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Members Only: Secret Societies, Sects, and Cults - Exposed!
Throughout human history, people have banded together to pass on traditions, climb the social ladder, and often just have a good time. And sometimes, keeping other people out is part of the fun. (Every hot club needs a velvet rope, after all.) But some of these groups have proved so exclusive and secretive that we on the outside can't resist some speculation. Wouldn't you like to know what they're really up to? No need for secret handshakes or passwords― Members Only is your all-access guide to the secret societies, clandestine cults, and exclusive associations that you've always wondered about.
221 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2014
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 17, 2019
This book was interesting, but could have been improved by better editing. On page 21, a whole paragraph was repeated. Also, there were many sentences that would have benefited from commas or other punctuation.
January 25, 2025
A quick and informative read about different cults and secret societies through the ages
March 1, 2015
I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Doing so does not sway my review in any way.
An interesting and diverse look at the different secret societies and cults in the world. Many I have heard of, but didn't know much about them and many I had never heard of before. Full of facts, quirks and history of the different groups.
For the groups that I had heard of before, I was able to get a better understanding of who they are, what they represent and the known ins and outs of them. So many times we hear of these groups in passing or bits of them are picked up and used in movies, tv shows and the such, but we just don't really know too much about them to understand if they are being treated incorrectly.
I would like to see this book in a larger binding. This is more of a coffee table type book than a sit down and read through, because it doesn't go into the full history of each group, but does give quite a bit of information to get one through the basic understanding of them. I could honestly see this book sparking many a debate in a social atmosphere when friends are getting together. It's also a great book to give to anyone who has such interests, because it gives the reader enough to go on if they want to do further searching on them.
Format wise, I liked the back and white photography throughout the book. Something about B&W creates a more classic look and crisper look. I enjoyed the history and where each are now and further info on each group. I didn't like the pages with all the eyes on them though. They started to bother my own eyes after a bit.
I recommend this to just about any reader. Yes, there are some cults that it deals with, but it doesn't get into the nitty gritty of them that may affect one adversly. For the spiritual and religious ones, you don't have spirituality thrown in your face, it grazes over it. A good read for just about everyone. The book is marketed for ages 12+ and I agree with that. An interesting, informative and fun read for the masses.
An interesting and diverse look at the different secret societies and cults in the world. Many I have heard of, but didn't know much about them and many I had never heard of before. Full of facts, quirks and history of the different groups.
For the groups that I had heard of before, I was able to get a better understanding of who they are, what they represent and the known ins and outs of them. So many times we hear of these groups in passing or bits of them are picked up and used in movies, tv shows and the such, but we just don't really know too much about them to understand if they are being treated incorrectly.
I would like to see this book in a larger binding. This is more of a coffee table type book than a sit down and read through, because it doesn't go into the full history of each group, but does give quite a bit of information to get one through the basic understanding of them. I could honestly see this book sparking many a debate in a social atmosphere when friends are getting together. It's also a great book to give to anyone who has such interests, because it gives the reader enough to go on if they want to do further searching on them.
Format wise, I liked the back and white photography throughout the book. Something about B&W creates a more classic look and crisper look. I enjoyed the history and where each are now and further info on each group. I didn't like the pages with all the eyes on them though. They started to bother my own eyes after a bit.
I recommend this to just about any reader. Yes, there are some cults that it deals with, but it doesn't get into the nitty gritty of them that may affect one adversly. For the spiritual and religious ones, you don't have spirituality thrown in your face, it grazes over it. A good read for just about everyone. The book is marketed for ages 12+ and I agree with that. An interesting, informative and fun read for the masses.
December 31, 2015
Interesting & Diverse & Good For All Ages An interesting and diverse look at the different secret societies and cults in the world. Many I have heard of, but didn't know much about them and many I had never heard of before. Full of facts, quirks and history of the different groups.
For the groups that I had heard of before, I was able to get a better understanding of who they are, what they represent and the known ins and outs of them. So many times we hear of these groups in passing or bits of them are picked up and used in movies, tv shows and the such, but we just don't really know too much about them to understand if they are being treated incorrectly.
I would like to see this book in a larger binding. This is more of a coffee table type book than a sit down and read through, because it doesn't go into the full history of each group, but does give quite a bit of information to get one through the basic understanding of them. I could honestly see this book sparking many a debate in a social atmosphere when friends are getting together. It's also a great book to give to anyone who has such interests, because it gives the reader enough to go on if they want to do further searching on them.
Format wise, I liked the back and white photography throughout the book. Something about B&W creates a more classic look and crisper look. I enjoyed the history and where each are now and further info on each group. I didn't like the pages with all the eyes on them though. They started to bother my own eyes after a bit.
