This wasn’t my first read about cults or the psychology behind them. If you’re looking for another option, check out *Combating Cult Mind Control* by Steven Hassan. He’s actually quoted quite a bit in this one. Montell also references *The Power of Ritual*, which adds a nice layer to the conversation about how we seek meaning and belonging.
Cultish definitely leans more millennial journalist than academic, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s super readable and offers a compelling look at how cult influence shows up in more places than we think, from fitness brands to influencers to everyday language. Whether you’re new to the topic or already down the rabbit hole, this is a solid and engaging read.