So none of these were cults, and most of them were not even figurative cults. 

This is a book about being a joiner and desperately looking for structure when you feel yourself spinning out of control. The structure of Suzuki violin lessons, of performing at a comedy club, of going to AA meetings, etc. The "spinning out of control" takes the form of precarious employment, intrusive thoughts, self-sabotage, and other less tasteful facets of mental illness. 

While I respect the vulnerability of writing so unflinchingly about such topics, this book did not land for me.  The audiobook production was jarring (other reviews mention the bizarre sound effects and how certain words would randomly be shouted), the mental health stuff was a combination of upsetting and forgetful, and I generally just struggled to get into it and finish it.  I think this book would be great for anyone who is already a Bradford fan, but that unfortunately wasn't me. 1.25 stars on SG rounded down to 1 star on GR.