• Going Clear

  • Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief
  • By: Lawrence Wright
  • Narrated by: Morton Sellers
  • Length: 17 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (4,592 ratings)

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Going Clear  By  cover art

Going Clear

By: Lawrence Wright
Narrated by: Morton Sellers
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Publisher's summary

National Book Award Finalist

A clear-sighted revelation, a deep penetration into the world of Scientology by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Looming Tower, the now-classic study of al-Qaeda’s 9/11 attack. Based on more than two hundred personal interviews with current and former Scientologists—both famous and less well known—and years of archival research, Lawrence Wright uses his extraordinary investigative ability to uncover for us the inner workings of the Church of Scientology.

At the book’s center, two men whom Wright brings vividly to life, showing how they have made Scientology what it is today: The darkly brilliant science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, whose restless, expansive mind invented a new religion. And his successor, David Miscavige—tough and driven, with the unenviable task of preserving the church after the death of Hubbard.

We learn about Scientology’s complicated cosmology and special language. We see the ways in which the church pursues celebrities, such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta, and how such stars are used to advance the church’s goals. And we meet the young idealists who have joined the Sea Org, the church’s clergy, signing up with a billion-year contract.

In Going Clear, Wright examines what fundamentally makes a religion a religion, and whether Scientology is, in fact, deserving of this constitutional protection. Employing all his exceptional journalistic skills of observation, understanding, and shaping a story into a compelling narrative, Lawrence Wright has given us an evenhanded yet keenly incisive book that reveals the very essence of what makes Scientology the institution it is.

©2013 Lawrence Wright (P)2013 Random House Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic reviews

“Brings a clear-eyed, investigative fearlessness to Scientology . . . a rollicking, if deeply creepy, narrative ride, evidence that truth can be stranger even than science fiction." (The Washington Post)

“A hotly compelling read. It’s a minutiae-packed book full of wild stories.” (The New York Times)

“An utterly necessary story. . . . A feat of reporting.” (The Wall Street Journal)

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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

Well-researched

Lawrence Wright knows how to research a story, to follow the characters, the action, the motivations, and weave them together into a comprehensible whole. He brings that skill to bear on Scientology, looking at Hubbard and his sketchy past, presenting the facts dispassionately as he reveals a highly-successful but oddly-hollow organization.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

changed my view on mormons

loved this book. I learned a lot from this perspective. opened my mind to all religions and charismatic leaders. also an entertaining biography of Ron Hubert

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great listen

narration was awesome. This is OUT THERE, but that's not the writer or narrator's fault, just that Hubbard was so over the top is was mind blowing at times and I had to pause to discuss with my husband as we read it. Great read/listen. would recommend.

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Not as final as I would have liked

I wanted there to be better closure but it just wasn't there - couldn't be there. Sigh, the problems with nonfiction is you can't close the story arc just because you want to. As a rational individual that likes facts with providence, a little too much of the story is based on the "testimony" of individuals. Even corroboration of the twenty or so willing to speak out pales against the number of individuals that witnessed the activities and the number of members in the religion. Give me solid documentation every time. As a non-Scientologist (and, in fact a not very religious individual) I was sold on the story right from the start . Then there was the epilogue that left you wondering about the facts, assignment of responsibility and the place of Scientology in the pantheon of religions. Still, all in all, a good listen and Morton Sellers is becoming one of my favorite narrators.

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Very informative

This book was very in depth and informative. The information is well documented and resourced.

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Making it Clear

This is an excellent biography and also a sociological study of the human heart longing to find meaning, only to be destroyed.
A cautionary tale that’s more than just a tale ..

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Wow!

I have watched and read everything I've been able to get my hands on about Scientology and this book expounds on it all. I couldn't "put it down". My heart goes out to every survivor who has spoken out against this Goliath, or rather something more sinister, wicked, if you will. Lawrence Wright uncovers information in ways, I had to rewind and replay, just to make sure I heard it correctly. I am still forming opinions about L. Ron Hubbard, which I appreciate Wright taking so much time aquainting me to him. At the minimum, this book is fascinating. I did not feel that the days I have spent listening to it have wasted. In fact, it's opened a broader door in my mind about my own faith, spiritual practices, and membership in my own religious denimination. Thank you for such a comprehensive resource on Scientology. I highly recommend this book to any curious mind ready to receive a factual retelling of a history not meant for public viewing.

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I think is a fair representative of Scientolo

I believe considering you can't get good information about scientology this is a good review.

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I'm classified as a Suppressive Person

The amount of official denials in this book are entertaining in of itself. But my sympathy goes out to children impacted by cults. Educate yourself and be cautious of people who have all the answers.

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In my Top 5

Lawrence Wright has done it again. Superbly researched and well written. It is by far the best and fairest expose on the cult of Scientology. Well narrated.

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