Books matching: cult formation
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- #1
Save:'The Ecstasy Club' by Douglas Rushkoff follows a group of drug-addled twenty-somethings who aim to transcend the mortal plane through drugs and parties while making money hosting these events. The story delves into topics such as rave culture, conspiracy theories, psychedelic science, and quantum physics. The plot includes elements of social programming, virtual reality feedback loops, group sex, and the manipulation of consensual reality. The narrative unfolds with new challenges arising as new characters are introduced, leading to a far-fetched final act that changes the course of events.
- #2
Save:'The Kingdom of Matthias' by Paul E. Johnson delves into the intriguing story of the Prophet Matthias, a cult leader during the 19th-century in America. The narrative explores the blend of religious fervor and mental instability that led Matthias and his followers down a dark path of submission and control. paints a vivid picture of the social and religious transformations happening in America during that time, capturing the reader's attention with its engaging storytelling and compelling characters.
The authors, Paul E. Johnson and Sean Wilentz, present a well-researched account of the rise and fall of Matthias and his cult, providing an alternate angle on a pivotal moment in American history. Despite some criticisms of the editing and writing style, the book manages to captivate readers with its exploration of religious fanaticism, personality cults, and the impact of such movements on society.
- #3
Save:"The Leftovers" by Tom Perrotta explores the aftermath of a mysterious event where a significant portion of the world's population disappears without a clear reason, leaving those who remain struggling to cope with grief, loss, and uncertainty. The story delves into how different individuals and groups react to this unexplained phenomenon, from forming cults to seeking answers and finding new ways to navigate their lives in the face of tragedy. Through a character-driven narrative, the book examines themes of faith, human behavior, and the impact of unexpected events on individuals and communities.
IT WAS A GOOD DAY for a parade, sunny and unseasonably warm, the sky a Sunday school cartoon of heaven. Not too long ago, people would have felt the need to make a nervous crack about weather like thi... - #4
Save:'The Masters of Atlantis' by Charles Portis is a humorous and eccentric tale about the Gnomon Society, a fictional 20th-century initiatory order that arrived in the US following World War I. The story follows the adventures and misadventures of Corporal Lamar Jimmerson, who becomes involved with the society after being entrusted with a sacred text from Atlantis. As Jimmerson spreads the teachings of Gnomonism, he recruits new adherents like Sidney Hen and Austin Popper, leading to a series of comical and absurd situations. The writing style of the book is described as consistent, engaging, and masterful, with a tone that balances humor and satire.
YOUNG LAMAR JIMMERSON went to France in 1917 with the American Expeditionary Forces, serving first with the Balloon Section, stumbling about in open fields holding one end of a long rope, and then lat... - #5
Save:'Doomed' by Chuck Palahniuk is the second book in the 'Damned' series, following the story of thirteen-year-old Madison Spencer who finds herself marooned on Earth for a year, revisiting the last couple of years of her life. The narrative delves into Madison's experiences in a blog diary form, where she accidentally starts a religion as a joke and tries to correct this error. The book is written in a blog post format from the afterlife, portraying Madison's sarcastic and humorous observations about the world around her while she navigates between Earth and Hell in a sort of Purgatory. The writing style is distinctively Palahniuk, filled with dark humor, biting satire, and rapid twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.
In the sixth century B.C. the Greek lawmaker Solon journeyed to the Egyptian city of Sais and brought back the following account of the end of the world. According to the priests at the temple of Neit...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Damned ) - #6
Save:Join Me is a delightful and inspiring book about Danny Wallace's spontaneous project of forming a collective, which unexpectedly gains momentum with people joining him without a clear purpose. The book follows Danny's journey as he navigates through the challenges of managing a growing group of followers, his humorous interactions with them, and his attempts to find meaning and direction for the collective, all while trying to keep his girlfriend unaware of his unconventional activities.
As requested, here is my passport photo. I have also troubled myself to include our local Indian restaurant menu, and can recommend the Chicken Dansak if you‘re ever in the area and feeling hungry. I ... - #7
Save:'The Origin of the Brunists' by Robert Coover is a gripping narrative that delves into the aftermath of a coal mining accident in a small town, where the establishment of a cult leads to religious fervor and societal upheaval. Coover expertly weaves together multiple character perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of small-town life, religious fanaticism, and political intrigue. The writing style is described as masterful, with beautiful prose that captivates readers from start to finish, showcasing Coover's tremendous imagination and vocabulary.
Hiram Clegg, together with his wife Emma and four friends of the faith from Randolph Junction, were summoned by the Spirit and Mrs. Clara Collins, widow of the beloved Nazarene preacher Ely Collins, t... - #8
Save:'Unboxed' by Briana Morgan follows the story of Greg, a popular paranormal vlogger, and his artist girlfriend Alice. When Greg purchases a mysterious box from the dark web in a bid to boost his online following, he unknowingly unleashes a series of sinister events that put everything he loves at risk. The play is written in a unique format, exploring themes of ambition, social media addiction, and the ethical dilemmas faced in the pursuit of fame, all while delivering a timely message about the consequences of chasing success in the digital age.
The plot of 'Unboxed' is fast-paced and engaging, with well-fleshed out characters like Greg and Alice, whose complex relationship is put to the test as they navigate the dark consequences of Greg's actions. The writing style, presented in the form of a play, adds an interesting dimension to the storytelling, allowing readers to delve into the characters' struggles and moral dilemmas in a concise yet impactful manner.
'The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple' by Jeff Guinn is a thorough history of Jim Jones, exploring his evolution from a pro integrationist to a manipulative cult leader who orchestrated the Jonestown mass suicide. Guinn delves into Jones' childhood, his rise to power, and the events that led to the tragic end in Guyana in 1978. The writing style is captivating and detailed, drawing from a wide range of sources including direct interviews, making it a compelling non-fiction read that reads like a novel.
The way Lynetta Putnam Jones chose to remember it, she began life in privileged circumstances, was married only once to a handicapped veteran of World War I, was terribly mistreated by him and his cru...- #10
Save:'Our Share of Night' by Mariana Enriquez is a unique blend of horror and literary fiction set in Argentina during the brutal military dictatorship. The plot revolves around a medium trying to save his son from the clutches of an insidious cult known as the Order, which thrives on crimes of the dictatorship and unholy powers. The story unfolds with a mix of horror elements, intricate family histories, and dark magical realism, keeping the reader engrossed and intrigued. The writing style is described as authoritative, spooky, and enjoyable, with the book being a cross between a horror story and literary fiction, creating a riveting and unputdownable read.
