Listened to this on audible as part of a nonfiction group read. I was working on a plushie project and it made for something entertaining to listen to while I sewed. It isn't my favorite non-fiction book I've ever read and I thought it got a wee bit repetitive towards the end.
The author made her point well, highlighting how cultish language is used effectively in everything from workout groups, to MLMs, to genuine cults like Heaven's Gate. I appreciated the dive into the phrase "drink the kool-aid" because, like many, I had forgotten it was actually Flavor-Aid, and it was interesting to see that event from a different perspective years later.
While I initially enjoyed the sections about Cross-Fit and Soul Cycle, I think there could have been a little less of that and a little more of the Jonestown stuff, but maybe that was the author's point. Soul Cycle in particular I have seen parodied on multiple sitcoms (Schitt's Creek, Kimmy Schmidt, ect) and I think those simple parodies act as more effective warnings than anything in this book.
The MLM section was better for me. Like virtually everyone, I know someone (multiple someones, even) who was scammed into an MLM, accrued big losses, and got stuck in longer than anticipated. No matter how good they make it sound, no matter how much they promise, don't do it! I'm not saying it's impossible you could make some money, but you have a better chance to get struck by lightning than strike it rich through an MLM. The internet is rife with these scams and lots of well-meaning people just struggling to make ends meet fall for them and have their lives ruined.
Anyway, I think it was a pretty good listen and a great reminder to stay safe and be mindful.
I would recommend this book to True Crime aficionados and English language students.
EM Jeanmougin
writes Queer Urban Fantasy, Flash Horror, & Poetry.
Find Out More @ www.hunterandspider.com
