After reading So You Want To Be an Extremist: A Motley Manifesto for the Motivated Maniac by C.T. Jackson, I can say it’s a hilariously scathing, over-the-top satirical guide that lampoons modern conspiracy culture, online extremism, and the absurdities of “truth-seeking” subcultures. Structured like a how-to guide for the aspiring extremist, the book blends biting wit with dark humor as it traces the evolution of conspiracy theories and their players, from ancient Rome to the far-right fringes of social media. It walks readers through stages of “extremist enlightenment,” skewering everything from sovereign citizens and crystal-chugging wellness influencers to red-pilled incels and flat-earthers.

Reading this was like sitting through a savage stand-up special filtered through a graduate seminar in sociology. Jackson doesn’t just go for laughs—though there are plenty—he goes for the throat. The humor is raw, unrelenting, and often walks a tightrope between outrageous and uncomfortable. Personally, I found the style refreshing. It’s not sanitized or delicate. It’s brash and fearless. The jabs at figures like Joe Rogan and Marjorie Taylor Greene, or at cultural absurdities like chemtrails, 5G vampires, and moon-landing denialism, had me laughing and cringing at the same time. Jackson has a knack for mimicking the language and tone of the people he’s satirizing, which makes the parody hit even harder.

At the same time, there’s a deep undercurrent of anger here. Anger at how misinformation, grift, and willful ignorance have festered into real-world harm. That comes through in the relentless mocking of right-wing populism, internet cults, and self-declared gurus. It’s not subtle, and it’s definitely not neutral. That’s part of what I liked about it: it’s not trying to both-sides its way into approval. The parody is clever, but sometimes a little exhausting, like a meme thread that’s gone on too long. Still, when it lands, it’s fantastic.

If you have a dark sense of humor, a healthy skepticism of internet personalities, and a strong stomach for satire that cuts deep and doesn’t pull punches, this book is a fun ride. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoyed books like Thank You for Smoking or The Onion’s political commentary. It’s perfect for anyone who has ever doomscrolled Reddit or Twitter and thought, “How did we get here?”

Pages: 239 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DF62LYTR