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Despite the original misgivings one may have about a book filled with information on wild theories, manipulative cults, and secretive societies, the book Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies (The Straight Scoop on Freemasons, the Illuminati, Skull and Bones, Black Helicopters, the New World Order) by Arthur Goldwag exceeds expectations. My friend and I picked the book up at the USC book fair, expecting a fun, perhaps laughable, read. I have long been a fan of conspiracy theories, not because I believe them, but because I think it is entertaining that so called skeptics find themselves able to believe in the wildest theories. But my knowledge of conspiracy theories, secrets societies, and cults has been limited to binge-watching Shane Dawson’s conspiracy theory videos and skimming a fifty page article that tried to convince me the earth was once inhabited by giant alien creatures, and that the earth’s natural features were just normal sized to these supposed giants.

Needless to say, this book was different. It provides an actual comprehensive guide to underground movements and societies, ranging from fun and silly to downright terrifying. It approached conspiracy theories with a skeptical but open mind, not aiming to debunk, but also not aiming to prove anything.

The book reads like a more exciting version of an encyclopedia, with entries on either a cult, conspiracy, or secret society. The format of the book is somewhat self-explanatory- it is divided into three sections, one on, you guessed it, cults, conspiracies, and secret societies.

My favorite section was the third one- the one about secret societies. I found myself learning so much about groups that have come to the attention of pop culture, for example, the Freemasons and the Illuminati. I learned about the groups that some people have an unfounded fear of, groups they believe are secretly controlling and manipulating us. While the real truth about these secret societies is much less exciting and glamorous than conspiracy theorists and pop culture stars make it seem, I found their real, complex, and influential history fascinating.

The section on cults serves as a warning to young people. These manipulative cults often target those in crisis and give them a promise of false hope. Cult leaders are often charismatic and extremely talented in hooking people into increasingly cultist activities. Cults can lead to violence based on extreme spiritual, political, or ideological beliefs.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in cults, conspiracies, or secret societies. I would also recommend this book to anyone not interested in or is skeptical of these subjects, as it is informative and extremely helpful, if only for furthering your knowledge of groups brought up in the news or in pop culture. The book can be a bit boring, as there are long periods of solely factual information and there is no plot in the book. If you can stand to read some nonfiction facts, you will find yourself learning so much about subjects that I personally find extremely interesting.         

Check out Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies at the Newport Beach Public Library.