Daniella Mestyanek Young Author Talk

Author of Uncultured and The Culting of America

Join us for a talk from Daniella Mestyanek Young, followed by a Q&A and book sales and signing.

Join us for a riveting talk from cult survivor, veteran and author Daniella Mestyanek Young. Daniella was born a third-generation member of the infamous Children of God religious cult, and grew up being trafficked around the world, before escaping that life and moving to America at age 15. She put herself through high school and graduated as college valedictorian before commissioning into the US Army as an intelligence officer. That’s where she really started to think about group behavior…and seeing it, well, everywhere. She will be reading from her new book, The Culting of America, as well as answering questions. A Q&A, and book sales and signing will follow. 

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.

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.

You can find Daniella Mestyanek Young's books in our catalog here.

Questions about this program? Contact the branch 240-777-0970

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Library Program Attendance (both virtual and in the branch) is limited to participants within the suggested age range of the program. Children attending an MCPL program under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults attending a program intended for children must have an accompanying child.

If you plan to attend with a group of ten or more, please contact the branch at least one week before the program to discuss how your group might be accommodated.

Accommodation Requests

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing should request English-language captioning or sign-language interpretation at least five days before the library-sponsored program they plan to attend. Contact the Assistant Facilities and Accessibility Program Manager at 240-777-0002 with all other accommodation requests.

cm 1.1 01/03/2023

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