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The Culting of America: What Makes a Cult and Why We Love Them
Not yet published
Expected 20 Jan 26You’re probably in a cult. You just don’t know it yet.
In The Culting of America, cult survivor, military veteran, and bestselling author of Uncultured Daniella Mestyanek Young delivers a gripping investigation into the invisible systems of control shaping our lives. Raised in the notorious sex cult the Children of God, she escaped to America as a teenager—only to find herself inside another rigid institution: the U.S. Army. Years later, as a Harvard-trained expert in organizational psychology, she began asking a dangerous question:
What if we’re all in cults—and America is built to keep us there?
Blending personal narrative, cultural critique, and deep research, Young—together with award-winning author Amy Reed—introduces the cultiness spectrum: a ten-part framework that reveals how coercive group dynamics show up in spaces we trust, from religious groups and wellness brands to corporate offices, fandoms, political movements, and beyond.
You’ll never look at group loyalty the same way again.
From the glamorized world of Playboy to the mission-driven violence of the military, from influencer culture to partisan politics, The Culting of America reveals how cultish behavior isn’t just thriving in modern life—it’s hiding in plain sight, woven deep into the fabric of American identity.
With sharp insight, dark humor, and unflinching honesty, The Culting of America is both a wake-up call and a survival guide. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt uneasy in a group they believed in, who’s begun to question the cost of belonging, or who’s ready to take back their autonomy—without losing their place in the world.
Whether you’re part of a church, company, fandom, or political movement, the question isn’t if you’re in a cult. It’s how much of yourself you’ve already lost.
In The Culting of America, cult survivor, military veteran, and bestselling author of Uncultured Daniella Mestyanek Young delivers a gripping investigation into the invisible systems of control shaping our lives. Raised in the notorious sex cult the Children of God, she escaped to America as a teenager—only to find herself inside another rigid institution: the U.S. Army. Years later, as a Harvard-trained expert in organizational psychology, she began asking a dangerous question:
What if we’re all in cults—and America is built to keep us there?
Blending personal narrative, cultural critique, and deep research, Young—together with award-winning author Amy Reed—introduces the cultiness spectrum: a ten-part framework that reveals how coercive group dynamics show up in spaces we trust, from religious groups and wellness brands to corporate offices, fandoms, political movements, and beyond.
You’ll never look at group loyalty the same way again.
From the glamorized world of Playboy to the mission-driven violence of the military, from influencer culture to partisan politics, The Culting of America reveals how cultish behavior isn’t just thriving in modern life—it’s hiding in plain sight, woven deep into the fabric of American identity.
With sharp insight, dark humor, and unflinching honesty, The Culting of America is both a wake-up call and a survival guide. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt uneasy in a group they believed in, who’s begun to question the cost of belonging, or who’s ready to take back their autonomy—without losing their place in the world.
Whether you’re part of a church, company, fandom, or political movement, the question isn’t if you’re in a cult. It’s how much of yourself you’ve already lost.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 20, 2026
34 people are currently reading
1277 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 23, 2025
Here is the book on cults we didn’t know we needed. As someone who also grew up in The Children of God cult and gone through my own deprogramming process, I’ve often been met with skepticism when trying to explain to others why a group may be moving into cultic behavior.
Well, thanks to Daniella, I can now just refer people to this book instead.
So many of the book’s chapters stood out to me as a cult survivor but also things I know others can relate to, such as losing your identity for the greater good, putting what’s better for the group ahead of yourself and the learned “honor” of self sacrifice.
The nuances of social media were also addressed, as we can get into an echo chamber of information suppression based on our algorithms. Daniella summed it up perfectly when she said, “Social media’s echo chambers are like escape rooms for the digital age, and the algorithms running our feeds are the ones locking the doors.” Indeed we all are victims of this, whether we wish to be or not.
Another important factor was when she touched on the dangers of not just disagreeing with someone but actively disliking them and considering them dangerous just because they’re on “the other side”. This has never been so true as in these days, where people will actively vilify a person simply for a different point of view (and then refuse to have an actual conversation).
Addressing child labor and free labor In chapter 8 was especially important. Many see free labor as a badge of honor when really they are unaware that they are being taken advantage of. As Daniella puts it, “History has shown us that cults always start off with a shared mission, a feeling of righteousness and us versus them worldview.” From there, people can be convinced that the only way to push that message is to provide your free labor, and unfortunately, many times your child’s free labor as well.
And lastly, the most important part (and something I mention to people all the time), is that many people think they are immune to extremism. To this day people often say “I can’t imagine joining a cult!” And then I have the uncomfortable conversation with them to take a look at their friend groups, Political affiliations, and yes, even their workout groups.
