit and Soul Cycle. She notes, however, that although many of these utilize cult-like techniques, most of them are not real cults.The topic of the book is interesting and it is an interesting read; however, the cutesy language used in the book eventually becomes irritating. The book reads more like an extended essay one would find in a popular magazine and does not feel authoritative.

Foi muito rapido e chegou perfeito.