The author’s experience as a linguist melds well with her research into the psychological underpinnings of cultish language, including interviews with several cult survivors ... demonstrates that we are all more susceptible to joining the in-group than we may realize.
An empathetic listener, Montell takes careful note of the empty words that cult members turn to for solace. Though written in punchy and fun prose style, Cultish is more than a fascinating guide to the workings of cults; it’s also an infuriating window into just how starved people have been made to feel for community and structures of collective care.