I think Daniella put it best when she said, “Extremism actually begins with something much quieter: a longing to belong, a desire for clarity, a need to feel safe in an overwhelming world. The same psychological forces that bind people to cults—fear, isolation, identity, us-versus-them—exist in the mainstream.” And this is what people need to learn to be aware of.
These days cults are rarely communities of 200 people hiding in the mountains like they were when I was a kid in the The Children of God cult in the 80s and 90s. It’s the groups that take advantage of people when they are in a vulnerable spot. When they encourage extremism and declare that their mission and us vs them worldview is the only way forward in this life.
For those of us who’ve lived through cults and for those who think they never could, this book is a mirror and a map. A mirror that shows how we’re all vulnerable, and a map that shows how we can choose differently. Daniella’s work (and impeccable research) is a gift to anyone who wants to understand, heal, and stay free.
Well, thanks to Daniella, I can now just refer people to this book instead.
So many of the book’s chapters stood out to me as a cult survivor but also things I know others can relate to, such as losing your identity for the greater good, putting what’s better for the group ahead of yourself and the learned “honor” of self sacrifice.
The nuances of social media were also addressed, as we can get into an echo chamber of information suppression based on our algorithms. Daniella summed it up perfectly when she said, “Social media’s echo chambers are like escape rooms for the digital age, and the algorithms running our feeds are the ones locking the doors.” Indeed we all are victims of this, whether we wish to be or not.
Another important factor was when she touched on the dangers of not just disagreeing with someone but actively disliking them and considering them dangerous just because they’re on “the other side”. This has never been so true as in these days, where people will actively vilify a person simply for a different point of view (and then refuse to have an actual conversation).
Addressing child labor and free labor In chapter 8 was especially important. Many see free labor as a badge of honor when really they are unaware that they are being taken advantage of. As Daniella puts it, “History has shown us that cults always start off with a shared mission, a feeling of righteousness and us versus them worldview.” From there, people can be convinced that the only way to push that message is to provide your free labor, and unfortunately, many times your child’s free labor as well.
And lastly, the most important part (and something I mention to people all the time), is that many people think they are immune to extremism. To this day people often say “I can’t imagine joining a cult!” And then I have the uncomfortable conversation with them to take a look at their friend groups, Political affiliations, and yes, even their workout groups.
I think Daniella put it best when she said, “Extremism actually begins with something much quieter: a longing to belong, a desire for clarity, a need to feel safe in an overwhelming world. The same psychological forces that bind people to cults—fear, isolation, identity, us-versus-them—exist in the mainstream.” And this is what people need to learn to be aware of.
These days cults are rarely communities of 200 people hiding in the mountains like they were when I was a kid in the The Children of God cult in the 80s and 90s. It’s the groups that take advantage of people when they are in a vulnerable spot. When they encourage extremism and declare that their mission and us vs them worldview is the only way forward in this life.
For those of us who’ve lived through cults and for those who think they never could, this book is a mirror and a map. A mirror that shows how we’re all vulnerable, and a map that shows how we can choose differently. Daniella’s work (and impeccable research) is a gift to anyone who wants to understand, heal, and stay free.
December 22, 2025
What a fantastic book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. A fascinating insight into cults from someone who is intimately familiar with their makings, a deep dive on how they ensnare and entrap, loved it. I have previously read Cultish (referenced multiple times within) and found this to well and truly enhance rather than repeat. It’s already been recommended to multiple friends and they’re eager for their chance to read come publishing date. Thank you to NetGalley, Daniella Mestyanek Young & Amy Reed for the opportunity & ARC.
January 1, 2026
Many thanks to Otterpine and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of The Culting of America: What Makes a Cult and Why We Love Them by Daniella Mestyanek Young and Amy Reed. I’ve noticed more and more books focusing on cults, examining them from different perspectives. Not just the lurid, true crime or primarily academic type books that seemed to analyze some of the more notorious cults from the past 50 years or so (The Manson Family, The People’s Temple); rather books like Amanda Montel’s Cultish (which Mestyanek Young and Reed frequently reference) and Jane Borden’s Cults Like Us take a more nuanced approach to examining the issues of cults and how many groups and institutions in our lives closely mimic cults. Borden’s book argues that America’s founding was itself based on the cult of the Protestant Ethic, among other religious beliefs that have gradually become part of many American’s identities. Mestyanek and Reed make similar claims while developing their own aspects of group dynamics, drawn from research and scholarship, to investigate and examine the practices of various groups and institutions. As the authors acknowledge, its sometimes hard to determine what a cult is, and with Mestayanek’s own personal experiences growing up in a destructive religious cult and serving in the US Army, she identifies elements of these group dynamics in both. Furthermore, I appreciated their advice to readers to move beyond binaries, looking at whether a group is a cult or not, or thinking about good or bad outcomes, with a call to think about the complexities of belonging and more importantly leaving these groups. What costs might members entail with exiting the group, whether they are social, financial, or professional. Also like Borden’s book, Mestyanek and Reed also reference the more recent political and social events in America to examine how instability, lack of connections and relationships, and mistrust and resentment can fuel the rise of cults as a means of filling a void for these connections and beliefs.
