The Culting of America

This is a PRE-ORDER and will  ship by the release date on January 20, 2026

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You’re probably in a cult. You just don’t know it yet.

Most of us think we’d never fall for a cult. We picture robes, chanting, and remote compounds. But toxic groups don’t just exist on the fringe. They thrive in boardrooms, group chats, fitness classes, political rallies, religious groups, and corporate retreats—anywhere we seek identity, purpose, and belonging. The Culting of America reveals how cultish behavior isn’t just thriving in modern life—it’s hiding in plain sight, woven deep into the fabric of American identity.

In The Culting of America, cult survivor, scholar, and former Army intelligence officer Daniella Mestyanek Young—author of the bestselling memoir Uncultured—teams up with award-winning writer Amy Reed to dismantle the illusion that cults are rare or easy to spot. Blending gripping personal narrative, cultural critique, and deep research, they introduce the cultiness spectrum: a ten-part framework that reveals how coercive group behavior shows up across all kinds of groups—from extremist movements to our most trusted institutions—exploring the fine line between community and control, devotion and exploitation, and leadership and manipulation.

Whether you’re part of a church, company, fandom, or political movement, the question isn’t if you’re in a cult. It’s how much of yourself you’ve already lost.

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On Unculture Yourself: A Workbook for Reclaiming Your Mind:

An interactive companion workbook exclusively sold with The Culting of America

This isn’t your average workbook. No fluff, no toxic positivity—just real, reflective prompts to help you unpack group dynamics, power, and belonging. With eleven deep-diving sections aligned with the book, Unculture Yourself is a space for honest journaling, self-assessment, and reclaiming your mind—on your terms.

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Moving before January 2026? No problem—just reply to your order confirmation email or email us at team@otterpine.com with your new address anytime before we ship. We’ll make sure your bundle gets to the right place. We'll also follow up with everyone who pre-orders in December or January to confirm shipping addresses before release.