Scientology is a scary thing
598877
As with all cults, I just wonder why people will subject themselves to such abuse.
2353567
I was fascinated. And appalled. and confused. I just don't "get" scientology. But this was a really in depth look by someone who grew up in the system.
127868
Inside Scientology is a really interesting book about an intriguing, and very cult-like (hierarchy is built into the very structure of Scientology), religion. The first third of the book goes over L. Ron Hubbard's founding of scientology and the transition of leadership from Hubbard to current-church-leader David Miscavige. The next section of the book discusses the several legal problems - allegations of tax fraud and a publicized case of wrongful death - against the Church. The last section talks about life inside the Church, from what the educational system looks like to life as a "billion year contract" member of the Sea Org (basically, the missionary service to the church).

The sources Reitman used for this book were primarily Hubbard's writings and interviews and writings of former Church members, which may give the book a bit of a skewed perspective. But, as Reitman notes, the Church of Scientology is quite a secretive organization and, while she does talk to a few current members (mostly young people concerned about the Church's reputation), they are all speaking under condition of anonymity. Reitman, in fact, devotes much space in the book to discussing the lengths the Scientology Church has gone to to keep defectors from speaking about what they know - from lawsuits to non-disclosure 'payoffs.' (There is also a few chapters devoted to Scientology's successful attempts to recruit celebrities from Tom Cruise to John Travola to Kirstie Alley.)

As one who was almost snagged into Scientology by aggressive recruiters in college, I've been fascinated for quite a while with the Church of Scientology, as intellectual curiosity, not for perspective membership. This book, while it is certainly a negative take on Scientology, is a very intriguing and well-written read.
1676312
The book was a great read, what a story, a definite lesson Stay away from Scientology! My only complaint I wanted more about her show business life and life after Scientology.
4976183
I was overwhelmed with this story. I didn't give it 5 stars only because I found it hard to keep up with at times---the terms and the whole organization of the Sea Org. is like a script out of some weird movie. I cannot believe that this type of mental and physical abuse is happening in our day and time. I cannot believe any religious organization would ever take a child at the age of 14 and start seperating her from her parents and having her drop out of school to serve in this cult madness. The whole "confessional" thing is insanity--the prison type camps and mind control is degrading, and the seperation from any type of family and spouses is the worst type of emotional torture. I cannot see how anyone can be a part of scientology knowing this is the foundation.  Please send every one of the celebrities who back this religion, if you want to call it that, to Sea Org. for a round of all this author has been through and see how they like it.
2595861
I knew very little about Scientology..thought it a cult------------now i'm sure.
sad for so many uninformed people who don't know anything else.............
scary that some formerly respected actors and broadcasters are members...............
1242016
Well, I actually read the thing.  Most of it.  That's why I didn't give it 5 stars, because some of it seemed like a rerun to me (I've read a lot  about Scientology before).
Okay, NOW I am convinced that there are a  lot of things behind Scientology's doors than members are letting on.  I  still have to say, though, that applying some of the commonsense ideas (ARC  triangle, study technology, emotional tone scale, and the advice on  children) really works!  Thus, I am in a little bit of a quandary here.  Can we admire and practice some of the teachings while abhorring what the  leadership has become?  (Hey, sounds like most of Christendom--so,  yeah!)
All kidding aside, this IS a well-written, well-thought-out book.
3660336
Very interesting read about how messed up the Scientology cult really is.  It still astounds me that Scientology could possibly be considered a religion.  The tales of abuse and near slave camp work programs I are heartbreaking and to realize so many young and old alike are trapped in this sham of a religion.
4578892
An amazing story of Scientology and her life in it. I've heard storys before but i cant believe how many people are entwined in this so called religion. And how they are able to get away in ruining peoples lives and brain washing them. Im am beyond impressed and in awe if Leah being able to leave her comfort zone of growing up that way and not knowing any other. A wonderful told biography by a witty strong and funny woman. Congrats to her and her family standing up to what she believes in. Hopefully her words will get people looking into this " religion ".  And stopping the abuse.
2042396
EXCELLENT BOOK.  FLOWS AND KEEPS YOUR INTEREST. HARD TO BUT DOWN.