Both Mestyanek and Reed use real world examples from well-known cults, institutions and groups, as well as lesser-known examples, to highlight and identify the ways these groups align with their group dynamics. Furthermore, both authors include their own personal examples of participation with cults, institutions and groups to provide further evidence of the seeming benefits and potential drawbacks of membership within these groups. I also appreciated how the authors make use of both scholarly sources and more popular literature like Montell’s book, as well as other first-hand accounts from cult survivors and escapees. It lends a sense of authority and expertise, while also making the content relevant and accessible to a general audience. Furthermore, despite a rather dark and tragic topic, the authors use humor and sarcasm at appropriate times to lighten the mood. The book is filled with many relevant examples that help to highlight the specific practices of these groups and institutions to attract and sustain members. I think it is interesting to see how fine a line the nature of members is for some of these groups like the military and Alcoholics Anonymous, groups which typically are held in high esteem, but also display elements of cult-type membership and potential high-costs for members leaving. I can also understand the pushback that the authors received, but I think they are raising important points about the nature of the groups and their attempts to sustain members, not necessarily arguing that they are inherently bad. However, in reading these examples, we can see how others may misuse or misconstrue some of the elements of these groups to make false promises or to build on more familiar institutions to attract followers and those who are in need of some kind of change or future goal. In particular, Chapter 6, “Distinguishable Vernacular,” was one of the more fascinating sections since it deals with the language of cults and groups. While this was the focus of Montel’s book, Mestyanek and Reed examine some different examples and show how shared language can alter our sense of identity and belief, creating a unique bond among members. I think this is true of almost any group, whether it is a friend group who shares specific slang or a work group that may use specific acronyms and terms to define and solve problems in the field. I know that whenever I’ve started a new job, acclimating to new language, specifically to acronyms, takes almost as much work as learning software or systems.
Mestyanek and Reed examine how often the beliefs that groups adhere to can often spiral into extremism, and how technology like social media and the internet can accelerate belief to action through disinformation and isolation. Mestyanek provides an example from her ex-husband’s radicalization, along with reminders of Q-Anon and the January 6th Insurrection to further show how seemingly regular people, our neighbors, community members, and friends can all be susceptible to the tricks and deceptive practices of cult leaders. However, this book provides an awareness of these practices, along with some useful checklists and references to “culty things.” I think, though, that one of the most important takeaways in the book is reframing our thinking around cults, shifting from binary, either/or thinking, to examining ideas of membership and belonging in a more complex and holistic manner. In one of the final sections written by guest author Rebecca Slue, also known as The White Woman Whisperer, “The distinction between ‘group’ and ‘community’ is a matter of foundational values and relational truth. Groups are built to be functional, often around a cause, a mission, or a leader.” This last section was also incredibly important in not only reaffirming our sense of belonging to communities and not just groups but also affirming our sense of agency in seeking out these communities and ensuring that they remain communal and democratic. While sharing decision making and responsibilities (and accountability) can be time consuming and tiring, it is essential for the health of the community to involve all. Although frequent references to more notorious groups and cults are found in this book, the authors also frequently reference how more and more work situations can become cult-like, blurring the boundaries between work and belonging. Furthermore, they note how some careers are considered a calling and offer members a strong sense of identity and belonging. While I feel grateful to have a career where I don’t necessarily experience that level of creeping cultiness, I have had jobs where there has been that kind of pressure to work outside of proscribed hours, and I feel like this book offers an important message to many people, not just those interested in cults, psychology, or current events. Rather this book has important insights and ideas about belonging, community, and working, and shares these ideas with research and anecdotes, making the ideas and insights more accessible and understandable. Highly recommended.
