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)

Absolutely amazing

Would you listen to Going Clear again? Why?

I *will* absolutely listen to this book again. As a kid, I was a big fan of LRH's sci-fi writings, and was peripherally exposed to the Church of Scientology and their 'religious tech'. When I was a teenager, I met some former Scientologists who were more than happy to tell me about the way things really worked in the church. I always thought they were either exaggerating or outright lying to me. As it turns out, they weren't even scratching the surface of the madness.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

What made this story so fascinating is that there are literally dozens of times throughout the book that I found myself knowing that the things being said were absolutely true and documented, while at the same time thinking the stories are so fantastic and bizarre that there was no way they could possibly have happened. The cognitive dissonance is both pleasing and troubling. Unfortunately for the Church of Scientology, their very litigious nature, while protecting their inner secrets for years, also left trail of court documents miles long.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't really call it my "favorite" scene, but I think the most revealing scene is the period of time that the budding Church of Scientology spent at sea. The misadventures of the group, along with Hubbard's decent into psychosis is fascinating. It was the culmination of his lies and the perfect opportunity for him to allow his delusions of grandeur and persecution complex to run wild and destroy people's lives. Although this is tied with the tragic death of one of his children.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The most interesting aspect for me was L. Ron Hubbard's involvement with Jack Parsons and the "Babalon Working".

Compelling expose on a fascinating yet horrifying religion

Lawrence Wright presents the reader with an honest yet horrifying look at the power of ideas, the nebulous nature of religious faith, and the strange dogma of a truly bizarre cult and the personality that started it. As always his writing is brilliant and perfectly translates to the audio format. Although the narrator was great, the only way this could improve is if Wright read the whole book.

Scientology Gets Me Every Time

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

I already have recommended this book to a few friends.
It's a great look in to one of the big question marks in religions in my book.

Any additional comments?

I enjoy reading about religions, especially ones with cult like qualities... So books over Scientology fit the bill for me. This particular book was extremely well written. I had read some of his articles before so I was looking forward to his book. Not disappointed.

Chilling and Informative

Would you consider the audio edition of Going Clear to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version, but I was drawn to the audio version as I think the print version might lost my attention.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Going Clear?

When they discussed the people who have gone missing and are believed to be imprisoned on church owned compounds. It really gave me a spooked feeling to know this is taking place in the US today.

Have you listened to any of Morton Sellers’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Have not listened to any other Morton Seller performances but I did enjoy his reading.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

All the Scientology lingo was interesting. I have heard several people use this vocabulary before but had no diea what they were talking about.

Fascinating!

Always wondered about Scientology and the people in it. This is full of crazy and troubling info about the founding of and practices within this Religion. I could not put it down. In fact I think I'll listen to it again. But I am left with "where the hell is Shelly and why hasn't she been found? Scary stuff! Must read if only to expand your knowledge.

Spellbinding Read!! Shocking!!

What made the experience of listening to Going Clear the most enjoyable?

The content was so intense I couldnt put it down. It was written in a really easy manner to grasp. The content did not go over your head or double talked you. You actually felt like you were there experiencing the story first hand.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

That no holds barred was instituted-good, bad and ugly The story was presented without bias.

Have you listened to any of Morton Sellers’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Cry!! Because i cant believe people actually opt for this type of lifestyle. Lives were ruined, children are dragged through this garbage -whole families were torn apart! And as for the celebrities-i dont think i will ever watch a Tom Cruise movie again!!

Any additional comments?

I read it because i enjoy learning about things i really know nothing about! This was a real eye opener. I could not put it down!!

Fascinating and Informative From Start to Finish

What made the experience of listening to Going Clear the most enjoyable?

The history of L Ron Hubbard was interesting. I had no idea how much of a "player" the man was, which is hard to believe considering how odd looking he is.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Going Clear?

Learning how David Miscavige took over the leadership role and punished those who did not fall in line.

Any additional comments?

The book was highly enjoyable to listen to and I feel much more informed about Scientology.

Couldn't stop listening...

wow. and....wow.

This was a fascinating listen! Footnotes added an additional layer of interest, although the responses from Scientology spokespersons were almost comical in their consistent and collective amnesia. I live in Los Angeles where Scientology has its headquarters and Celebrity Center. I will never again look at this organization the same way again- as sort of wacky, but benign.

Absolutely worth the credit!

Well Rounded

A lot of books are very skewed. personal opinions are easily seen. but the author keeps as neutral of a stance that he can in the book and equally footnotes items from the church AND its critics. He also did lots of research and spoke to many people to see who had proof of what and to see what stories did or did not match.

Being so well rounded, we get a good look into Scientology and why people join, spend time and/or money, leave, and believe in Hubbard.

Best. Footnotes. Ever.

Okay, I admit it, I am a sucker for books about the weird stuff people choose to believe in, and the origins of those beliefs, so I was definitely in the target audience for this book. I was fascinated by the details of LRH's biography (both the real and invented) and by the details of the Church's workings. But I have to admit, my favorite thing about the book was that, after every claim that might remotely raise an eyebrow, the author would drop a footnote: "[insert celebrity's name here]'s lawyers deny that [celebrity] ever __________." The narration was good, if occasionally monotonous (after all, how many times CAN you say "_____ denies ever doing ____"