A book on cults recommended by a BuzzFeed Editor

Have you ever wondered to yourself: how do cult leaders *actually* get anyone to follow them?!

Hey, I'm Ciera, a market editor on the BuzzFeed Shopping team! I'm originally from Texas, but I've also lived in (deep breath) Tampa, San Francisco, Detroit, Southern California, Missouri, NYC, and now I live in Connecticut with my fiancé, who I'm constantly begging to go on road trips around the state with me so I can live out all my Gilmore Girls fantasies (yes, autumn in Connecticut is even more magical than you can imagine.) I've been on the Shopping team since May of this year, so that means I basically spend all day constantly adding things to my shopping list, making it rather lengthy (to the misfortune of my wallet.) This holiday season, it was super fun being the ~expert shopper~ in the family (the limit does not exist for the amount of product recommendations I've texted my mom). When I'm not in full shopping mode, you can find me reading thriller novels, going to Broadway shows, and planning my upcoming Disney World trip.     Image: Ciera Velarde WHAT I'M LOVING NOW "Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism" by Amanda Montell, $24.99     Image: Ciera Velarde Have you ever wondered to yourself: how do cult leaders *actually* get anyone to follow them?! If you're like me and have watched approximately three dozen documentaries on cults, you definitely have. This book, written by a linguist, attempts to answer that question by arguing that the intrigue of cults is all in the language and words people use. The author does a fantastic job weaving original research with her own personal anecdotes on how cultish language has permeated her own life.After reading this book, you'll even start to discover cultish language practically everywhere, from your spin class (tap it back!) to that DM your high school friend sent you trying to rope you into joining an MLM (hey, boss babe!). SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra, $75   Image: SheFit As someone with a ~larger~ chest, I have tried out countless sports bras, all to no success. When I was training for my 10k a few years ago, I had to wear two sports bras at once to control the bounce. When I tell you this is the best sports bra on the face of this earth, it is no exaggeration. The key to this magical sports bra is the adjustable band and straps, which you can make as tight as you need to. The girls literally DO NOT MOVE no matter how many burpees or jumping jacks I do. And most importantly, I can run without any of the dreaded jiggle. For once, I finally end my workout without any back or chest pain, and my boobs are so secure, I literally feel like I can run faster and longer. BUY THIS BRA! Weatherman Travel Umbrella, $59   Image: Ciera Velarde You're probably thinking "Ciera — an umbrella, really?" But HEAR ME OUT! I can't tell you how many times a flimsy umbrella I've bought at the drugstore has gone inside out in the wind or ends up getting so soaked through that it's basically useless. Enter the Weatherman Umbrella, designed by an actual weatherman who got fed up that he couldn't find an umbrella to suit his needs so he made one himself. Not only does this compact umbrella easily open up and give you full coverage, it can withstand up to 45 MPH wind gusts and it's super fast-drying, making it definitely worth the higher price point. I used this last week when it started pouring on my friend and me as we looked at Christmas decorations in the city, and it kept me completely dry. Not to mention it was bone-dry by the time I got home. I didn't know it was possible to be in love with an umbrella, but here we are! Matador Pocket Blanket, $29.95   Image: Ciera Velarde This blanket really, truly fits in your pocket! When folded completely out, it fits two people lying down and would probably fit up to four people sitting. It's super thin without being flimsy, and any water, dirt, or sand just rolls right off of it. I did get some sunscreen on my blanket the last time I used it, but I threw it in the washing machine when I got home and hung it to dry and it was as good as new. I took this to the beach this summer, and the stakes in the corner and the sand pockets were super helpful at keeping it from flying away in the wind. It also has a very subtle stitched guide on the blanket that you follow to fold it back up to pocket-sized. This blanket is so great and is a must for spontaneous hiking trips, beach days, or even a date in the park. ON MY WISHLIST This pair of pleated bow heels I'm eyeing for my upcoming wedding.  A sweatshirt honoring the best fictional country ever. This pint-sized Bluetooth speaker shaped like Baby Yoda eating a frog! This wall print that's perfect for anyone with refined taste and a great sense of humor to match it. An ice cream cozy that keeps your pint nice and chilled. A keychain that immortalizes the iconic words spoken by Kathy Hilton on this past season of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." A pair of gorgeous statement earrings inspired by Matisse's cutout artworks. More Fashion & Beauty Finds 27 Products That Will Get Your Hair's Life Together In 2022 31 Beauty Products From Target That'll Help You Nail Your New Year's Eve Look 35 Beauty Products With Before And After Pictures That Speak For Themselves 39 Quick And Easy Beauty Products That All Lazy People Need To Know About 20 Hair And Skincare Products Parents Swear By For A Reason Just 30 Beauty Products That'll Make You Think "Yup, You're Coming Home With Me" View our privacy notice and cookie policy.     BuzzFeed, Inc. 111 E. 18th St. New York, NY 10003   We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a small share of sales from the links in this email.   Unsubscribe