Emily Paulson shares her favorite nonfiction books exploring cults, scams, and manipulative schemes. She highlights Amanda Montell’s *Cultish*, which examines how language enables undue influence across groups from Jonestown to SoulCycle and social media gurus, arguing cult influence exists on a spectrum we all experience. Paulson also recommends *Scarred* by Sarah Edmondson and Kristine Gasbarre, a memoir detailing Edmondson’s 12 years in the NXIVM cult led by Keith Raniere, her recruitment, indoctrination, and eventual escape after enrolling over 2,000 members.

The book underscores how victims often believe they’re joining something positive, not a cult. Lastly, she praises *Tears of the Silenced* by Misty Griffin, which details surviving severe child abuse and sexual assault within the Amish church, and Griffin’s advocacy work including her #invisible petition to protect abused children in religious communities. Griffin reflects on how religious freedom can be exploited to shield abuse, calling the book both heartbreaking and enlightening.