Author: Jane Borden
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Nonfiction, History
Pages: 304
Publisher: Atria
Year Published: 2025
Format: Audiobook (Library)
"Since the Mayflower sidled up to Plymouth Rock, cult ideology- whether among the Mormons and Oneidans of old or LuLaRoe and NXIVM today- has been ingrained in the DNA of the United States. In this eye-opening book, Jane Borden argues that we got this way because we always were.
Puritan doomsday belief never went away; it just went secular and became American culture. From our fascination with cowboys and superheroes to our undying love for capitalism and violence, and our obsessions with advertising, hard work, and self-help, the United States remains a breeding ground for cult-like thinking. With compelling insight, Borden uncovers the American history you didn't get in school, including how these ideas still brainwash us today and make us a nation of easy marks for con artists and strong men. Along the way, she highlights some of the most infamous cults in this country- including the Branch Davidians and Love Has Won- as integral parts of our psyche and reflections of their times."
My Rating: 3.5/5
As someone who often watches information about cults, I find their beginning fascinating. This book, much as the summary suggests, leans on America's history to help explain why certain cults grew in America, how day-to-day thinking can be led back to the Puritans, and how it relates to cult like thinking/ behaviour. I liked that the author was quick-witted and didn't just drone about the facts, but made jokes and used a dry sense of humour to keep the points connected. It did feel as though it dragged at certain points, but that could also be because I was listening to it on audio rather than reading it with my eyes. Would recommend if you're curious, but you may want to pick up a physical copy.
Sidny
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