Cults? Check. Comedy? Check.

I can’t rate this book highly enough. As a huge fan of comedic writing and cults, this book marks all the boxes for me. Jo’s podcast introduced me to the book, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the welcome distraction from life that both educated and amuses. I spent so much time simultaneously laughing and being very concerned about cults that my brain still feels conflicted. Everyone should check this book out.

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An entertaining, informative and enjoyable experience

An entertaining book, researched in depth with fascinating detail, it offers an immensely interesting look into the world of cults. Sprinkled liberally with perfectly appropriate Aussie humour, I enjoyed this book greatly. Well read by the author too. I’m looking forward to listening this book a second time soon.

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Fun and light, considering the subject

If you're looking for a fun, and lighthearted pop history on several infamous cults, look no further.
Jo's tone is comic and informal as she waxes lyrical about some profoundly awful events.

Narration by the author is a huge plus, capturing the comic timing.

If this is what you're looking for, you'll have a great time. Those seeking rigorous academic texts, perhaps less so.

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Great!

This book boldly combines a fascinating and well researched account of some the most bizarre and "successful" cults with an unbelievably refreshing-and totally appropriate-comedic delivery that defies all political correctness. Ms Thornely has invented what to me is an exciting new genre. Part of my fascination with these cults is their common DNA with other, more conventional religions-just as bizarre and irrational as "mainstream" religions, but perhaps featuring aliens instead of angels. In learning about the creepy cult leaders, we recognize oft repeated patterns of behaviour that are elemental to human nature. This is both riveting and unsettling. Well done Jo Thornely!

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Laugh out loud funny and fascinating

If, like me, you’re fascinated by cults, I highly recommend “Zealot” by Jo Thornely. Written like a kind of “cults101”, it’s written in a humorous, irreverent style that made me actually laugh out loud at several points. Language is a little NSFW at times so be warned 🙂

Jo narrated her own audiobook, which isn’t always a great choice but she reads it really well.

The Raelians may be my new fav cult.

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blowed my mind

Fascinating, creepy, comedy. can’t wait for part 2. good job author. thank you for this book.

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High expectations exceeded

I originally thought the subject would be poorly served by a comedic approach but I was wrong. The approach is serious but refuses to dignify the subjects or treat them with anything other than well-researched, distant scorn. Completely worth the investment.

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Please write a comparative conclusion!

Jo,
It would be really good to add another chapter to your book which compares all the case studies and concludes what you have learnt from your research on cults. Deep down I feel that you have an insightful opinion that can be better expressed than slag humor at the end of every paragraph. I hope you follow up given all your hard work on the book to date.

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highly recommended

entertaining & informative - at times hilarious and other times just plain terrifying - people are f*cked. great reading by the author

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Fascinating, creepy, hilarious

I could not stop listening to this book. Jo’s narration feels more like you’re having a conversation with a cult expert friend over a few wines. I’m sure there’s lots more super-creepy cults out there to dissect so here’s hoping Jo writes a second volume on this fascinating topic.

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