In CULTISH, Montell analyzes the social science behind cults, from religious groups and popular brands to social media gurus. In each chapter, Montell covers a group by demonstrating their operations and examining the language they use to earn their cult status.

I enjoy the author's analyses of the language these cults use and offer readers some ways to spot "cultish" lingo or structures. For instance, these groups either (1) perpetuate the social construct and oppression that only benefits the top or (2) work to overthrow the current system to grant the founder maximal power.

That said, I wish there were more linguistics analysis and fewer introductions on each "cult." I was expecting to make a lot of notes on how to spot cults and even help people escape them. But I ended up taking away what I already know: Scientology and MLMs are evil, and please don't join them.