Both Mestyanek and Reed use real world examples from well-known cults, institutions and groups, as well as lesser-known examples, to highlight and identify the ways these groups align with their group dynamics. Furthermore, both authors include their own personal examples of participation with cults, institutions and groups to provide further evidence of the seeming benefits and potential drawbacks of membership within these groups. I also appreciated how the authors make use of both scholarly sources and more popular literature like Montell’s book, as well as other first-hand accounts from cult survivors and escapees. It lends a sense of authority and expertise, while also making the content relevant and accessible to a general audience. Furthermore, despite a rather dark and tragic topic, the authors use humor and sarcasm at appropriate times to lighten the mood. The book is filled with many relevant examples that help to highlight the specific practices of these groups and institutions to attract and sustain members. I think it is interesting to see how fine a line the nature of members is for some of these groups like the military and Alcoholics Anonymous, groups which typically are held in high esteem, but also display elements of cult-type membership and potential high-costs for members leaving. I can also understand the pushback that the authors received, but I think they are raising important points about the nature of the groups and their attempts to sustain members, not necessarily arguing that they are inherently bad. However, in reading these examples, we can see how others may misuse or misconstrue some of the elements of these groups to make false promises or to build on more familiar institutions to attract followers and those who are in need of some kind of change or future goal. In particular, Chapter 6, “Distinguishable Vernacular,” was one of the more fascinating sections since it deals with the language of cults and groups. While this was the focus of Montel’s book, Mestyanek and Reed examine some different examples and show how shared language can alter our sense of identity and belief, creating a unique bond among members. I think this is true of almost any group, whether it is a friend group who shares specific slang or a work group that may use specific acronyms and terms to define and solve problems in the field. I know that whenever I’ve started a new job, acclimating to new language, specifically to acronyms, takes almost as much work as learning software or systems.
Mestyanek and Reed examine how often the beliefs that groups adhere to can often spiral into extremism, and how technology like social media and the internet can accelerate belief to action through disinformation and isolation. Mestyanek provides an example from her ex-husband’s radicalization, along with reminders of Q-Anon and the January 6th Insurrection to further show how seemingly regular people, our neighbors, community members, and friends can all be susceptible to the tricks and deceptive practices of cult leaders. However, this book provides an awareness of these practices, along with some useful checklists and references to “culty things.” I think, though, that one of the most important takeaways in the book is reframing our thinking around cults, shifting from binary, either/or thinking, to examining ideas of membership and belonging in a more complex and holistic manner. In one of the final sections written by guest author Rebecca Slue, also known as The White Woman Whisperer, “The distinction between ‘group’ and ‘community’ is a matter of foundational values and relational truth. Groups are built to be functional, often around a cause, a mission, or a leader.” This last section was also incredibly important in not only reaffirming our sense of belonging to communities and not just groups but also affirming our sense of agency in seeking out these communities and ensuring that they remain communal and democratic. While sharing decision making and responsibilities (and accountability) can be time consuming and tiring, it is essential for the health of the community to involve all. Although frequent references to more notorious groups and cults are found in this book, the authors also frequently reference how more and more work situations can become cult-like, blurring the boundaries between work and belonging. Furthermore, they note how some careers are considered a calling and offer members a strong sense of identity and belonging. While I feel grateful to have a career where I don’t necessarily experience that level of creeping cultiness, I have had jobs where there has been that kind of pressure to work outside of proscribed hours, and I feel like this book offers an important message to many people, not just those interested in cults, psychology, or current events. Rather this book has important insights and ideas about belonging, community, and working, and shares these ideas with research and anecdotes, making the ideas and insights more accessible and understandable. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Otterpine for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I didn't find much new to me in this book, but I do think it's a really great intro to cults, and the author does have some interesting thoughts on some groups that have culty tendencies that I hadn't really thought about (like the Girl Scouts!).
I did find each chapter a bit repetitive throughout, and I wish the intro had talked about the different chapters in order. I found a couple of contradictions throughout (for instance, charisma is important, but it's not charisma that draws people in, it's the mission).
I found the author's mention (and downplay) of Aaron Bushnell really distasteful.
HOWEVER, the checklist chapter at the end was really helpful, and I think this book will open readers eyes to how culty some organizations are: the US military, the Salvation Army, the Girl Scouts, Elon and his takeover of Twitter, Trump, etc.
I also LOVED the discussion of labor culture and work as cults, as well as the discussion of MLMs.
I didn't find much new to me in this book, but I do think it's a really great intro to cults, and the author does have some interesting thoughts on some groups that have culty tendencies that I hadn't really thought about (like the Girl Scouts!).
I did find each chapter a bit repetitive throughout, and I wish the intro had talked about the different chapters in order. I found a couple of contradictions throughout (for instance, charisma is important, but it's not charisma that draws people in, it's the mission).
I found the author's mention (and downplay) of Aaron Bushnell really distasteful.
HOWEVER, the checklist chapter at the end was really helpful, and I think this book will open readers eyes to how culty some organizations are: the US military, the Salvation Army, the Girl Scouts, Elon and his takeover of Twitter, Trump, etc.
I also LOVED the discussion of labor culture and work as cults, as well as the discussion of MLMs.
