Five Non-Fiction Books About Cults You Should Read

There are a number of different non-fiction books that have been written about famous cults over the years. Here are some of the best books about cults that I’ve compiled to start your rabbit hole reading journey. If you’re anything like me, you love deep-diving into the mysterious world and mentality of cults and religions.

Cults in America: The Rise and Fall of Our Most Dangerous Secret Societies by Steven Hassan

This book is a comprehensive overview of cults in America, from their origins to their current state. It provides an in-depth look at how cults operate and the techniques they use to recruit and indoctrinate members.

Snapping: America’s Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change by Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman

Snapping examines the phenomenon of sudden personality change, which is often seen in individuals who join cults. It delves into the brainwashing and religious conversion that is often associated with cult membership and how it can have devastating effects on a person’s psyche.

Combating Cult Mind Control by Steven Hassan

This book provides advice for people who are dealing with loved ones or friends who may be involved in cults. It simply and clearly explains the thought reform techniques used by manipulators to take advantage of their victims, as well as ways to counter these tactics. The text has been revised over time to include new information about the cult phenomenon, but each revision always reinforces its focus on helping readers help their loved ones move past cult involvement.

The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power by Jeff Sharlet

This book takes a look at one of America’s most secretive and powerful cults known as the Family. It exposes the group’s history and beliefs, as well as the ways in which it has infiltrated.

A compelling read that is backed up by plenty of research.

The Family by Chris Johnson and Rosie Jones

This is a thorough investigative piece on the infamous apocalyptic group called The Family and their guru, Anne Hamilton-Byrne, who captured international headlines throughout the 1980s and 1990s.  Drawing on police files, diary entries, recordings of Anne, and original interviews with survivors and investigators, this book delves into one of the most intriguing cults in modern history to expose its strange and shocking story.

Written by an expert on the matter, Combatting Cult Mind Control is a great resource for those looking to understand how cults work and what can be done to help those affected. It provides clear and concise information, while Cults in America offers a more comprehensive view of cult activity in the United States. Snapping is also a good read, as it takes an in-depth look at how personality change can take place under the influence of a cult.

All of these books are essential for anyone wanting to learn more about cults and the dangers they pose to individuals and society as a whole. By understanding how cults operate and the methods they use to recruit and control members, we can become better equipped to protect ourselves and others from their harmful effects.

If you prefer your cult stories to be fictional, check out my psychological thriller book, THE TENS. And be sure to let me know your favourite cult books in the comments below.