Amanda Montell's Cultish receives praise for its engaging exploration of the language used by cults to manipulate and control. Readers appreciate Montell's insightful analysis and accessible writing style, though some critique the book for lacking depth in certain case studies. Overall, it is seen as a compelling read that sheds light on the power of language.

Readers who relish dissecting language, culture, and societal influences, akin to those who enjoyed Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari or The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, will find Amanda Montell's Cultish compelling. This book suits enthusiasts of linguistics, psychology, and the subtle power of words in shaping belief systems.

In Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, Amanda Montell explores how American cults and various modern communities like MLMs and fitness groups manipulate language to shape reality and control members, illustrating a shared cultish language. References to and depictions of suicide, homicide, racial issues, political issues, kidnapping, harm to children, gun violence, body shaming, sexual abuse, and rape are present.

Informative / Mysterious / Contemplative / Unnerving

- Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell explores how language is used as a tool for influence and control, examining both notorious cults and modern-day cultural phenomena.
- The book investigates the psychological and social aspects of language, revealing how specific words and phrases can engender a sense of belonging and loyalty among followers.
- Amanda Montell combines her linguistic expertise with engaging storytelling to provide insights into the power of language in creating and sustaining cult-like followings.

**Amanda Montell**  
A linguistics scholar and author who explores the power dynamics of language, using her father's experiences in a cult to inform her critical perspective and writing.

**Jim Jones**  
A notorious cult leader of the Peoples Temple infamous for orchestrating the mass suicide at Jonestown, known for his adaptive rhetoric and visionary promises that veiled darker intentions.

**L. Ron Hubbard**  
The founder of Scientology who developed the pseudoscientific concepts of Dianetics, influencing the movement's linguistic and operational framework.

**Marshall Applewhite**  
The leader of the Heaven's Gate cult, who used themes of extraterrestrial salvation to lead his followers to a mass suicide, bonding them with his prophetic rhetoric.

**Teal Swan**  
A pseudopsychology guru known for manipulating followers through spiritual and psychological language, associated with controversial healing practices and online influence.

Amanda Montell

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Cultish and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Cultish Summary and Study Guide

Background

Cultish Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-5

Cultish Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 6-10

Cultish Part 2, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 11-16

Cultish Part 3, Chapters 11-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 17-22

Cultish Part 4, Chapters 17-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 23-28

Cultish Part 5, Chapters 23-28 Summary & Analysis

Part 6, Chapters 29-31

Cultish Part 6, Chapters 29-31 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Cultish Key Figures

theme

Themes

Cultish Themes

Index of Terms

Cultish Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Cultish Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Cultish Essay Topics

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Cultish?

Reading Age

Book Details