November 7, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Many times I read the news and wonder why people do such unbelievably dumb things. This book asks: in the right circumstances, would it be YOU doing that same dumb shit? The answer is...well...probably. We as humans always want to belong, and many times we will surrender our autonomy for that sense of belonging. This need to belong is so ingrained in us(it's third in Maslow's hierarchy of needs after food and safety) that combined with other factors mentioned in the book--the search for meaning, a fear of the future, a sense of purpose, and an agreeable personality (among others), some culty group can appear, at least at first, to offer exactly what we've been searching for.
The first third of the book details, step by step, how an ordinary person can easily get entangled in a cult. This was exactly why I came to this book for. No one in a cult was looking to join a cult--it's something that happens slowly, until leaving it starts to feel impossible. The explanation made sense to me, how they come in all smiles and hugs, give you a sense of purpose, strip you of your identity, then replace it with theirs. If you leave, you'll have nothing, not even your own sense of self because it's already so intertwined with the cult's.
The next part gets into characteristics of cults and other groups that have cultlike qualities. The usual suspects are here: MLMs, companies like WeWork and Theranos, the whole right-wing movement, Alcoholics Anonymous, the army where the author herself spent years of her life. Your mileage may vary here. I myself have read a lot about those groups already precisely because their cult-like qualities fascinated me, so a lot of things in this section wasn't new to me and felt repetitive. Again, this really depends on what you know about these groups already.
Then there are a couple of chapters about leaving a cult, why it is hard to leave, how hard it is to rebuild. At the end of the book there are cheeky reference guides to cults and culty things, and even a quiz to see if you might be in one yourself.
There was a lot to chew on--I have so many passages highlighted in this book that I was having a truly a tough time deciding what to put in this review. One thing I need to add here though--that chapter on the Skinny White Woman was truly inspired. It's something I've always seen in cults but never consciously recognized until I read it. Every cult leader does have a SWW beside them, don't they?
This book talks about a lot of groups with cult-like qualities, perhaps even a group you are willingly in yourself. The author definitely WILL ruffle some feathers here. But whether you agree with her or not, I think you'll still walk away more aware of how many seemingly innocuous things around us are actually a little culty.
4.5 stars
Many times I read the news and wonder why people do such unbelievably dumb things. This book asks: in the right circumstances, would it be YOU doing that same dumb shit? The answer is...well...probably. We as humans always want to belong, and many times we will surrender our autonomy for that sense of belonging. This need to belong is so ingrained in us(it's third in Maslow's hierarchy of needs after food and safety) that combined with other factors mentioned in the book--the search for meaning, a fear of the future, a sense of purpose, and an agreeable personality (among others), some culty group can appear, at least at first, to offer exactly what we've been searching for.
The first third of the book details, step by step, how an ordinary person can easily get entangled in a cult. This was exactly why I came to this book for. No one in a cult was looking to join a cult--it's something that happens slowly, until leaving it starts to feel impossible. The explanation made sense to me, how they come in all smiles and hugs, give you a sense of purpose, strip you of your identity, then replace it with theirs. If you leave, you'll have nothing, not even your own sense of self because it's already so intertwined with the cult's.
The next part gets into characteristics of cults and other groups that have cultlike qualities. The usual suspects are here: MLMs, companies like WeWork and Theranos, the whole right-wing movement, Alcoholics Anonymous, the army where the author herself spent years of her life. Your mileage may vary here. I myself have read a lot about those groups already precisely because their cult-like qualities fascinated me, so a lot of things in this section wasn't new to me and felt repetitive. Again, this really depends on what you know about these groups already.
Then there are a couple of chapters about leaving a cult, why it is hard to leave, how hard it is to rebuild. At the end of the book there are cheeky reference guides to cults and culty things, and even a quiz to see if you might be in one yourself.
There was a lot to chew on--I have so many passages highlighted in this book that I was having a truly a tough time deciding what to put in this review. One thing I need to add here though--that chapter on the Skinny White Woman was truly inspired. It's something I've always seen in cults but never consciously recognized until I read it. Every cult leader does have a SWW beside them, don't they?
This book talks about a lot of groups with cult-like qualities, perhaps even a group you are willingly in yourself. The author definitely WILL ruffle some feathers here. But whether you agree with her or not, I think you'll still walk away more aware of how many seemingly innocuous things around us are actually a little culty.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"The Culting of America" could maybe have saved the USA from its current existential dilemma had it been published in, say, 2005. It is a powerful and detailed examination of how tragically deep cultlike practices have infiltrated into so many of our hallowed modern institutions. This second book of Young's follows up thoroughly on her first, "Uncultured", a compelling and devastating memoir of her direct experiences living in, and escaping from cults.
