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elrobhubbard's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty thorough examination of the history of Scientology, with the Paul Haggis incident as the gateway into this world. Fascinating, although one can't help thinking that there are way too many clueless dumbfucks wandering around, waiting for a purpose to be led to.
frankenprunk's review against another edition
4.0
Extremely well written and researched. Wright is a Pulitzer Prize winner and it shows.
I got FAR more than I bargained for when I thought this book would provide a glimpse into the tightly closed doors of Scientology. I knew part of it from the parody on South Park (alien races, space ships and such), but I think the worst was how the upper levels treat people.... their OWN people. It certainly makes me look at celebrity Scientologists in a new, critical light. I doubt I'll support any of them in the future.
Great book. Scary "religion".
I got FAR more than I bargained for when I thought this book would provide a glimpse into the tightly closed doors of Scientology. I knew part of it from the parody on South Park (alien races, space ships and such), but I think the worst was how the upper levels treat people.... their OWN people. It certainly makes me look at celebrity Scientologists in a new, critical light. I doubt I'll support any of them in the future.
Great book. Scary "religion".
calstar's review against another edition
2.0
I couldn't finish this. I suck at long non-fiction. I feel bad about it.
juliemowat's review against another edition
4.0
Quite dry but so informative! I think Lawrence Wright had to write it that way since Scientology tries to sue everyone. SO glad I read it and am now informed what a cult this truly is
alz11's review against another edition
2.0
This one in audiobook format just wasn't for me. I think the story was great - good history of what scientology is/founded on, and some shocking things revealed but honestly the person reading the audiobook just wasn't my favorite.
getawaytwo's review against another edition
3.0
Ummm. Ok book, but how do all those people get fooled, crazy world we live in.
rangerine's review against another edition
4.0
While it was very long, and tedious at points, I think the history of Scientology, it's founder, and the people in power is fascinating. I've read many autobiographies from ex-church members, but really enjoyed this historical account because it gives a detached view of the religion. It also seems to line up with the stories of the other former scientologists, which made it easier for me to understand and to keep track of all the names and timelines.
I think it's interesting that so little time was spent on the disappearance of Shelly Miscavige, since, to me, that's such a big part of the current Scientology story.
I think it's interesting that so little time was spent on the disappearance of Shelly Miscavige, since, to me, that's such a big part of the current Scientology story.
bermudaonion's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars - Everything you wanted to know about Scientology and its major players and then some. There are some disturbing, but fascinating, scenes in this meticulously researched book but, at times, it gets bogged down with too many details. I had trouble keeping all the characters straight in my head and, after a while, gave up on that. There was some repetition as well. Still a worthwhile read if you’re interested in Scientology.
ljc51014's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, I’m just in awe of the work Lawrence Wright has done here. This is a fantastic expose of the cult of Scientology and is both revealing and fascinating. Wright’s voice on audio is very easy to listen to for 17 HOURS!