tibbarasden's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
This was an interesting one for me. Even though I only gave it 3 stars, I found the book very readable. The tone of the book shifted a lot from being part memoir, to part talking about Scientology structure, to talking about other people and their experiences in Scientology. As such, it never really clicked. While I enjoyed the show King of Queens, I never followed Leah Remini or was ever a huge fan. I know her from that show, then later for her speaking out against Scientology. I personally find her abrasive, and that comes across in the book. If you don't like cursing, this book isn't for you. That doesn't mean I dislike her or don't believe her. I personally think her speaking out and highlighting what they do is important. Honestly, even though she tried to explain her thoughts and how she devoted so much time and money to this organization, it is mind-blowing to me how people fall into these types of groups long term. I think if you are either a Leah Remini fan or interested in getting a little background look into Scientology, then you would enjoy this book. If you are just slightly curious like me, I would say it was worth the few hours I spent on it.
afox98's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars. Fascinating look at how Leah Remini got into Scientology and how she got out. But it’s more than that - it’s also a memoir of how Leah got to where she is. She’s blunt and a bit mouthy, but also genuine and trusts her gut. Good read on her struggle with being loyal to the church she thought was right, and her instinct that something was really wrong.
heatherhill's review against another edition
dark
informative
3.5
I found the information about Scientology fascinating. I'm sure there's another side to some of this, but it definitely was an interesting read. There were a lot of f words.
Content Warnings
Strong language
madalynw's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
rrickman33's review against another edition
5.0
WHEW I am blown away by the strength and resilience of Leah Remini. After bingeing her entire Scientology and the Aftermath series I had to get my hands on this book. I should have read the book before I watched the series because now I feel like I really know where Leah is coming from when she started the show. If you haven't watched her show or read this book, do it and I promise you won't regret it. Not only is Scientology a WILD cult but Leah brings such a realistic view of how people get sucked in and how they believe everything.
Leah really did not hold back when writing this book, she didn't try to hide anything she has done wrong in her life. She knew if she did, Scientology would try to use it to discredit her book, so she really told you everything she has ever done that she's not proud of. I loved her candor and how she basically says I can't change what I did but here is what I was thinking at the time throughout her whole life so far. Not only does she discuss her childhood but she really dives into how she entered her acting career and the constant struggle of it.
Tom Cruise is of course a main figure when talking about Scientology but Leah really went into more detail about him and the church/cult than in her series. The description of Naz's journey was also new to me and I couldn't put the book down, finishing it in record time. If you have never read into or watched something on Scientology please do so! It's important to have the masses hear the stories of the survivors who went through something unimaginable.
Leah really did not hold back when writing this book, she didn't try to hide anything she has done wrong in her life. She knew if she did, Scientology would try to use it to discredit her book, so she really told you everything she has ever done that she's not proud of. I loved her candor and how she basically says I can't change what I did but here is what I was thinking at the time throughout her whole life so far. Not only does she discuss her childhood but she really dives into how she entered her acting career and the constant struggle of it.
Tom Cruise is of course a main figure when talking about Scientology but Leah really went into more detail about him and the church/cult than in her series. The description of Naz's journey was also new to me and I couldn't put the book down, finishing it in record time. If you have never read into or watched something on Scientology please do so! It's important to have the masses hear the stories of the survivors who went through something unimaginable.
scrublife3011's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Wow just wow!