I recommend this to just about any reader. Yes, there are some cults that it deals with, but it doesn't get into the nitty gritty of them that may affect one adversely. For the spiritual and religious ones, you don't have spirituality thrown in your face, it grazes over it. A good read for just about everyone. The book is marketed for ages 12+ and I agree with that. An interesting, informative and fun read for the masses.
For the groups that I had heard of before, I was able to get a better understanding of who they are, what they represent and the known ins and outs of them. So many times we hear of these groups in passing or bits of them are picked up and used in movies, tv shows and the such, but we just don't really know too much about them to understand if they are being treated incorrectly.
I would like to see this book in a larger binding. This is more of a coffee table type book than a sit down and read through, because it doesn't go into the full history of each group, but does give quite a bit of information to get one through the basic understanding of them. I could honestly see this book sparking many a debate in a social atmosphere when friends are getting together. It's also a great book to give to anyone who has such interests, because it gives the reader enough to go on if they want to do further searching on them.
Format wise, I liked the back and white photography throughout the book. Something about B&W creates a more classic look and crisper look. I enjoyed the history and where each are now and further info on each group. I didn't like the pages with all the eyes on them though. They started to bother my own eyes after a bit.
I recommend this to just about any reader. Yes, there are some cults that it deals with, but it doesn't get into the nitty gritty of them that may affect one adversely. For the spiritual and religious ones, you don't have spirituality thrown in your face, it grazes over it. A good read for just about everyone. The book is marketed for ages 12+ and I agree with that. An interesting, informative and fun read for the masses.
December 1, 2020
Cursory look at a large group of cults and secret societies, some which are worthy of book-length examination for themselves and some that are simply silly. I’m not really sure how this book would have a strong appeal for anyone.
March 2, 2015
I've always been super intrigued by the whole secret society thing. This novel gave me an inner look at some of the more elite clubs and society. The author definitely had their the investigator shoes on while researching for this book. I mean seriously, kudos. I'm sure many people have heard of the Skull and Bones club, or the Free-masons. However, there are soooo many more clubs and secret societys out there that have yet to be discovered by investigators. I for one was flaborghasted by some of the societies in this novel.
I'm quite in awe of the authors talent driven research. The rare photographs that are included in the novel make everything that much more real. Not only did I not realize how many of these societies were tied into other things, but I also found out more about conspiracy theroies and politics. Now to be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of Politics. However this novel is a definite must read for anyone who is curious as to what really goes on behind closed doors.
This novel definitely brings some shock factors to as some of the initiation rituals to some of these clubs. I mean seriously!? I understand how wanting to be one of the "elite" must feel, but is it really worth the price you have to pay (metaphorically and physically speaking)? There are so many examples to which I could give you from this book, including the Disney Club 33, however I don't want to spoil the book for you. I actually got my husband to read parts of the book, and he hates reading! That's how enthralled with the novel he was. He may have skipped a few different societies and focused on the ones that interested him, but it doesn't matter. Once you find out about one, you totally want to read more about another.
Members Only is thought provoking and eye opening. I most definitely recommend this to any reader, especially those who tend to have conspiracy theories. :)
I'm quite in awe of the authors talent driven research. The rare photographs that are included in the novel make everything that much more real. Not only did I not realize how many of these societies were tied into other things, but I also found out more about conspiracy theroies and politics. Now to be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of Politics. However this novel is a definite must read for anyone who is curious as to what really goes on behind closed doors.
This novel definitely brings some shock factors to as some of the initiation rituals to some of these clubs. I mean seriously!? I understand how wanting to be one of the "elite" must feel, but is it really worth the price you have to pay (metaphorically and physically speaking)? There are so many examples to which I could give you from this book, including the Disney Club 33, however I don't want to spoil the book for you. I actually got my husband to read parts of the book, and he hates reading! That's how enthralled with the novel he was. He may have skipped a few different societies and focused on the ones that interested him, but it doesn't matter. Once you find out about one, you totally want to read more about another.
Members Only is thought provoking and eye opening. I most definitely recommend this to any reader, especially those who tend to have conspiracy theories. :)
January 24, 2015
MEMBERS ONLY: SECRET SOCIETIES, SECTS, AND CULTS - EXPOSED! by Julie Tibbott profiles over fifty mysterious organizations. From cults and clubs to secret societies, young people will love the facts and folklore surrounding these exclusive and secretive groups.
Tibbott’s work of nonfiction is well-organized. Each chapter focuses on a different group. A brief outline includes the date it was founded, it’s status, exclusivity factor, secrecy factor, threat factor, and quirk factor. Along with a photo, a brief history and background start the chapter. Readers then learn about what it takes to become a member and what it’s like inside the organization. Many chapters include icons, logos, and other visuals associated with the group. The chapter concludes with a discussion of related topics from zombies to doomsday prophets.
