DMPL Book Chat discussion

See which books staff read for this challenge below. If you've completed this challenge, let us know which book you read and let us know what you thought! Also, don't forget to register for the 2022 Reading Challenge at dmpl.org/readingchallenge.

I recently read 'Cultish: the Language of Fanaticism' by Amanda Montell after attending her AViD presentation.

As Amanda had detailed throughout the presentation, which was great by the way, 'cult' is a word with strong connotations of violence but yet often used to promote brands and movies. In her book, Amanda Montell explores the broad spectrum of cults and their manipulation of language from notorious groups like Heaven's Gate to familiar SoulCycle.

Montell encourages readers to self-refect on their own fulfilments, spiritualities, and movements for language that may be 'cultish', manipulative language on the cult spectrum. 'Cultish' identifies how thought-terminating cliches, us-versus-them dichotomies, and loaded language are being used in everyday life.