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YOU’RE IN A CULT — CALL YOUR DAD #ssdgm ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell is a bookstagram darling and with good reason. I read Montell’s first book, Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language late last year and it broke my brain in a similar (good) way. As a linguist, she breaks down language in a way that’s both easy to understand and engaging. If you’re someone who is hesitant to pick up nonfiction because you’re worried it’ll be dry and crusty, I encourage you to pick up either of these books! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I read Cultish as part of a book club, and I’m so glad that I did! We haven’t yet had our discussion, but there is SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT. Cultish examines what makes a cult a cult, as well as the role language has played in shaping capital C cults like Heaven’s Gate, Jonestown, and Synanon, “cults” like Peloton and CrossFit, and things that fall somewhere in between. My favorite section by far was the one on MLMs: learning the connection between MLMs and the women’s movement as well as the connection between cults, capitalism, and the Protestant reformation (who knew?!) was fascinating. Montell and I are close in age, so her experience witnessing the rise of modern day cults was similar and incredibly relatable, particularly as it pertains to MLMs, politicians, and social media influencers. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There are a ton of possibilities for what to read and watch after finishing this book: I’ve been meaning to finish Hollywood Park and this book kept reminding me to do it. The LuLaRich doc has been recommended to me multiple times, so I definitely need to add that to my list. What other cultish books out there do I need to pick up? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ TW: cults, suicide, death, abuse ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ID: A kindle displaying the ebook cover of Cultish sits on a chair. I’m reaching out to touch it with one hand. My nails, like the cover of the book, are giving me 70s vibes. via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CcF-CybrC4d/