The Quiet Damage: QAnon and the Destruction of the American Family by Jesselyn Cook

The Quiet Damage by Jesselyn Cook is a riveting exploration of how conspiracy theories, particularly QAnon, have shattered the lives of five American families and the wider implications for society. Described by New York Times bestselling author Johann Hari as “compassionate, wise, and thoroughly reported,” this book delves into the intimate and often heartbreaking consequences of widespread disinformation.

One striking story is of a once highly respected lawyer who, consumed by QAnon beliefs, utters the chilling words “SHED MY DNA” to her only son, illustrating the profound familial rifts these theories cause. Cook intertwines this narrative with others: an elderly couple whose long romance deteriorates under the strain of conspiracy theories; millennial sisters of color torn apart by divergent paths, one becoming a BLM activist, the other a conspiracy theorist dragging her child along; a Bay Area hippie-type woman whose business-executive fiancé grapples with her transformation; evangelical parents whose suburban life descends into chaos; and a rural mother-son duo who, after surviving immense tragedy, become estranged due to untruths.

Cook meticulously charts each believer’s journey from their initial encounter with conspiracy theories, through their deepening involvement, to—in some cases—their eventual rejection of disinformation and reconciliation with loved ones. Through these personal stories, The Quiet Damage provides a profound insight into the psychology behind why ordinary people succumb to unbelievable falsehoods and the devastating impact on their closest relationships.

This book is a compelling call to understand and address the vulnerabilities that leave individuals susceptible to conspiracy theories, offering hope for healing fractured families and society. Profoundly researched and beautifully written, The Quiet Damage is a defining work for our time, shedding light on how we can release ourselves and our loved ones from the grip of deceit and false hope. ❤️📚❤️