The author’s conversational approach will appeal to young readers who are made to feel like they’re insiders in this “members only” world. Teens who enjoy reading about conspiracy theories, the lives of the rich and famous, and scary cults will all enjoy reading about the fascinating world of exclusive locations and groups.
Although many of the groups will be new to readers, others will be familiar. Secret handshakes, hazing, murder, and magic are just a few activities that will keep readers immersed in the short narratives. Many students are likely to use the book as background information to jumpstart their own investigations.
While many works of nonfiction sit on the library shelf, students will check out this one along with books about celebrity gossip, magic, and ghost hunters.
Available February 3, 2015 and published by Zest Books, a NetGalley ARC was used for the review.
Tibbott’s work of nonfiction is well-organized. Each chapter focuses on a different group. A brief outline includes the date it was founded, it’s status, exclusivity factor, secrecy factor, threat factor, and quirk factor. Along with a photo, a brief history and background start the chapter. Readers then learn about what it takes to become a member and what it’s like inside the organization. Many chapters include icons, logos, and other visuals associated with the group. The chapter concludes with a discussion of related topics from zombies to doomsday prophets.
The author’s conversational approach will appeal to young readers who are made to feel like they’re insiders in this “members only” world. Teens who enjoy reading about conspiracy theories, the lives of the rich and famous, and scary cults will all enjoy reading about the fascinating world of exclusive locations and groups.
Although many of the groups will be new to readers, others will be familiar. Secret handshakes, hazing, murder, and magic are just a few activities that will keep readers immersed in the short narratives. Many students are likely to use the book as background information to jumpstart their own investigations.
While many works of nonfiction sit on the library shelf, students will check out this one along with books about celebrity gossip, magic, and ghost hunters.
Available February 3, 2015 and published by Zest Books, a NetGalley ARC was used for the review.
January 1, 2016
This really deserved a 2 or 2.5, but I can see teen enjoying it so I decided to be generous.
Here's the problem: the book skims the surface (for obvious reasons) but could have gone deeper into the "here's why people are fascinated" side of things. And then there's the "exposed!" part, which really doesn't apply to groups like the People's Temple or the Symbionese Liberation Army, to name two of the examples. There were many still secret societies left out (the Odd Fellows, for example) that could have taken the place of the ones she mentions. It felt as though several were added simply for quirk value, not for their culture of secrecy.
Here's the problem: the book skims the surface (for obvious reasons) but could have gone deeper into the "here's why people are fascinated" side of things. And then there's the "exposed!" part, which really doesn't apply to groups like the People's Temple or the Symbionese Liberation Army, to name two of the examples. There were many still secret societies left out (the Odd Fellows, for example) that could have taken the place of the ones she mentions. It felt as though several were added simply for quirk value, not for their culture of secrecy.
January 25, 2015
Filled with information about worldwide secret organizations ranging from Haitian zombie makers to Disneyland dining clubs, Members Only gives readers a thorough but funny look at secret clubs. It is definitely aimed at teen or older readers, as some groups were involved in drugs, alcohol, rape, and even murder. I would have liked more pictures and photos to be included.
May 15, 2015
I liked this book a lot. It included well known cults, along with some unknown groups and the author incorporated humor with her narrative. She also kept the information brief and easy flowing. She told the important stuff without weighing it down with drivel. It's part biography part history. I could have easily read it in one day but chose to read only a chapter or two a day. I'm glad I did.
December 29, 2015
I made it to page 22. The editing was horrible (repeating paragraphs, incorrect use of simple words) and there isn't a bibliography or an index. The writing itself is ok, but very superficial. Readers who want more information on a subject aren't given any suggestions for further info. I did like the cover.
February 4, 2015
Fascinating topic that is sure to appeal to the curiosity of many readers. Accessibly presented and engagingly written, but the author should have included source notes and bibliography. The author works as a book editor. She should know better!
June 8, 2015
Pithy and entertaining, with short chapters about various cults/societies, etc. Great for browsing, and will definitely appeal to teen conspiracy theorists who like true stories of weird and/or esoteric stuff. (No backmatter or citations though, so not the best research resource.)
March 6, 2015
Very insightful and at times horrific look into secret societies like cults.
March 28, 2015
Really quick and enjoyable read. Author took a tapas approach - a little bit about the many cults, secret societies, and sects throughout time and history. Definitely recommending.
May 15, 2015
Good book with what seems to be intensive research and very much an eye-opener
February 18, 2016
This is a good book for a research project I am conducting. I would have liked a bit more detail on some of the more popular societies.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews