Tom Cruise

An Unauthorized Biography

By: Andrew Morton

Narrated by: John Hinch

The eye-opening true story of Tom Cruise, from #1 New York Times bestselling biographer Andrew Morton.

Everyone knows Tom Cruise--or at least what he wants us to know. We know that he overcame a difficult childhood to star in astonishing array of blockbusters: Top Gun, Rain Man, Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, Interview with the Vampire, Jerry Maguire, several Mission: Impossible movies, War of the Worlds, and more. We know he has taken artistic chances, too, and as a result has earned three Academy Award nominations and three Golden Globes, along with the respect of acting legends like Paul Newman and Dustin Hoffman.

After that, the picture becomes a little less clear. We know that Tom is a Scientologist, but not necessarily what that means in his life. We know that, despite persistent rumors about his sexuality, he has been married to Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman, and Katie Holmes. But it was not until he jumped on Oprah's couch to proclaim his love for Katie and denounced Brooke Shields for turning to the "Nazi science" of psychiatry, that we began to realize how much we didn't know about the charming, hardworking star.

For two years, award-winning biographer Andrew Morton tirelessly sought out everyone from former teachers and girlfriends to Scientology insiders to friends who have watched a once-bullied, "nothing special" outsider transform himself into an icon Forbes has called the most powerful celebrity in the world. Here, with never-seen photos and never-heard revelations, is a riveting, sometimes shocking portrait of the real Tom Cruise--his work, his love life, his marriages, his religion--from a master at uncovering the true story behind the public face of celebrity.

©2008 Andrew Morton; (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

A man of contradictions

I thought that it was presented very well. I've read so many different things how about Tom Cruise and his very controversial beliefs. And I feel this book that I've gained a great deal of knowledge about the man behind the smile. and it is very difficult assign the actor with this controlling and intimidating figure. But I believe it. furthermore I believe that mens endeavor power and acceptance can lead into dangerous religions and Colts. & I also believe that this is the case with Tom Cruise. but I also believe that it's nothing new and it'll lead to nothing as it always does. History has taught us that.

Cruise arrogance confirmed!

I always thought Tom Cruise was very arrogant. This book just drives home that fact. He truly thinks he is above all & "God-like". His involvement in Scientology is pretty much what I expected and the more I hear about this involvement and his personality, his movies become less interesting to me. The most annoying part of the book is the narrator's mispronunciation of Miscavige. From the MANY other published works about this cult, if you are going to narrate the book, do the research to know how to pronounce the name. I cringed every time I heard him stumble over the name. And whoever was producing and/or editing the reading and recording of the book is just as much to blame. Stop the narrator after it is mispronounced once or twice. The story is good. It may be petty, but the annoyance of that name was hard to get past.

You learn a lot about the younger Tom, but......

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I am on the fence here. If the friend is a real fan of Cruise, then I would recommend it with a caveat that the book leaves much detail out. I would not recommend this book to someone who really doesn't care to know more about the actor.

Would you be willing to try another book from Andrew Morton? Why or why not?

No, not really. This book was mediocre, at best.

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

It is pretty amazing how sometimes you actually think you are listening to Tom Cruise, himself!

Could you see Tom Cruise being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No, because the media has already covered this subject to the maximum!

Any additional comments?

The book is very heavily weighted on Tom Cruise's childhood and upbringing. You don't learn that much about what is happening with him today, after his divorce to Kate Holmes. His current stature, other than generalities, in his church or cult, depending on your point of view. The book would have been much better if it had been a "authorized biography." But, it's not, and that's that.

Good book but lacking in detail

There are lots of revealing stories here about Cruise and Scientology but I think there is much more and felt that there were huge gaps in the narrative.

Easy story to listen to.

This was an easy story to keep listening to. Andrew Morton writes a fluid story.