Perfectly Clear

Escaping Scientology and Fighting for the Woman I Love

By: Michelle LeClair, Robin Gaby Fisher

Narrated by: Michelle LeClair

Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

The revelatory memoir by former "poster girl for Scientology" Michelle LeClair about her defection from the Church, her newly accepted sexual identity, and the lengths to which Scientology went to silence it.

For years, Michelle LeClair, former president of Scientology's international humanitarian organization, tried to reconcile her same-sex attraction with the anti-gay ideology of the church. Michelle finally ends her horrific marriage, finds the love of her life, a woman, and ultimately leaves the Church. But the split comes at a terrible price. Her once pristine reputation is publicly dragged through the mud, the police raid her home, her ex-husband tries to gain full custody of their children, and the multi-million dollar business she built from scratch is utterly destroyed.

In this tell-all memoir, Michelle offers an insider's perspective on Scientology's pervasive influence, secret rituals, and ruthless practices for keeping members in line. It's a story of self-acceptance, of finding the strength and courage to stand up for your emotional freedom, and of love prevailing.

©2018 Michelle LeClair and Robin Gaby Fisher (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"LeClair’s straight-forward, compulsively readable account of all this is fascinating, as it takes readers into the oft-shrouded world of Scientology, its controlling techniques, its obsession with money, and more." (Booklist)

Very detailed and well-written- fascinating!

Well-written and interesting look at the church and Michelle’s personal tumultuous journey! Good balance between family piece and Scientology piece. Also, showing how Scientology “creeps” into people’s lives makes one understand how you could potentially get caught up, before you fully understand what you’re getting yourself into!

Gripping from beginning to end

A love story from the ashes of Scientology. Michelle tells with such conviction her story of a failed marriage she was pressure into, losing everything she had worked so hard for, but ultimately gaining the love of her life. This book truly paves the way for future survivors leaving similar high pressure experiences.

Another example of the evil of some religions

I have read many books on Scientology and find the topic fascinating. It never ceases to amaze me how bright, talented people who are so successful in life get sucked into these cults. If you can't see through a religion that expects large payments for status in the church and come into your home at all hours begging for money, then maybe you deserve the loss of money and pride.
Also, I was confused as to why she refers to her girlfriend as Charlie when her real name is Tena Clark and like many readers, I am not convinced she was innocent of the Ponzi scheme but, she was blind to the misdeeds of Scientology so maybe she is just had her head in the sand.
All that said, the book is worth a read or a listen.

Author is not self aware

She spends so much time bashing her husband without ever considering the hell he must have gone through being married to a closeted lesbian 😅. Poor guy; honestly, this woman is nightmare fuel for men contemplating marriage 😂.

The view from the top

I really enjoyed this point of view. I've listened to a lot of books on Scientology, but this one was interesting because it was from the point of view from someone in the Celebrity center. As detailed as Leah Remini's was (and her book was sooo good), it didn't give as many details as to what it was like being in Celebrity status as Michelle did. This was a very interesting listen. I finished it in a day.

Time to Tax this “religion”

Michelle’s story will have you shaking your head at the harmful and dangerous antics of the church. I am glad this story ends well and Michelle’s courage will hopefully help others who are in abusive and coercive controlling relationships or groups.

The Damage a Cult Does

I was very interested to listen to this book. I want to thank Michelle for telling her story, not only exposing this awful cult, but also the story of her life which I found fascinating. A lot of people can't understand how anyone can get sucked into what appears on the surface to be a mind controlling and manipulative cult. But the realities of the stories the "survivors" tell are as different as the people that tell them.

I don't know why this cult is so interesting to me. I think it's because I'm political and I cannot stand that they are classified as a religion and are tax exempt. That infuriates me!! I guess I hope the more horror stories that come out about this cult the more political backbone government officials will have to revoke their status as a religion. However it seems clear that this cult has people at all levels of government and they have leverage on the right people to keep their money streams and power in place.

Michelle, I loved listening to your calm clear voice as you told your story. I was rooting for you the entire time I listened to this book. But man I wanted you to STOP giving them more and more money!! Ugh! I'm so happy for you that you and your mother got away. I"m happy that you are living your life on your terms. Again, thank you for sharing your story. It is important for many reasons.

excellent writing. glad she escaped

wow. what courage. I stayed up all night listening. the church is a cult period

Eye-Opening!

This is a well-written, thoughtfully composed description of a woman’s experience and incredible fortitude to find a new life’s path.

Amazing!

Such a great book! Keep fighting! Keep getting the truth out there! Awesome book to listen to!