The book lists some surprising examples of enterprises one would not consider to be cults, yet register as such by rigid control over mostly unsuspecting members. These members are often expected to make unreasonable sacrifices for the groups' "sacred missions". A very useful terminology is built, assisting readers to become more aware of how pervasive "high control" thought manipulation is in our modern tech culture. Honestly, it's slightly terrifying how easily we humans, who absolutely need connection, are drawn into "binarian" constructs, e.g. us versus them. Survival as an economic zero sum game, versus cooperative group effort as we came down from the trees so long ago.
The author is to be commended on her tireless work, publishing these books, and producing content and commentary every day, across the internet, TikTok, YouTube, Substack, etc. She and Heather Cox Richardson are my anchors of sanity. Thank you Daniella!
The book lists some surprising examples of enterprises one would not consider to be cults, yet register as such by rigid control over mostly unsuspecting members. These members are often expected to make unreasonable sacrifices for the groups' "sacred missions". A very useful terminology is built, assisting readers to become more aware of how pervasive "high control" thought manipulation is in our modern tech culture. Honestly, it's slightly terrifying how easily we humans, who absolutely need connection, are drawn into "binarian" constructs, e.g. us versus them. Survival as an economic zero sum game, versus cooperative group effort as we came down from the trees so long ago.
The author is to be commended on her tireless work, publishing these books, and producing content and commentary every day, across the internet, TikTok, YouTube, Substack, etc. She and Heather Cox Richardson are my anchors of sanity. Thank you Daniella!
January 14, 2026
A look into the key markers of a cult and how they can be applied to socially acceptable groups that exist today. I’m someone who inhales information about cults, like I’m a big ole whale and cult information is krill.
I love opening up this drawer and looking around. Shaking up the old brain. AA is mentioned in the book (a well meaning cult) the military (maybe well meaning? Mostly? At the beginning?) and others share the spotlight in this thought provoking, smoothly written tome (can you tell I used a thesaurus?) speaking of smooth writing, this book is special bc of the author Daniela Mestyanek Young, who defected from god is love(clearly v bad cult) and then joined the military (maybe bad or maybe not bad depending on who you ask but we can all agree large groups of people with a hive mind mentality are suspicious) Mestyanek Young’s eyes on, hands on, experiences with both of these organizations make her uniquely qualified to provide this social commentary. I think this is a really cool book.. tome? Work? to read, especially for people who maybe don’t know that much about cults or cult mentality.
Ty Netgalley for the ARC!!
I love opening up this drawer and looking around. Shaking up the old brain. AA is mentioned in the book (a well meaning cult) the military (maybe well meaning? Mostly? At the beginning?) and others share the spotlight in this thought provoking, smoothly written tome (can you tell I used a thesaurus?) speaking of smooth writing, this book is special bc of the author Daniela Mestyanek Young, who defected from god is love(clearly v bad cult) and then joined the military (maybe bad or maybe not bad depending on who you ask but we can all agree large groups of people with a hive mind mentality are suspicious) Mestyanek Young’s eyes on, hands on, experiences with both of these organizations make her uniquely qualified to provide this social commentary. I think this is a really cool book.. tome? Work? to read, especially for people who maybe don’t know that much about cults or cult mentality.
Ty Netgalley for the ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read Daniella's Uncultured and then subscribed to her on Youtube. I have learned that I can trust her not to rile up or rage-bait. She states the truth, calmly and concisely and is good at debunking. The amount of information I have learned from her is invaluable to me, especially her experience in the military and the whats, whys, hows and strict codes surrounding that, which I had very little understanding of. With what is currently going on in America right now, I pre-ordered The Culting of America, it was a must-read for me. I'm over 4 hours in and I am not disappointed. Not only am I learning more about the military and religious extremism, I am learning about other cults that I did not consider cults and how to distinguish cults from groups. You cannot unsee the similarities once you see them. She speaks knowledgeably, thoroughly and in a way that is easy to understand. If you are as confused, upset and concerned about what is happening in the US as I am right now, please pick up this book. I believe her expertise makes it well worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this is a pretty interesting book about cults, mostly focusing on answering the question: what makes a cult? for me - this wasn't full of new information therefore wasn't totally engaging- if you are a watcher or reader of anything relating to cults this book is full of things you likely have been gleaning from various other sources prior.
however, if this is your first exposure to talk about cults- you will find many interesting things here, and some pretty useful tips for identifying cults and the dangers of them. i hope this book gains some attention and popularity as i think it was more put together and better researched than cultish (which is quoted within this book).
*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc*
however, if this is your first exposure to talk about cults- you will find many interesting things here, and some pretty useful tips for identifying cults and the dangers of them. i hope this book gains some attention and popularity as i think it was more put together and better researched than cultish (which is quoted within this book).
