An In-Depth Analysis of Bizarre and Chilling Recent History

A history of QAnon, the complex, constantly evolving, all-encompassing, quasi-fascist conspiracy theory movement, from its birth on the back corners of the internet to its international fame after its involvement in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and beyond. Will Sommer uses a combination of research and undercover reporting to trace the movement's roots in western conspiracy theories, back to the Jewish blood libel in Medieval Europe and the Salem Witch Trials in colonial America. He also examines the role politicians, social media companies and government agencies - some craven, some complacent, some complicit - played in its proliferation, particularly during the pandemic. He reveals the impact it has had on its followers, their families and the innocent people who for one reason or another drew the ire of one of its "priests." In the final chapter, he discusses its expansion to the rest of the world. It should be a wake-up call to all countries regarding the dark underbelly of our political discourse. ( )

A deep dive into the origins and beliefs of the QAnon movement. The closer one looks the more unhinged these followers appear to be. But there are many different flavors and styles within this lunacy. Will Sommer's does a commendable job documenting and sharing with the uninitiated the highlights (so far) of this infectious movement. ( )

An interesting insight to the deepest layers of the meta conspiracy theory craziness called QAnon. ( )

Journalist Will Summer provides a comprehensive overview of the rise of the QAnon conspiracy movement starting from the first posts by Q. He depicts many of the players driving the QAnon movement including people using the movement to scam people and profit from their beliefs. He also discusses people that have been totally consumed by their obsessions as well as people who have fallen victim to harassments by QAnon members. The book is recommended to people interested in understanding this world-wide phenomenon. ( )

This definitive history of the Q-Anon cult is a must-read for those who wish to gain an understanding of the origins of this mysterious movement. The first conclusion to draw is how these modern-day doomsday groups have used social media to spread their message. The author traces the beginnings to a theory posted to the internet site 4chan back in 2017 by a still unidentified conspiracy theorist who claimed that the Clintons, Hollywood, the Democratic Party, and the ever-scapegoated-by-Anti-Semites George Soros were holding children in underground tunnels to syphon off their adrenochrome, a chemical that allegedly provides superhuman energy to the aforementioned villains. The fact is that no person without mental illness would either believe or spread the idea that Donald Trump and his secret military will bring "The Storm", a rapture-like event when the children will be saved, the kidnappers punished, and all financial debts and obligations will be removed. But here we are in 2023 and the Republican Party is deep in thrall to Q-Anon believers. Sommers presents a factual exploration of this simultaneously ridiculous and chilling group, backed by his extensive research. But as he reminds us, the inflaming impact of Q-Anon upon the world, not just the USA, from this horrifying nonsense is far from over. ( )