A well-researched, wide-ranging look at Scientology's origins, mysteries, shortcomings, abuses, and resiliency. Engaging and enthralling.

Excellent critical review and historical account. Thoughtful and incisive look into what scientology is all about.

Hubbard, a sci-fi writer, was always looking for a fast easy buck. Surprised by the success of his book Dianetics, he created an organization that that had much in common with brainwashing: exploit weaknesses, repeat slogans, create rituals, etc. In order to exploit tax benefits and freedom from oversight he declared Scientology a religion. And why not? Hucksters and delusional prophets for thousands of years had created and interpreted, modified or molded religions to their own benefit. The organization of Scientology was not very much different from theological ones: a chief theocrat, a priesthood, uniforms, rituals, catechism, evangelism, etc. Of course these also have much in common with political authoritarianism like fascism, Nazism, and communism. This book reveals the history and workings of Scientology pretty well. It's amazing how the gullible and those searching for leadership easily fall prey to earthly or ethereal religions. The prophets are numerous: Moses, Jesus, Peter, Mohammed, Luther, Calvin, Smith, Young, Khomeni, Hubbard. The religions are numerous as well: Judaism, Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism (many), Mormon, cults. Human intelligence does not always produce the intelligent.

The narration was very effective conveying the proper note of cynicism or sarcasm.

I have read Jenna Miscavage Hill's book and Leah Remini's book, yet Janet Reitman's account of Scientology had me come away with a less emotional, more factual viewpoint. I have realized that it's not the concept of Scientology that I object to, but the monster of a for-profit 'religion' that RLH perpetuated and DM magnified to the point where profit and obedience to their master exceeded loyalty to a principle or goal. It's the concept of a corporation thinly veiled as a religion that bothers me, not to mention the cruelty to Sea Org members that is beyond disgusting.

This book is a factual accounting of the rise of this business, the people at the top, the celebrities that it courts, and the poor people that get sucked in at such a young age that they are molded to believe there is nowhere else in the world for them to belong. Listening to how they literally have to escape from Gold Base as if it were a federal penitentiary is truly beyond belief.

It is time for the Church of Scientology to be held accountable for the deplorable conditions the Sea Org members are forced to live in, the work camp attitude that they are brainwashed to believe is for the greater good, the deaths (ie. Lisa McPherson) that they have been responsible for, goodness... I could go on and on.

This book is definitely worth the read! I almost wish I had read it before the other two to give me a better background from which to appreciate on a grander scale what these women have been through.

On that note, it is worth mentioning that the narration of this book is horribly slow. It actually kept putting me to sleep, but then I stepped up the speed, which made the narrative choppy, but at least tolerable.

There was great history mentioned regarding the scientology group. This is the second book I have read on Scientology, and won't be my last. I have so much sympathy for those who were (and are) dedicated to this Cult. I would NEVER call this a religion!

Because the book was so long, I got bored with the male narrator. Maybe someone with more personality would have made it easier to get through.

No

Absolutely. I am so intrigued....I want to know more. Don't get me wrong, Im not interested in converting! I want to kick DM in the shins! Its maddening the guilt the leaders create and the freedom they have taken from some. And why are only a few chosen ones treated so badly?

How on earth were these bullies able to convince the government that they were not required to pay taxes? I hope Scientology is never off the radar and some day soon - our government will grow some balls and stop letting the Scientologists get away with the way they treat their followers. They are bullies - and have gotten away with murder, tax evasion and God knows what else goes on behind their closed doors.

Detailed account of Scientology from comprehensive utopian philosophy designed by Hubbard, to authoritarian secret organisation

This book was very detailed and surprisingly long. The author was descriptive enough to keep my attention without being boring. What an amazing "religion".

I have read all I can about this cult, both books & internet, so was very surprised to learn so much more. It is brilliantly written & really does give on a full insight as to how insane it was when it al started & how shocking it is to this day. I would recommend though for a deeper look into the inner working as to how horrific Scientology is Leah Remini's book & also Jenna Miscarriage Hills, they will blow your socks off. They both got a full five stars from me & when started, could not stop listening.

Wow! I was very impressed with this book. It gives you a real look inside one of the most mysterious religions movements. I always thought Scientology was a weird religion but never knew exactly what it was about. This book really lays out the movement foundations and its current state.

The narrator was great. Never a dull moment.

I have come across numerous criticisms of this book as not being hard enough on the church but I think Janet does a great job of in-depth reporting of its history and its crimes