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)

very long

extremely in-depth and had a lot of really good useful information about scientology in it. it did feel a little bit overlong and a little bit repetitive at times.

Truth is stranger than fiction...

It won't take long to have your views on Scientology confirmed.The rest will be an eye-opening, gritty & unflinching account (from multiple sources) of an underestimated, manipulative & intimidating organization.I still struggle to understand the level of Stockholm syndrome & cognitive dissonance displayed by true believers worldwide.This is by far not the only major religion based on lies & exaggerated claims easily debunked ( Christianity etc); just a more recent one.

One dead son, check.

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

Making your own religion is a great way to make money.

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

The WALL of FIRE!!!!

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

Great timing and delivery.

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

Yes, I love religious thinking or nonreligious thinking. I love the idea of believing in wackiness.

Any additional comments?

Scientology is no more crazy than the Rapture. Remember kidies a cult is just a religion sans politician and social power.

I wouldn't stand a chance in this cult

What did you love best about Going Clear?

I couldn't stop listening and for the life of me, I couldn't help but think how I would already be placed in a closet to die because I can't understand how anyone could allow themselves to be controlled by another person...especially if that person was mean to me.....(I'm very rebellious). I'm warning you now, this book will stir your brain cells to boiling!! Love'd it!!

What did you like best about this story?

How I was right all along about Tom Cruise.

What about Morton Sellers’s performance did you like?

Oh he was good...especially during the parts when he had to quote someone in anger....he kept it real.

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

Well yea! But who in the world has time for that???

Any additional comments?

No. What else do you want me to say....??? Except, I wonder if Lawrence Wright feels like he's being watched from the shadows....I know I would.

liked it

i loved it wish there was more. i didn't want it to end. is that twenty words?

Fascinating history of a recent religion

Loved this book. Reminded me a lot of the books Double Down and Game Change. Lots of unflattering details and anecdotes that are both corroborated and disputed by several sources that are all appropriately cited and footnoted within the book. Most memorable throughline was reading about Paul Haggis joining and ultimately loudly leaving the church. Some of the greatest passages in the book came during some of the final paragraphs that describe the growing pains of any new religion, and the way that several others - Islam, Mormonism, the Amish, to name just a few - have survived and evolved long enough to be seen as more than inventions or forgeries or hotbeds for violence and instead are often rightly appreciated for the insights they have to offer, the values they espouse, and the traditions they try to pass on.

Excellent work!

The impressive nature of the book is only second to the scope of the "church" itself.

Excellent!

This was an amazing audio experience! I highly recommend! You learn in great detail the true nature of Scientology as told from those that were on the inside.

Highly Recommend!

I have listened to this book several times because it is so good. It is somewhat based around Paul Haggis, the Hollywood screenwriter for Million Dollar Baby, Crash, etc., who left the "Church," but Wright also gives you the fascinating background story of Hubbard's life and how his twisted mind developed Scientology. This book goes through present time, with David Miscavige's leadership and stories of Tom Cruise, John Travolta, etc. It is clearly written, easy to follow and the narrator is great.

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.