*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc*
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an in-depth review of a large number of american organizations, institutions, and social groups identifying key elements of cult (or high control group) behavior present in daily life. DMY (author) goes into detail showing how the veneers of civilized behavior and glossy marketing/PR act as a cover for a culture of manipulation, extortion, control, S.A., and labor theft. Not every group reaches the "it's a bad cult" level but the signs and patterns are there. DMY does a great job of emphasizing the human cost and the human fallibility/frailty that sometimes make people vulnerable to the charismatic leaders that prey on them. There is also a workbook available to help people recognize the intrusion of cult-y thinking and deconstruct themselves away from it
January 16, 2026
I’ve read the author’s memoir UNCULTURED and been inspired by her educational content on her social media channels, so it’s a privilege to be able to read this book and delve deeper into Daniella Mestyanek Young’s study of cults.
Weaving together the author’s lived experience with significant research, THE CULTING OF AMERICA is a crucial resource for anyone who wants to understand “the groups or relationships that have hurt us in the past, hurt us now or could hurt us in the future.”
As a survivor coercive control and spiritual abuse, the author’s analysis and insights gave me a deeper understanding of cults and harmful power dynamics.
Highly, highly recommend.
Weaving together the author’s lived experience with significant research, THE CULTING OF AMERICA is a crucial resource for anyone who wants to understand “the groups or relationships that have hurt us in the past, hurt us now or could hurt us in the future.”
As a survivor coercive control and spiritual abuse, the author’s analysis and insights gave me a deeper understanding of cults and harmful power dynamics.
Highly, highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I pre-ordered this book months ago because I knew it would be important. This is not an easy read. You will learn about yourself, especially if your an American and the working of the world around you.
This is a non-fiction book, but it's not dry. It's very engaging and entertaining while helping us explore ideas we might have missed in our day to day lives. No one is immune to cult influence and even mundane seeming groups can have as hidden agenda.
Knowledge is power and this book gives you the tools to identify neferious groups. I highly suggest this book, especially on 2026 America.
This is a non-fiction book, but it's not dry. It's very engaging and entertaining while helping us explore ideas we might have missed in our day to day lives. No one is immune to cult influence and even mundane seeming groups can have as hidden agenda.
Knowledge is power and this book gives you the tools to identify neferious groups. I highly suggest this book, especially on 2026 America.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Following on Daniella's first book, "Uncultured," which had already made me realize I had lived part of my life in a cult, "The Culting of America" is the perfect follow up.
I waited anxiously, and appreciated the accessibility of receiving my advance copy as an audiobook. That alone deserves huge praise from my TBI addled focus.
And now we get to see the playbook the cults use. And oh so many of the culty tactics we see in our influencers and politicians. And just how many cults are grasping at us daily. It really is a little creepy when you see how obvious it is and oblivious we are. I promise you if you start reading, it won't take long to find something that looks familiar.
I waited anxiously, and appreciated the accessibility of receiving my advance copy as an audiobook. That alone deserves huge praise from my TBI addled focus.
And now we get to see the playbook the cults use. And oh so many of the culty tactics we see in our influencers and politicians. And just how many cults are grasping at us daily. It really is a little creepy when you see how obvious it is and oblivious we are. I promise you if you start reading, it won't take long to find something that looks familiar.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Culting of America by Daniella Mestyanek Young is a sharp, eye-opening look at how cult-like thinking seeps into everyday culture. Young unpacks the subtle ways ideology, social pressure, and group dynamics shape behavior, making the reader more aware of manipulation in media, organizations, and social circles. It’s clear, engaging, and practical—perfect for anyone who wants to spot influence tactics before they take hold.
Review of advance copy
absolutely terrible, the author skirts around important issues to avoid controversy most likely under pressure from the publisher. a bad faith & myopic work. I would avoid this one and will personally avoid the works produced by the publisher otterpine in the future. this book was a major red flag, engaging in the same cult behavior it is trying to criticize and deconstruct.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow! I read “Uncultured” earlier this year and steeled myself for this one. Definitely puts into perspective cults and the ideas of cults. Well written and not just from the author’s perspective. Thanks to the authors and Netgalley for the e-arc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Key to understanding and deconstructing the sociopsychological-cultural forces, many hidden in plain sight, others unspoken but acknowledged, or our own subconscious vulnerabilities as individuals, that have sleepwalked the US into a landscape where the Trump could become president.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Very well written look at how cults function and how America has ended up with a cult leader as president. I really enjoyed the physical book but I absolutely loved the audio version narrated by the author.
January 16, 2026
Gripping, thoughtful and challenging. I listened to the audio book and Daniella and colleagues did a great job - clear engaging and well paced.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Validating, organized, and deeply illuminating. Currently halfway through it and looking forward to completing it.
Review of advance copy
Great context for what we're living through. Insight into what is happening.
