Ratings10
Average rating4.2
This book, which began as an article for Rolling Stone Magazine, is the result of a 5-year, in-depth investigation into Scientology. It's full of interviews from current and former members, information pulled from police reports, court filings, news articles, and documents released by the Church of Scientology itself.
It's a meticulously researched book, filled with information that is generally unavailable to the casual reader, and is easy to read. It details both the ups (tax exemption by the IRS) and the downs (the high-profile death of a member and the subsequent coverup and lawsuit) of the movement's history. Reitman comes across as a credible journalist, never sensationalizing what is an easily sensationalized topic, and for that reason alone it's worth the read.
Wow, what a thoroughly engaging book. I went from not surprised (who out there hasn't heard that L. Ron Hubbard had crazy ideas?) to shocked (the abuse!) to completely creeped out (the IRS stuff, Lisa McPherson, harassing critics).