Julie Tibbott

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!

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 show more 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. show less

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, show more 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. show less

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. Profiling fifty groups, from the centuries-old Freemasons to the snooty Skull and Bones Society to a club just for magicians, this book reveals the secrets of these mysterious organizations - and even tells you how to join up. Get ready to go underground and explore secret worlds that are sometimes show more shocking, sometimes frightening, and always fascinating. show less