December 21, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Otterpine for the arc, in exchange for my honest review
I have mixed feelings about this one and it's so sad because I am the target audience for this kind of book (as someone obsessed with cults) and maybe that's the main problem. There are a few mistakes in it (one of them being about NXIVM) that I couldn't help but notice and it game me trust issues when it comes to the things I didn't know. I also think she was trying so hard to not be offensive that sometimes it was a bit ridiculous. Two examples : she quotes an author but then mentions that the author is "problematic", if you think so then don't quote the author honestly, I hated that it seemed like she was apologizing about quoting them as if it would make her a bad person if she didn't mention it. If you're that bothered about it use another source. At some point she talks about modesty culture in christian adjacent cults, she then mentions the hijab and says that it can be empowering when chosen ; sure, but so can any clothes actually. The way she differentiates it from women having to wear long skirts is weird, both are rules about clothing that apply to women and both can totally be chosen or forced. She focuses on cults and religions that are mostly white and I understand that she may be uncomfortable talking about a culture that isn't hers, but then again : don't mention it if you're not comfortable doing it.
The book is interesting, I liked the mention of terrorist groups that are definitely cultish by design (but it's in passing and doesn't go anywhere, again I felt like she really didn't want to sound offensive), she explains really way why America is such a breeding ground for cults (it has to do with the very first Americans) and what kind of people join cults (almost anyone is susceptible to join one, almost). She also explains really well what most cult leaders have in common and why people follow them. With a new podcast about NXIVM we have a bunch of people online talking about cults and the people who join them, and my dudes and dudettes, they have very stupid takes. It's good to have people who actually know what it's like explain how indoctrination and brainwashing works.
So really mixed feelings, I loved some things, really disliked others, I think that there are better books on that topic out there so a little disappointed overall
I have mixed feelings about this one and it's so sad because I am the target audience for this kind of book (as someone obsessed with cults) and maybe that's the main problem. There are a few mistakes in it (one of them being about NXIVM) that I couldn't help but notice and it game me trust issues when it comes to the things I didn't know. I also think she was trying so hard to not be offensive that sometimes it was a bit ridiculous. Two examples : she quotes an author but then mentions that the author is "problematic", if you think so then don't quote the author honestly, I hated that it seemed like she was apologizing about quoting them as if it would make her a bad person if she didn't mention it. If you're that bothered about it use another source. At some point she talks about modesty culture in christian adjacent cults, she then mentions the hijab and says that it can be empowering when chosen ; sure, but so can any clothes actually. The way she differentiates it from women having to wear long skirts is weird, both are rules about clothing that apply to women and both can totally be chosen or forced. She focuses on cults and religions that are mostly white and I understand that she may be uncomfortable talking about a culture that isn't hers, but then again : don't mention it if you're not comfortable doing it.
The book is interesting, I liked the mention of terrorist groups that are definitely cultish by design (but it's in passing and doesn't go anywhere, again I felt like she really didn't want to sound offensive), she explains really way why America is such a breeding ground for cults (it has to do with the very first Americans) and what kind of people join cults (almost anyone is susceptible to join one, almost). She also explains really well what most cult leaders have in common and why people follow them. With a new podcast about NXIVM we have a bunch of people online talking about cults and the people who join them, and my dudes and dudettes, they have very stupid takes. It's good to have people who actually know what it's like explain how indoctrination and brainwashing works.
So really mixed feelings, I loved some things, really disliked others, I think that there are better books on that topic out there so a little disappointed overall
November 9, 2025
If you need a detailed but interesting read on American Cults, stop right here. This book covered so much ground and I learnt a lot about sneaky culty tactics.
Firstly, the use of the word ‘culty’ was brilliant. It truly encapsulates control of the masses, second, third and so on, I highlighted a lot of points, (I never highlight books) - Hair control, military, honestly a lot of seemingly innocent activities are easily weaponised. MAGA is a really good example of a cult, I mean his approval rating is at an all time low yet his followers are devoted.
I throughly enjoyed the level of detail in this book; it was a much needed updated refresher in the books on cults section. I would love a British version of this because the UK is becoming very, very culty and I need references to spout at entrapped people. Absolutely brilliant.
Many thanks to #netgalley and #otterpine for this ARC.
Firstly, the use of the word ‘culty’ was brilliant. It truly encapsulates control of the masses, second, third and so on, I highlighted a lot of points, (I never highlight books) - Hair control, military, honestly a lot of seemingly innocent activities are easily weaponised. MAGA is a really good example of a cult, I mean his approval rating is at an all time low yet his followers are devoted.
I throughly enjoyed the level of detail in this book; it was a much needed updated refresher in the books on cults section. I would love a British version of this because the UK is becoming very, very culty and I need references to spout at entrapped people. Absolutely brilliant.
Many thanks to #netgalley and #otterpine for this ARC.
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