Today’s collection is pretty straightforward, but it does require some clarification up top. These aren’t cult books, as in “books that have developed a dedicated following.” These are books about actual cults, cult-like phenomena, and basically all things cultish. 
 
Books and stories about cults are always in circulation to some extent. We’re clearly fascinated by them as a culture. (Cult-ure?) Still, the cult book is having a particular moment of late, it seems, across multiple genres.
 
Below you’ll find books on cults both real and fictional. Most of the titles have been published within the past five years or so, but we’ve added in some older classics, too. On the fiction side, you’ll find plenty of horror and thriller titles, plus some wild card picks including historical fantasy and dystopian satire. In the nonfiction section, look for several harrowing memoirs and sociological research into the very concept of cults themselves.
 
Click on the book cover images for more information about each title. You can also use the Want to Read button to add to your digital bookshelf.