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Zealot

A Book About Cults

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Zealot

By: Jo Thornely
Narrated by: Jo Thornely
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About this listen

Why would anyone join a cult?

Maybe they're unhappy with their current religion, or they want to change the world, or they're disappointed with their lives and want to find something bigger or holier that makes sense of this confusing, chaotic and dangerous world. Or maybe they just want to give themselves the best possible chance of having sex with aliens.

Whatever the reason, once people are in, it's usually very difficult for them to leave. Cults have ways of making their followers do loopy, dangerous stuff to prove their loyalty, and in return they get a chance to feel secure within the cult's embrace, with an added bonus of being utterly terrified of the outside world.

From the tragic Jonestown Kool-Aid drinkers to the Australian cult The Family to the fiery Waco climax of The Branch Davidians, this is a wide-sweeping look at cults around the world, from the host of the popular podcast Zealot.

©2019 Jo Thornely (P)2019 Hachette Australia Audio Religious Studies True Crime Funny Witty
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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.

Cults? Check. Comedy? Check.

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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.

An entertaining, informative and enjoyable experience

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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.

Fun and light, considering the subject

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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!

Great!

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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.

Laugh out loud funny and fascinating

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

blowed my mind

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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.

High expectations exceeded

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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.

Please write a comparative conclusion!

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

highly recommended

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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.

Fascinating, creepy, hilarious

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