Book description
From the author of Cursed Objects and The United States of Cryptids, an eye-popping compendium of the most infamous, audacious, and dangerous cults in history How do smart, normal people end up enmeshed in extreme cults? Weird history expert J. W. Ocker strives to answer that question in Cult Following. Everything you've ever wanted to know about history's most notorious cults--and the psychology of the people who join them--is packed into this accessible, engaging volume. Walk in the footsteps of the followers who were lured into such sinister groups as: Branch Davidians: Led by David Koresh, this cult was waiting out the apocalypse in 1993 when the FBI infamously raided their compound in Waco, Texas. Los NarcosatΓ‘nicos: This cult of drug traffickers in 1980s Mexico was led by Adolfo de JesΓΊs Constanzo, who believed he possessed magic powers and committed human sacrifice. The Seekers: The infiltration and study of this, the earliest known UFO cult, by psychologists inspired the term cognitive dissonance. Ho No Hana Sanpogyo: The founder, Hogen Fukunaga, claimed to be able to tell someone's fortune by examining their feet. Breatharianism: Breatharians believe that humans can live on air alone. Their founder, Wiley Brooks, claimed to have gone without food for nineteen years. NXIVM: This twenty-first-century cult attracted several Hollywood actresses and engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, and racketeering under the guise of personal development seminars.In Cult Following, Ocker sheds light on the terrifying attraction of cults, demonstrating the elasticity of belief, the desperateness of belonging, and the tragedy of trust.
About the Author
J. W. (Jason) Ocker is an Edgar Award winning travel writer, horror novelist, and blogger. His previous nonfiction books include Poe-Land, The New England Grimpendium and The New York Grimpendium, A Season with the Witch, the New York Times-reviewed Cursed Objects, and The United States of Cryptids. He is the creator of the blog and podcast OTIS: Odd Things I've Seen (oddthingsiveseen.com).
Demand Chopper
Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. ππ§ ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true.
Campfire Mama
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. πΆπ Replacing tunes with stories β my house is alive with the sound of narration! π§π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Lord Theus
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Romance Princess
πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
Backstreet
I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ
Cereal Killer
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience.
Criss Cross
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π
Unleashed
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
Bleeker
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. π±π Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream!
CodeExia
π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature!
Evil Smith
This app is a book lover's dream come true β a vast library right at your fingertips. ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Abyss Tamer
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment.
Shadow Gal
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. π±π
VenusLion
ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Omega Sub
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Gumby Train
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. I'm grateful for this app β it's made reading a part of my everyday life. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§ Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
Noisy Girl
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app.
Mother Night
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces.
Bearded Angler
I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
Wolf Tribune
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes. β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience