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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
informative
medium-paced
This book is much more than dishy celebrity gossip, although you will find plenty of that. It's a detailed look at the motivations and pressures that keep people in controlling religious groups, especially the Scientology power structure. I liked how Leah's story continued after she left the church, showing how difficult it can be to transition out of closely held beliefs and community, however toxic.
Leah's book follows the usual celebrity memoir formula: childhood ambitions and hardships, wild youth, crappy early gigs, then finally success and a loving family. But I was impressed with her introspection. She opens up by admitting her past wrongs, and shies away from blaming her family and friends for rough patches. It's inspiring to see that she still has the commitment to values and personal growth that Scientology distorted.
Leah's book follows the usual celebrity memoir formula: childhood ambitions and hardships, wild youth, crappy early gigs, then finally success and a loving family. But I was impressed with her introspection. She opens up by admitting her past wrongs, and shies away from blaming her family and friends for rough patches. It's inspiring to see that she still has the commitment to values and personal growth that Scientology distorted.
Leah Remini opens up so much despite the fact that I can assume she doesn't like appearing vulnerable or welcome to censure. I can only imagine solely bringing this book together must've been an exhausting and emotionally draining process...never mind how exhausting and draining were the reasons for writing it. I hope this was a cathartic experience for her; she deserves that much. She's a strong woman, and it shows. If I were her friend, I'd tell her how proud I am of her. Proud of forcing herself through a hard decision. Proud of revealing so much of herself and her families' lives in order to brace against the torrent that would surely be unleashed in response to direct criticism of her former church.
Remini lays out her life à la [b:David Copperfield|58696|David Copperfield|Charles Dickens|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461452762s/58696.jpg|4711940]—she begins at the beginning, taking you up to the point of publication, revealing her transgressions paired with that self-deprecating humor and sharp tongue. The expression no holds barred fits well here, if not in the way of being an understatement, and possibly where other celebrities have felt gossipy or drop some names pseudo-casually, I honestly could tell that she was doing neither, and instead was just relaying the events from her point-of-view. So carefully and thoughtfully laid out, like a meticulously constructed investigation—everything to ensure that the reader understands, as best as possible, how she could've remained with such a troubled organization for so long.
As fas as "read by the author"—you win some of those as the listener and you don't win others. With this particular autobiography, it's a clear winner. Remini read this perfectly. She spoke in her own voice with ease, while also reading explanations for the inner workings of the organization. When she gave dialogue, she did so as a practiced actor would. When she read a more lengthy narrative, she kept it casual and appropriately conversational without getting too loose and wild (as some celebs do). She walked the delicate balance of telling her own story so successfully, that I'd recommend this audiobook to anyone over the written book. And, if anyone has this one on their radar, but they've held off—I'd say: go for it. I loved every minute of this memoir.
Remini lays out her life à la [b:David Copperfield|58696|David Copperfield|Charles Dickens|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461452762s/58696.jpg|4711940]—she begins at the beginning, taking you up to the point of publication, revealing her transgressions paired with that self-deprecating humor and sharp tongue. The expression no holds barred fits well here, if not in the way of being an understatement, and possibly where other celebrities have felt gossipy or drop some names pseudo-casually, I honestly could tell that she was doing neither, and instead was just relaying the events from her point-of-view. So carefully and thoughtfully laid out, like a meticulously constructed investigation—everything to ensure that the reader understands, as best as possible, how she could've remained with such a troubled organization for so long.
As fas as "read by the author"—you win some of those as the listener and you don't win others. With this particular autobiography, it's a clear winner. Remini read this perfectly. She spoke in her own voice with ease, while also reading explanations for the inner workings of the organization. When she gave dialogue, she did so as a practiced actor would. When she read a more lengthy narrative, she kept it casual and appropriately conversational without getting too loose and wild (as some celebs do). She walked the delicate balance of telling her own story so successfully, that I'd recommend this audiobook to anyone over the written book. And, if anyone has this one on their radar, but they've held off—I'd say: go for it. I loved every minute of this memoir.
Wow! Scientology is even more whack than I already knew it was. Totally engrossing story that I listened to via audiobook.
I appreciate her honesty and attitude throughout the book and I consider her choice to publish it a ballsy one that I greatly admire. I devoured the book. I appreciate that she didn't trash the religion (although I don't agree with it being considered a religion so much as a cult) so much as point out the flaws and the flawed people who ran the show. I hope they don't manage to fuck with her too much, after her experiences the woman deserves a break.
Really enjoyed how forthcoming and candid this book was. Leah Remini spoke openly and (presumably) honestly about her life in Scientology and how it affected her life. There were some shocking stories about well known celebrities that made me rethink who's work I am willing to support. Also, she offered a lot of insight about the draw toward Scientology as well as how and why it is destructive toward so many. Bravo!
I'm reminded again of why I don't want to join anything related to Scientology.
I was shocked how much I enjoyed this one—which doesn’t make sense because I obviously will like any cult-centered book. Leah was so honest and real about her experience with faith deconstruction, while acknowledging it to be just that—her experience. And also called out Scientology big time. I am rambling—this was a great read.
I really enjoyed listening to Leah Remini's story and how she saw herself within and outside of the cult of scientology. Here narration of this book brings another level to the tale, and I'm glad I finally had an occasion to listen to this memoir.