Book discussion Cultish by Amanda Montell

Our first book is Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell!

From traditional cults and religious movements to fitness communities, wellness trends, workplaces, influencers, fandoms, and online spaces, Cultish explores how language can create belonging, loyalty, identity—and sometimes unquestioning devotion.

For our discussion, we’ll look beyond the obvious idea of a “cult” and talk about how so many parts of modern life seem to be becoming increasingly cultish. Why are people drawn to intense communities and identities? When does belonging become conformity? How do brands, movements, social media personalities, political groups, fitness cultures, and even everyday lifestyle choices develop their own language, rules, insiders and outsiders?

Come ready to share what stood out to you, what you agreed or disagreed with, and where you’ve noticed “cultish” behavior in the world around you.

As always, different perspectives are very welcome—the goal isn’t to reach one conclusion, but to leave with more questions, ideas, and ways of looking at the world than we came in with.