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goodvibeswife2016's review against another edition
5.0
Leah, you're my spirit animal. Call me; let's do lunch.
mariannevoyager's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
crowmoon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
torabella216's review against another edition
3.0
Love a good memoir about leaving a cult but didn’t fall in love with this one. Her personality shows through, which was great, but the story she told was pretty lackluster.
rerosenthal85's review against another edition
4.0
I read this because I was curious about Scientology and thought this would be a good way to lean about one person's experience. I really liked it, actually. Was it the best piece of literature I've ever read? No, but I don't think that was Leah's intent. She told her story well. I loved that she was so honest and I especially loved that she named names and said who did what. Very interesting.
katie_holder's review against another edition
4.0
Before I write a quick review on this book I have to tell y’all a quick little story and why I have a curiosity towards Scientology. My parents were never readers, very seldom did I find novels in our home unless they were purchased for me to read. I remember coming home from school in middle school and seeing a giant paperback (I was in 7th grade it looked giant to me) on the coffee table. “Mom” I said, “what is this book?” Puzzled because I had never heard of Dianetics by L Ron Hubbard. “Oh, it’s just a book your father and I are reading.”
Shocked and a little excited to see my parents read, I asked a million questions. “The first being what’s it about?” Mom “It’s like Science Fiction, you could read it too if you want.” I was not interested in Science Fiction at that time, I liked teen drama or mystery Judy Blume and R.L Stine were my favs. I picked it up read the first 3 or 4 pages and politely declined, saying maybe at some other point. All I can think now is Thank God my parents never finished that book, and or followed through with any “life improvement” “self help” type ideas. The book quickly went to a bookshelf and sat for years, in High School I picked it up again, only getting through the first chapter or so completely bored I put it back. Once I learned what Dianetics was, the basis of Scientology, I told my parents “you’re Christian, why would you even think about it?” They really couldn’t remember why they had it but someone told them about how it helped you gain more money. LOL just think my story could have been something like Leah’s if my parents followed through on things. So thanks Mom and Dad for not falling for bull crap!
Now to Leah’s book, I listened on audible and I enjoyed hearing her tell her story. The story is compelling and interesting but also very sad. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy learning about cults. It’s amazing to me that these things happen in our country. I still have some questions about some of the people she speaks about like where’s Shelly now and how does Scientology buy police? Like what???? It’s almost like a mafia selling religion.
My favorite part of the book was the ending, Leah’s bravery and sacrifice is amazing. I found myself telling her many times oh no, get the f*ck outta there! She finally did. I never thought much about her, but now I find I admire her. Truly a brave, strong, intelligent woman.
Read it, it’s good!
Shocked and a little excited to see my parents read, I asked a million questions. “The first being what’s it about?” Mom “It’s like Science Fiction, you could read it too if you want.” I was not interested in Science Fiction at that time, I liked teen drama or mystery Judy Blume and R.L Stine were my favs. I picked it up read the first 3 or 4 pages and politely declined, saying maybe at some other point. All I can think now is Thank God my parents never finished that book, and or followed through with any “life improvement” “self help” type ideas. The book quickly went to a bookshelf and sat for years, in High School I picked it up again, only getting through the first chapter or so completely bored I put it back. Once I learned what Dianetics was, the basis of Scientology, I told my parents “you’re Christian, why would you even think about it?” They really couldn’t remember why they had it but someone told them about how it helped you gain more money. LOL just think my story could have been something like Leah’s if my parents followed through on things. So thanks Mom and Dad for not falling for bull crap!
Now to Leah’s book, I listened on audible and I enjoyed hearing her tell her story. The story is compelling and interesting but also very sad. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy learning about cults. It’s amazing to me that these things happen in our country. I still have some questions about some of the people she speaks about like where’s Shelly now and how does Scientology buy police? Like what???? It’s almost like a mafia selling religion.
My favorite part of the book was the ending, Leah’s bravery and sacrifice is amazing. I found myself telling her many times oh no, get the f*ck outta there! She finally did. I never thought much about her, but now I find I admire her. Truly a brave, strong, intelligent woman.
Read it, it’s good!
leasummer's review against another edition
3.0
Good book, I love listening to the author - who is a performer - read their own book. Her story is interesting, although I didn't learn anything new per se (due to a lot of documentaries viewed on the subject), it was interesting to hear a first person account - plus all the goings on at Tom and Katie's wedding (wowza!). The glimpses at her rise to fame were so personal and really showed how tough the acting industry is. Heart breaking and inspiring.
twistykris's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Stalking, and Pregnancy
Minor: Drug use, Homophobia, and Kidnapping