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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
Great read! Definitely gives the reader an inside look into the secretive world of Scientology! I was a fan of Leah's before reading the book, especially her strong personality and "take no crap" attitude, so there were times when I found myself wanting to scream at the book and her naivete, at least until I finished reading. I definitely recommend this for anyone interested in learning a little bit about Scientology from an insider's view.
I'd personally like to thank Leah Remini for writing this brutally honest memoir. It was obvious to me this was genuinely HER voice, and her story. Her recollections are startling and at times, downright terrifying, and it became more and more obvious to me how a cult really works. She begins her story by shutting down how Scientology operates, and what she would have been subjected to post-publishing. She leaves nothing to imagination...her saga is laid out for all who wish to know. She is a smart cookie, and a damn fine writer, and a really cool person.
Fascinating look at what it is like to be a celebrity Scientologist. She is an interesting and brave person. The audiobook gives it an extra oomph as you can hear her explain it to you in her own unique way.
This is a well-written and raw memoir. I didn't know much about Scientology or Leah Remini before reading this book, but I became enthralled! Leah starts by describing her life before Scientology and then how her whole life revolved around it. The story truly became a page-turner when she describes how she started to discover things about the Church and its leaders that seemed just plain wrong. Some of the terminology is a little confusing, but Remini is engaging and honest. Overall this book did not disappoint.
- Michelle V.
- Michelle V.
WOW. Before reading this book, I had done a lot of reading on Scientology and thought it was a pretty crazy religion. After this, I'm convinced it is a cult. It was an eye opening read, to hear a story from someone who grew up in Sea Org and was a lifelong Scientologist.
For content I would give this 4 stars but I'm adding a star for the balls it took to write and publish this. This is worth listening in audio both to hear her voice and the ridiculous number of F bombs she drops when leaving Scientology.
For content I would give this 4 stars but I'm adding a star for the balls it took to write and publish this. This is worth listening in audio both to hear her voice and the ridiculous number of F bombs she drops when leaving Scientology.
Without any personal contact with this "church," I've had a hate-on for Scientology for over a decade, which is kind of funny, because I like science fiction. What I don't like, however, is blind obedience, violence, separating families* and bankrupting people for empty promises. So it's no surprise that I'd enjoy this book (a friend asked me to read it). Technically, this book should only get four stars from me, but Rimini's got brass ovaries, so that gets an extra star.
All joking aside, it takes a tremendous amount of courage to even question the belief system you were raised in, and true bravery to reject it. Rimini is sassy and self-deprecating, but I hope she gives herself credit for taking that first step of just saying, "wait a minute..." I questioned my faith, too, and walked away from it as well. so I have an affinity for other apostates. The difference is that my church didn't give a crap (one of the reasons I started questioning, but they could have easily cared too much). And, yes, I'm calling myself brave. Apostates are freaking super-heroes as far as I'm concerned.
I had to wait for the paperback to show up because the Kindle edition was $3 more, which is just stupid. While I waited for this book to arrive, I started another that was more straight reporting ([b:Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion|10091466|Inside Scientology The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion|Janet Reitman|http://images.gr-assets.com/books/1442818206s/10091466.jpg|14988434]). Troublemakes one was definitely more fun and, if I'm honest with myself, it was worth the price of admission to read the chapters on the Cruise/Holmes wedding debacle. That's some effed up kakky right there. I wasn't all that interested in the Hollywood parts of the story, except where it aligned/collided with Leah's experience with her church. YMMV.
*Unless they're toxic and you need/want them out of your life. Then go for it! But no one who isn't you should be making that decision.
All joking aside, it takes a tremendous amount of courage to even question the belief system you were raised in, and true bravery to reject it. Rimini is sassy and self-deprecating, but I hope she gives herself credit for taking that first step of just saying, "wait a minute..." I questioned my faith, too, and walked away from it as well. so I have an affinity for other apostates. The difference is that my church didn't give a crap (one of the reasons I started questioning, but they could have easily cared too much). And, yes, I'm calling myself brave. Apostates are freaking super-heroes as far as I'm concerned.
I had to wait for the paperback to show up because the Kindle edition was $3 more, which is just stupid. While I waited for this book to arrive, I started another that was more straight reporting ([b:Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion|10091466|Inside Scientology The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion|Janet Reitman|http://images.gr-assets.com/books/1442818206s/10091466.jpg|14988434]). Troublemakes one was definitely more fun and, if I'm honest with myself, it was worth the price of admission to read the chapters on the Cruise/Holmes wedding debacle. That's some effed up kakky right there. I wasn't all that interested in the Hollywood parts of the story, except where it aligned/collided with Leah's experience with her church. YMMV.
*Unless they're toxic and you need/want them out of your life. Then go for it! But no one who isn't you should be making that decision.
This is blunt and to the point, which was kind of refreshing to read. And uhhh, whew. This is such a different perspective from Going Clear that I almost felt it was more informative - the weird terms they use, the weird things she saw, what life was like when she was a kid contrasted with as an adult. You can tell too that she's trying to lay out as much as possible - situations that can be corroborated and even documentation like the missing persons report she filed. What's scary is this seems unbelievable, but it's real. The emotional and financial costs aren't to be underestimated.
Honest and thought provoking
Much more depth to this than just an angry ex-scientologist. Leah is candid not only about her experiences, but about herself as well.
Much more depth to this than just an angry ex-scientologist. Leah is candid not only about her experiences, but about herself as well.
challenging
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
I am fascinated with Scientology. Not as a valid religious choice, but that this cult is so wide-reaching and brutal in its means to domineer and isolate its members.
The author, Leah Remini, read her own book, and it was great. Her feelings and experiences were so much more detailed with her emotions coming through.
I had no feelings one way or another for the actress before I read this book. She was funny on her show, The King of Queens, but otherwise was low on my radar. Afterwards, I am in awe of her chutzpah for standing up to the cult and being very vocal about it. Kudos to her. I hope the best for her family and her career. The world needs more people like her: unafraid to point out what's wrong and try to make it right.
The author, Leah Remini, read her own book, and it was great. Her feelings and experiences were so much more detailed with her emotions coming through.
I had no feelings one way or another for the actress before I read this book. She was funny on her show, The King of Queens, but otherwise was low on my radar. Afterwards, I am in awe of her chutzpah for standing up to the cult and being very vocal about it. Kudos to her. I hope the best for her family and her career. The world needs more people like her: unafraid to point out what's wrong and try to make it right.