Do As I Say cover art

Do As I Say

How Cults Control, Why We Join Them, and What They Teach Us About Bullying, Abuse and Coercion

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Do As I Say

By: Sarah Steel
Narrated by: Sarah Steel
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About this listen

At the heart of being human is the desire to belong. It can make us unspeakably vulnerable to the manipulations of others. Cult leaders prey on this desire, but so do many unscrupulous operators hiding in plain sight.

Sarah Steel, the creator of the popular 'Let's Talk About Sects' podcast, has researched the cults you've heard of—and dozens you haven't. What strikes her most are not the differences between bizarre cult behaviour and 'normal' behaviour but the depressing similarities. Her work reveals that we are all susceptible to the power of cult dynamics.

In Do As I Say, Sarah Steel tells the human tale behind the sensationalism. Sharing deeply personal stories, gathered over years of interviews with survivors, and some shocking tales about the world's most famous cults, she sheds light on the high cost of unchecked coercive behaviours to individuals and communities at large.

©2022 Sarah Steel (P)2022 Macmillan Australia Audio
Personal Development Relationships Religious Studies Social Psychology & Interactions Cult

Critic Reviews

"Sarah uses the stories of survivors to tease out the common threads of coercive control shared by cults and found in other parts of society. The result is a much-needed spotlight on the behaviours and personalities we are likely to encounter even if we never go anywhere near a cult." (David Gillespie, best-selling author and lawyer)

"In times of uncertainty when you long for simple answers and have a deep desire for community, you can find yourself incrementally handing over your agency to a charismatic but authoritarian and manipulative leader or group-think. In this book Sarah Steel has brilliantly charted how this happens in all sorts of ways and for all sorts of people; it provides an invaluable map to navigate this dangerous terrain." (Reverend Tim Costello AO)

"This book is a most comprehensive and studied look at cults, the leaders, and perhaps most importantly the survivors. Sarah Steel has given the world a real gem—one that will not only educate but also help to destigmatize those who have been harmed by cults and con artists. Bravo!" (Dr Janja Lalich, cult expert, academic and former cult member)

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Eye-opening

Worthwhile read/listen. Educational on the unexpectedly high prevalence of cultish thinking surrounding us in society.

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Excellent!

This book is a natural progression from the excellent podcast ; Lets Talk about Sects. As expected well thought out, researched and written. Showing some possible talent for predicting the future, her chapter on the secrecy of the previous Australian Prime Minister is a good precursor to understanding the mind boggling act of taking on ministries without informing anyone. The authors empathy in addressing the issue of cults and the impact it has on individuals is evident. Couldn’t stop listening, and I went for a 4 hour walk just to finish it.

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Great read

Wonderfully written in-depth and considerate investigation in to cults and cult like behaviour in society. Interesting the whole way through!

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Talented Aussie author tackling a very tricky topic

Highly researched and makes some very interesting points. It’s really great to see the author helping to tackle such complex issues. As someone who has seen family members become engulfed in multiple cults, I really appreciate this book as it is helping me unpack my own experience with cultish thinking. The chapters on coercive control and feminism are my favourites so far. I hope we soon find a way as a society to stop people from being legally allowed to take away others rights to their own free will by undermining and manipulating vulnerable peoples thought processes.

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Brilliant, Healing and Informative. Must read for ex cult members

Sarahs research over such a broad spectrum of cults is so informative interesting and incredible. Her passion and empathy come through her pages and words along with the facts. As someone who escaped an evangelical Christian cult and is still recovering, this was one healing book for me. I felt seen heard and like she gave me a voice that has been very much silent and misunderstood for years. Thankyou Sarah. Highly recommend!!

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Excellent book

Thank you Sarah for writing a book that displays critical thinking and facts. Unlike slot of media these days.

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Fantastic read!

Do As I Say is an interesting look at Cults and the tactics and tricks they use to suck people in.

I cannot recommend it highly enough!

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