I tend to think of white nationalist groups as hate cults. But, admittedly, I knew little about them because I find them so completely intolerable. I wanted to read this book because it offers a view from a distance. I didn't have to actually interact with these people in order to get a glimpse inside their world and, perhaps, better understand them.

This book is well written, and it certainly does take us inside the white nationalist movement. The author spent years with these various groups, attending their meeting and rallies, and getting to know some of the individuals involved. Throughout the book, we're there with these people as they organize events and justify their messages of racism and prejudice. We see how groups form, split apart, and come together in new groups to sometimes become stronger.

While interesting, I felt the middle of the book became repetitive and a little disorganized. I got tired of reading the same messages from the same people, told in a different way at a different meeting, but the same nonetheless. We bounce from one group to another, from one rally to another, without a clear purpose. I wanted better cohesion, and perhaps more input from a sociological standpoint from the author.

I'm also not totally sold on the fact that these people we meet are a fair representation of the white nationalist movement. I don't know how any of them manage to organize anything at all, much less how they would be a threat. Most of them are childish, narrow-minded, quick-tempered, uneducated racists. This feels too much like the expected stereotype. Clearly, these groups are not made up of all backwoods bigots. I would have liked to meet some of the more educated members who are involved in politics and business, though I imagine those people would not be willing to spew their rancid words to a journalist.

This book does offer some valuable insight and is certainly worth reading.

*I received an ebook copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.* ( )

I have to admit, I could not finish this book. It was just too disturbing, and too much for me to handle, the fact that there are still people in the world who think and believe the things the author discovered. The white supremacy groups, who once appeared relegated to the trashbin of history, have found new life in their belief that Donald Trump is their savior. It was just sickening.
The writing is good. Perhaps others will be able to power through the wretchedness of these people, but I just could not.
I'm left fearful for what is happening to us. And wondering how in the world did the author persevere through witnessing this? ( )