Emily Paulson's favorite nonfiction books about cults, scams, and schemes

The books I picked & why Why I love this book Amanda is a language whiz, and does an amazing job showing how cultism is a spectrum; that we are all victims of undue influence. She talks about the language that communities and organizations use as the key to gaining undue influence over people, and that this influence pervades everything from startups to skincare to workout programs. It’s well researched and fascinating to read, and will make you question your strong affiliations to the most basic things. By Amanda Montell , Why should I read it? 5 authors picked Cultish as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. What is this book about? The author of the widely praised Wordslut analyzes the social science of cult influence: how cultish groups from Jonestown and Scientology to SoulCycle and social media gurus use language as the ultimate form of power.What makes "cults" so intriguing and frightening? What makes them powerful? The reason why so many of us binge Manson documentaries by the dozen and fall down rabbit holes researching suburban moms gone QAnon is because we're looking for a satisfying explanation for what causes people to join-and more importantly, stay in-extreme groups. We secretly want to know: could it happen to me? Amanda Montell's… Read a chapter Why I love this book I watched The Vow documentary and was hooked. I immediately wanted to know more about Sarah Edmondson’s experience in the NXIVM cult, so of course I bought this book. She does a great job telling the truth about her indoctrination and shows a great deal of empathy for others in the organization. It really drives home the point that nobody joins a cult, they join what they think is a good thing, and you can so plainly see how impact and intention don’t always match in organizations like these. Anyone can fall victim to these scams! By Sarah Edmondson , Kristine Gasbarre , Why should I read it? 2 authors picked Scarred as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. What is this book about? As seen in the HBO docuseries THE VOW: The shocking and subversive memoir of a 12-year-NXIVM-member-turned-whistleblower, and her inspiring true story of abuse, escape, and redemption. "Master, would you brand me? It would be an honor." Scarred follows actress Sarah Edmondson's account of her recruitment into the NXIVM cult founded by Keith Raniere and the 12 years she spent within the organization, during which she enrolled over 2,000 members. This book also chronicles her breaking point and her harrowing fight to get out, help others, and heal. * Sarah Edmondson is a Canadian actress and playwright who… Explore Books like Scarred Book lists with this book Why do people like this book? Read a chapter Why I love this book This book is heartbreaking and enlightening. Admittedly, I didn't know much about the Amish culture religion prior to reading this book, other than what I saw in Pennsylvania when I lived there, but I was always curious. After reading this book, I started to question the idea of ‘religious freedom’ in our country, that can so shield people who are abusing their freedom by exploiting women and children.  Religion in its worst manifestation can be so damaging, which is so well explained in this book. By Misty Griffin , Why should I read it? 1 author picked Tears of the Silenced as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. What is this book about? Surviving Severe Child Abuse, Sexual Assault and Leaving the Amish ChurchIn May 2022 Misty Griffin released #invisible, a petition calling on congress to take action and help abused children in religious communities. It is currently gaining momentum and national media attention.Watch Sins of the Amish on Peacock#1 Best Seller in Cults & Demonism, Parenting & Relationships, Notable People, Religious, Survival, Sexual Assault, and Biographies & MemoirsA gripping story that takes you on the journey of a child abuse and sexual assault survivor turned activist. (Photo gallery included).True story of child abuse. When Misty Griffin was… Explore Books like Tears of the Silenced Book lists with this book Why do people like this book? Read a chapter Why I love this book Once again I became interested in a book thanks to a documentary! When I watched the documentary about Sarah Lawrence College, I wanted to know more. Daniel Barban Levin’s story really demonstrates how a fragile young mind can be influenced by someone with sinister intentions. He vividly describes his time spent with a manipulative cult leader (Larry Ray), and his narrative disturbingly shows us just how easily something like this could've happened to us. Very sadly relatable, for people who lose their voice when they fall victim to gaslighting or abusive friends, mentors, or partners. By Daniel Barban Levin , Why should I read it? 1 author picked Slonim Woods 9 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. What is this book about? An “extraordinary” (Nylon) firsthand account of the creation of a modern cult and the costs paid by its young victims: a group of college roommates   “Intense . . . [a tale] of hard-won survival, and creating a life after the unimaginable.”—Salon The inspiration for the Hulu docuseries Stolen Youth, directed by Zach Heinzerling and co-produced by Daniel Barban LevinIn September 2010, at the beginning of the academic year at Sarah Lawrence College, a sophomore named Talia Ray asked her roommates if her father could stay with them for a while. No one objected. Her father, Larry Ray, was… Explore Books like Slonim Woods 9 Book lists with this book Why do people like this book? Read a chapter Why I love this book I went into this book knowing that scientology was a glorified criminal organization, and that belief was confirmed! This book is an incredible tale of redemption. Mike Rinder doesn’t downplay his own role in Scientology, as he acknowledges that he spread the word for years and influenced many. But when you understand how far Scientologists will go to silence their critics, you begin to understand why people don’t leave, or go missing!  Rinder was the man who “silenced” people, and I can’t imagine a better person to explain the inner workings of the organization that someone who lived it. Couldn’t put it down. By Mike Rinder , Why should I read it? 1 author picked A Billion Years as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. What is this book about? One of the highest-ranking defectors from Scientology exposes the secret inner workings of the powerful organization in this remarkable memoir.__________'A flamethrower of a read' JOHN SWEENEY'Candid and deeply felt' LAWRENCE WRIGHT'Gripping and harrowing' LEAH REMINI'Extraordinarily powerful' ALEX GIBNEY__________Mike Rinder's parents began taking him to their local Scientology centre when he was five years old. After high school, he signed a billion-year contract and was admitted into Scientology's elite inner circle, the Sea Organization. Brought to founder L. Ron Hubbard's yacht and promised training in Hubbard's most advanced techniques, Mike was instead put to… Read a chapter