I CHOSE THIS BOOK BECAUSE I WANTED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT SCIENTOLOGY WAS ABOUT. I NOW KNOW IT IS A CULT.
1459049
Jenna writes delicately about he facts of her experiences without editorializing for most of the book to build a calm and solid foundation for what becomes an exposure of a brainwashing cult of child and adult abusers hiding under the name "church." This should be required reading for anyone thinking for a minute that Scientology is anything but vile organized crime and abuse on a massive scale.

There are other books that go into more detail about Hubbard being a total fraud. This only suggests that a couple times in reference to Jenna and her husband seeing a video or reading an article. Rather, Jenna humanizes and personalizes the depths of the institutional criminal abuse done under the name of this dangerous cult by simply reporting the constant torture inflicted on the children and their families, fact by horrible fact, letting the reader draw his or her own conclusions.

Only at the end of the book does Jenna render any opinions, and even then they are tempered.

David Miscavige and his cronies should be in prison, not in charge of the lives of thousands of mental and physical victims.

Get it. Read it. Pass it on. Discuss it.
576374
Is was always curious about Scientology. This book is an eye opener about the inside methodology used to control people, their minds, bodies and daily lives. It's frightening to think this can be happening now. The fact that Jenna was a child when  this began for her and so many others is heartbreaking.
2162679
I was first introduced to the scam of Scientology in the 1970's and immediately saw if for the high-priced ripoff and scam that this book proves it is.  Honestly, how the leadership of this giant cult can get away with this is just mind-boggling.  It's like brainwashing slaves into believing that slavery is a pretty good idea and that the slaves deserve to be in the condition they find themselves in.  Good job Lawrence Wright.
3211627
Amazing what some people will buy into. It is also amazing to what ends some people will go/can go to protect their empires.
I remembering being stopped in the early 1970's in Washington, DC outside the scientology shop and being asked if I was happy with my life/my life could be better. Well, I was just fine with everything (and still am). Besides, the Hari-Krishnas had a much better song, clothes and food (not that I joined up with them).
I think Wright has written the definitive book on Scientology. Kudos to him.
653792
Probably the scariest part of A Taint in the Blood is that it seems plausible. A mix of modern science and superstition, with an up close look at what sort of people human predators would be. And they aren't pretty...
4459530
I think Leah Remini is brave for how outspoken shes chosen to be against an organization so far reaching in her field of work and which has pitted her against friends and family. She experienced years of injustice, and has used her pain and anger to try and help others.
Listening to the audiobook was excellent, as the author was able to deliver her message in her own voice and stress the points she found of most import. Also, her accent and attitude totally bring the words to life.
All organized religion is rife with corruption and politics - its just humanity. But Scientology fits the very definition of a cult, and seems to be on a whole other level of corruption. Its scary af the things that did, and do, reportedly go on.
And its not just Leah speaking out against this cult - there are SO many others trying to be heard. So many others who back up what she says and have even more horrific stories to tell.
Leah Remini comes across as one hundred percent believable, and I hope her large voice and desire to help others from this cult results in significant change.
She has my support.
4414464
I found this book a bit slow to get going, but ended up staying up all night to read it to the end once I got past the first few chapters. I have previously wondered if all the negative publicity about Scientology is hyped up, but now I see that what we see and hear in the media is only the tip of the iceberg of horrors of this organisation. I used to lean towards their anti-psychiatry stance but, after reading this book, can do so no longer. Nothing, I repeat, nothing, about this organisation is grounded in either science, spirituality, love of fellow man, or reality. I also had no idea of the blatant and systematic human rights abuses carried out by Scientology. I am now firmly in the anti-Scientology camp.