Tom Cruise

An Unauthorized Biography

By: Andrew Morton

Narrated by: John Hinch

Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

In 2006, Forbes magazine ranked Tom Cruise as the most powerful celebrity in the world. With three Golden Globe awards, three Academy Award nominations, and 27 films with an average box office gross of nearly $100 million, People magazine's choice for the "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1990 is unquestionably one of the biggest movie stars of our time.

He has also become one of the most controversial, for his outspoken championship of Scientology, for his criticism of Brooke Shields for turning to the "Nazi science" of psychiatry for help with postpartum depression, and for the time in 2005 when he jumped on Oprah Winfrey's couch proclaiming his love for Katie Holmes. But for all the headlines and the rumors swirling around him, the real Tom Cruise has remained surprisingly hidden: until now.

For two years, acclaimed investigative journalist Andrew Morton has been uncovering the true story of Tom Cruise: from his days as bullied "little Tommy Mapother", to his early stardom, to his romances, and his increasingly public involvement in the world of Scientology. With new sources and exclusive interviews, Morton brings us never-heard revelations about the private, sometimes shocking world of Tom Cruise.

©2008 Andrew Morton (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

You learn a lot about the younger Tom, but......

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I am on the fence here. If the friend is a real fan of Cruise, then I would recommend it with a caveat that the book leaves much detail out. I would not recommend this book to someone who really doesn't care to know more about the actor.

Would you be willing to try another book from Andrew Morton? Why or why not?

No, not really. This book was mediocre, at best.

What does John Hinch bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It is pretty amazing how sometimes you actually think you are listening to Tom Cruise, himself!

Could you see Tom Cruise being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No, because the media has already covered this subject to the maximum!

Any additional comments?

The book is very heavily weighted on Tom Cruise's childhood and upbringing. You don't learn that much about what is happening with him today, after his divorce to Kate Holmes. His current stature, other than generalities, in his church or cult, depending on your point of view. The book would have been much better if it had been a "authorized biography." But, it's not, and that's that.

A man of contradictions

I thought that it was presented very well. I've read so many different things how about Tom Cruise and his very controversial beliefs. And I feel this book that I've gained a great deal of knowledge about the man behind the smile. and it is very difficult assign the actor with this controlling and intimidating figure. But I believe it. furthermore I believe that mens endeavor power and acceptance can lead into dangerous religions and Colts. & I also believe that this is the case with Tom Cruise. but I also believe that it's nothing new and it'll lead to nothing as it always does. History has taught us that.

Cruise arrogance confirmed!

I always thought Tom Cruise was very arrogant. This book just drives home that fact. He truly thinks he is above all & "God-like". His involvement in Scientology is pretty much what I expected and the more I hear about this involvement and his personality, his movies become less interesting to me. The most annoying part of the book is the narrator's mispronunciation of Miscavige. From the MANY other published works about this cult, if you are going to narrate the book, do the research to know how to pronounce the name. I cringed every time I heard him stumble over the name. And whoever was producing and/or editing the reading and recording of the book is just as much to blame. Stop the narrator after it is mispronounced once or twice. The story is good. It may be petty, but the annoyance of that name was hard to get past.

Interesting read

Great read! Tom honestly sounds like a sociopath who just happens to be famous. He is too close to the leader to just be your average cult follower.

Tom Cruise infiltrates not only US politics but foreign affairs abroad in the name of Scn

This book is EXACTLY in accordance with what I’ve been saying about Scientology infiltrating the government and taking over Hollywood. Thank you for writing this Andrew! You’re my hero. I’ve been stalked and harassed by Scn for NINE YEARS. And this proves my story - My So Called “Crazy” Life And hire’s there tried to rule and destroy my life.

Good book but lacking in detail

There are lots of revealing stories here about Cruise and Scientology but I think there is much more and felt that there were huge gaps in the narrative.

Easy story to listen to.

This was an easy story to keep listening to. Andrew Morton writes a fluid story.

An In-depth Analysis of Tom Cruise & Scientology!

Although I have idolized Tom Cruise for decades, and have even published numerous commentaries defending his antics over the years, I recommend that people take a look at this excellent biography.

Presuming that Andrew Morton, his publisher, and attorneys did their homework, I learned many disturbing things about Cruise and Scientology for the first time. I also enjoyed many of the tidbits that Morton provides from at least one Cruise family member, teachers, girlfriends, and others.

Although the book is very tough on both Cruise and Scientology, it is a must for any die-hard Cruise fan or anyone interested in getting the inside scoop about Scientology.

Interesting

Let me first say. I am it a Tom Cruise fan. I think he an amazing actor. But as a person ahhhhh I think we don't see things the same way in life. It was an interesting insight to whom he is as an actor, friend and husband. Good read

Swiss Cheese: full of holes!

I have several of Andrew Morton's other books & I'm aware of his ability to research and write an entertaining account that can be accurate and flattering about the subject. I'm not sure why this is considered a biography as it seems to be made up of a few snapshots from his life. In chapter 4, he is married to Nicole at 30:28 but by 29:28 he has Penelope as his lover. Where did that come from! No history, no breakup, just a quiet mention of his divorce around the 9/11 timeframe, immediately after a discussion about eyes wide shut. I wouldn't call it a biography in any way, shape or form. Should have been called "a handful of snapshots from a unique life". Yes, Tom likes to sue, but Tom, all publicity is good for your $$$, look at the Kardashians.... Scientology isn't likely going to attract anyone that can't be hypnotized, so publicity doesn't make a big difference. Book is overpriced for only 6 hours of audio, far less content than some of Andrew's other books.