The Project

Lo Denham survived the car accident that killed her parents, but her sister Bea disappeared soon after - joining a mysterious organization called The Unity Project. Though The Unity Project presents itself as a charitable religious group, Lo remains convinced it is a cult that has brainwashed her sister. Years later, Lo works as an aspiring journalist in New York, still searching for answers about The Unity Project and its charismatic leader Lev Warren. When a young man shows up claiming The Unity Project murdered his brother, Lo sees an opportunity to expose the truth and reunite with Bea. As Lo investigates deeper into The Unity Project's activities and history, the lines between reality and deception begin to blur. Her quest to save her sister forces her to confront disturbing questions about faith, family bonds, and the human capacity for both devotion and denial. The novel explores the psychology of belief systems and the powerful draw of belonging, while examining how trauma and grief can make even the most skeptical person vulnerable to manipulation. Through Lo's determined pursuit of truth, the story raises questions about what people will sacrifice in their search for meaning and connection.

Readers found this psychological thriller intense and unsettling in its portrayal of cults and sisterly bonds. Reviews highlight the slow-burn pacing, complex characters, and exploration of grief and manipulation. Liked: - Raw, authentic depiction of sisterly relationships - Strong character development of Lo and Bea - Realistic portrayal of how people get drawn into cults - Atmospheric writing style Disliked: - Pacing too slow for some readers - Ending felt abrupt or unsatisfying to many - Some found the narrative style confusing - Several readers expected more cult-focused content Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (48,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) StoryGraph: 3.9/5 "The psychological elements were expertly crafted" - Goodreads reviewer "Wanted more resolution and clarity at the end" - Amazon reviewer "Not the cult thriller marketed, but a powerful story about sisters" - StoryGraph review

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📚 The book was partly inspired by NXIVM, a real-life cult that made headlines when its leader Keith Raniere was arrested in 2018. 🏆 The Project debuted at #6 on the New York Times bestseller list for Young Adult Hardcover books in February 2021. 🎯 Author Courtney Summers spent two years researching cults and cult psychology while writing the novel, including studying the tactics used by notorious cult leaders. 📖 The book's dual timeline structure was influenced by Gillian Flynn's Dark Places, which Summers has cited as one of her favorite thriller novels. 🗣️ Many scenes in the book were shaped by interviews Summers conducted with former cult members, though she keeps their identities confidential to protect their privacy.