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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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'a smart, daring and refreshing book.' - Weekend Australian

'deliciously sinister' - Herald Sun

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 book is a wide-sweeping look at cults around the world, from the host of the popular podcast ZEALOT.

'a piss-taker of rare boldness.' - Weekend Australian Religious Studies True Crime Funny Witty
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Critic Reviews

prose where every sentence is alive with individuality and intelligence. ... She has opened the creaking lid of the vampire's coffin and let in a good old blast of fresh daylight.
Written with a wonderfully irreverent sense of humour, the book has a serious aim, to instil irreverence in the reader, because, after all, an excess of reverence was what got many of these cult members into danger in the first place and then kept them there.
All stars
Most relevant
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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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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In stark contrast to the subject matter, I found myself constantly laughing at Jo's dark humour and one liners. Oh my goodness! All I could think of was Clive James; is she his daughter? Jo has a great reading voice, and this in particular brings her black humour to the fore. I am going to listen to this book again and again, even if just for the jokes. I expected a serious dissection of the many flawed cult figureheads who deluded the masses, and was pleasantly surprised at how brutally funny Jo has portrayed these religious nut cases, without missing out on the psychology behind their behaviour, however crudely she stated it. I want more...

Jo is the new Clive James

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Loved the way this book was written and read. Whilst it is a serious subject, the author/reader made it entertaining to listen to. And she didn’t delve into the really unthinkable areas of each covered, but she made you think about what was going on inside the cults. Very very interesting, chilling and eye opening

About cults

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