Books Like...
If you liked Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche, here are the top 100 books to read next:
A masterfully researched and deeply humanizing account of Jim Jones and Jonestown - meticulous, disturbing, and essential reading for anyone curious about how such a tragedy unfolded. Not a light read, but unforgettable.
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...Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out by Rick Alan Ross delves into the world of destructive cults, exploring their recruitment tactics, brainwashing techniques, and methods of control. Through detailed case studies and interventions, the author sheds light on the dangers of these groups and provides insights on how individuals can be persuaded to leave cults. The book highlights the power of persuasion, the influence of charismatic leaders, and the psychological processes involved in thought reform and deprogramming.
The narrative of the book offers a comprehensive overview of cults, their operations, and the impact they have on individuals and society. It addresses the importance of understanding cult behavior, the need for intervention to rescue members, and the significance of educating oneself on the workings of cult mind control. Readers are taken on a journey through the manipulative tactics employed by cults, the exploitation of group members, and the strategies to help individuals break free from coercive environments.
There have probably been cult groups following charismatic leaders since the beginning of human history. But relatively few have been historically noted or have garnered the attention of the modern me...A jaw-dropping, meticulously researched dive into the wild world of Scientology. Disturbing, enlightening, and hard to put down - well worth it if you want to understand one of the strangest pop culture phenomena of our time.
London, Ontario, is a middling manufacturing town halfway between Toronto and Detroit, once known for its cigars and breweries. In a tribute to its famous namesake, London has its own Covent Garden, P...- #4
Haunting, fast-paced, and brutally honest, "Seductive Poison" is a must-read for fans of true crime, cult stories, or anyone curious about how charismatic leaders can reshape reality. Disturbing but deeply insightful.
My mother was a mystery to me. Beautiful, often quiet, she secretly sketched portraits of women, closing her portfolio whenever I came unexpectedly into the sunroom. I often felt I was intruding on so... - #5
An eye-opening, well-documented account of the dark side of religious extremism, told by the dogged investigator who helped expose it. Not for the faint of heart, but a must-read for true crime and cult watchers.
The prisoner’s hands were cuffed to a belly chain that was cinched tight around his scrawny waist and secured by a padlock. The shackles on his ankles hobbled his stride to a shuffle as two large men,... - #6
A haunting and compelling exposé that shines a spotlight on a dangerous cult, but it’s a tough and sometimes repetitive read. If you’re up for a chilling journey into cult dynamics and survivor resilience, this is essential reading.
Suzanne Cooper checked off the last item on her list. The boxes were labeled and loaded in the vehicles just outside the door. She’d make one last sweep of the house to be sure nothing was left. Someo... A powerful, meticulously detailed book that personalizes the events of 9/11 through the eyes of those inside the towers; not easy, but deeply memorable and important reading for anyone wanting to truly understand that day.
First into the office on the 89th floor of 1 World Trade Center, as always, Dianne DeFontes shut the door behind her, then locked it with a bolt that slid up and down, into floor and ceiling. The lawy...- #8
A slim, stylish campus novel about lost faith and seduction by extremism - polarizing but packed with ideas. Great for fans of ambiguous, character-driven literary fiction; less so for those who need action or likable protagonists.
I first met Phoebe in a house full of strangers, five weeks into the Edwards fall term. I was new to the Noxhurst school, but a sophomore, a late arrival. I’d transferred in from the Bible college I’d... A raw, thought-provoking memoir about breaking free from dogma and finding humanity beyond hate - a must-read for anyone curious about fundamentalism, personal transformation, or the cost of self-discovery.
If a mother thinks something is important enough to take a public position about, shouldn’t she teach her children that value? Where else should children be at the time of public debate? At the local...- #10
A beautifully written, unsettling coming-of-age novel that explores the dark side of belonging and girlhood - powerful and memorable if you’re in the mood for something atmospheric and psychologically searching, not if you want a quick-paced thriller.
Cha ching, the slot machine in Connie’s garage went, like a cartoon, Peter’s features soaked in its rosy glow. He was eighteen, Connie’s older brother, and his forearms were the color of toast. His fr...