Language scholar and author Amanda Montell will appear at Central Library on Thursday, April 21 at 7 PM to discuss her 2021 book, Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism. The book was an indie bestseller and was named one of the best books of 2021 by NPR. Cultish analyzes the social science of cult influence, and explores how groups ranging from Jonestown and Heavens Gate to Peloton and SoulCycle use language to manipulate and energize their “cultish” communities. Montell is also the host of the popular podcast, Sounds Like a Cult.