Going Clear

Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief

By: Lawrence Wright

Narrated by: Morton Sellers

Length: 17 hrs and 24 mins

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

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)

Tragically Illuminating

This was one book that once I began, I found it very difficult to stop listening. It is not a book bashing Scientology but rather a documentary of sorts that starts at the beginning of Scientology and brings you up to its current status. I disagree with the other reviewer as to the footnotes. I found those to be very interesting and necessary. Just more validation to support the book. So many things are covered regarding Scientology that just make you shake your head and are very sad and deplorable. Not to say that things like this do not happen in other "religions", but the focus of this book is on Scientology. Unfortunately the tragedy which unfolded at Waco really gave rise to Scientology's allowable existence in the eyes of the IRS. In this regard, Scientology was basically given the green light to proceed pretty much without sanction other than within their inner hierarchy. Truly a sad situation for those involved with Scientology who now desire the opportunity to leave of their own free will with no strings/debts attached.

Amazing !

Very well investigated book on scientology ! Must read for everyone who are interested in understanding a human's need to be part of something and how that need can be taken advantage of by other humans who seek to exploit that need for their own profits.

I feel sorry for all the scientologist who dedicate their life to Hubbard. How can these people who believe in science cannot see there is nothing scientific about scientology is beyond comprehension. But this books does give an insight to human conditioning and the power of influence.

Very Informative

Well researched, organized, balanced, and articulated book telling of the life of L Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Church of Scientology, his family, the genesis, evolution, and beliefs of the Church of Scientology, and the lives of many within the church including well known celebrities. The Epilogue is worth listening to/reading more than once.

Provocative

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, from start to finish I found the book fascinating. From who L Ron Hubbard was to scientology itself up through the current regime of the Church; it was more interesting than I imagined it would be. The author tried to present the Church as fairly as possible, although at times that is a difficult thing to do. I would listen to it again.

What about Morton Sellers’s performance did you like?

Seller's gave one of the best performances I have heard who was not the actual author of the book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would have loved to have just sat and listened to the book from beginning to end, but since I listen during my daily commute that was not possible. I did however, listen both to and from work, which I typically do not do.

It is scary that people get sucked into this.

If you could sum up Going Clear in three words, what would they be?

Frighteningly ignorant people.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A study in how to manipulate idiots.

Any additional comments?

It is a little long and drawn out, but overall is worth it.

Awesome book regarding Scientology!

Perhaps my favourite of three books on Scientology abuse that I have listened to back-to-back over the past few months.

The author does a good job of documenting the history of Scientology, its eccentric (and I am being kind) founder L. Ron Hubbard, its celebrity connections in Hollywood, and the repeated physical and mental abuse by the church on its own members!

Changed my life

after reading this, I realized that my faith, Mormonism, is as much a cult as any other. Now I'm free!

Phenomenal!!

I loved this book! It was an easy listen, and the narrator did a phenomenal job (very clear voice). I would recommend this to my friends!!

Scientology- A religion or a Scam??

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a very informative book. Assuming it is true, LRH is an incredible individual with the power to convince people to follow him despite his numerous faults which included bigamy, kidnapping, excessive lying, and a tendency to elevate himself above the "crowd". And that is only some of his faults!!

What did you like best about this story?

The detail to which the author described LRH

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes, very much so in my opinion

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

LHR's continual lying about his WW2 service record.... and the absolute proof that he was not where he claimed to have been. He was no war hero, but instead a coward.

Any additional comments?

This is the second book I have read about Scientology. This is much better researched and informative. Great read!!

Fascinating story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes--it is an interesting story about a still-mysterious "religion".

What other book might you compare Going Clear to and why?

"Inside Scientology" by Janet Reitman which I listened to 3 years ago. It was about Scientology and had some of the same stories/history, but was less about the Hollywood perspective.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The story and history itself is so frustrating because "they" seem to get away with so much, even with the government, by terrorist-type tactics.

Any additional comments?

Well-written.