Thirteen Must-Read Books About Scientology
I’m often asked to recommend books about Scientology for people who want to learn more about it and have finally taken the time to put together a list! I’m going to likely add to this list in the future, so if you’ve already read these books, be sure to check back.
Troublemaker: Surviving Scientology and Hollywood By Leah Remini
The first book everyone should read. Scientology is a complicated topic and Leah distills it perfectly for newcomers.
I love this book so much. I’ve read it a dozen times over the past eight years.
A Billion Years: My Escape from a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology By Mike Rinder
Mike was the top executive in charge of the Office of Special Affairs, which is Scientology’s intelligence agency. For years he oversaw the retaliation operations against Scientology’s perceived enemies. I’ve recommended this book a number of times. It is a harrowing and inspiring story. Mike is such a fabulous writer and while the book deals with serious topics, it’s an easy read because of how good Mike is.
Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief By Lawrence Wright
Another critical must-read. If you want to understand Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard read Larry’s excellent book. The HBO documentary “Going Clear” was based on this.
Blown For Good: Behind The Iron Curtain of Scientology By Marc Headley
Marc Headley was a Sea Org member who worked for years on Scientology’s secretive base in Riverside County California. For years he witnessed the insanity of David Miscavige directly. He was also the Sea Org member who had the honor (from a Scientologist’s perspective) of being the one who Tom Cruise practiced auditing on.
Counterfeit Dreams: One Man’s Journey Into and Out of The World of Scientology By Jefferson Hawkins
Remember those television ads for L. Ron Hubbard’s book Dianetics that featured the exploding volcano? Well, Jeff Hawkins is the one who came up with them. I absolutely love Jeff’s book, is beautifully written and he shares his wild story of becoming a Scientologist and then ending up as one of the top Scientology executives.
Jeff is one of the Scientology executives who was beaten by David Miscavige for no other reason than David saw him as a threat.
Perfectly Clear: Escaping Scientology and Fighting For The Woman I Love By Michelle LeClair
Michelle LeClair’s book is another gripping tale of a top Scientologist who landed in the crosshairs of Scientology’s Office of Special Affairs. In Michelle’s case it was being a Lesbian and refusing to go through conversion therapy that led Scientology to destroy her life.
Beyond Belief, My Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape By Jenna Miscavige Hill
Jenna Miscavige Hill is David Miscavige’s niece and her memoir is incredible. Like Mike Rinder’s book, her story is harrowing but inspiring.
Scientology: Abuse At The Top By Amy Scobee
Amy Scobee was a top Scientology executive who, among other things, oversaw Scientology’s Celebrity Centre program. Her book, like Mike’s, is a harrowing tale and a must-read. She witnessed so much while she was in.
Scientology: A to Xenu: An Insider's Guide to What Scientology is All About By Chris Shelton
Chris Shelton is a former Sea Org member who puts together great explainer videos about Scientology on his YouTube channel. His book is no different, this is one of the first books I recommend to people when they’ve read Leah’s book, Mike’s book, and Going Clear. Chris is so great at explaining Scientology and putting it into perspective.
The Unbreakable Miss Lovely By Tony Ortega
Tony Ortega is a journalist who focuses mainly on Scientology. His book is about what Paulette Cooper, a holocaust survivor and journalist faced when she took on Scientology in the 70s. Paulette’s story is absolute insanity. Scientology framed her for sending a bomb threat by putting her fingerprints on a fake bomb threat letter!
A Piece of Blue Sky By Jon Atack
Former Scientologist Jon Atack’s Book is a definitive read that is so good it has deprogrammed Scientologist. He debunks so much of what Scientology promises and helps the reader to understand what Scientology truly is.
Inside Scientology By Janet Reitman
Great book with great reporting by Janet Reitman who covered Scientology for Rolling Stone. This book caused Scientology a great deal of heartache.
Bare-Faced Messiah By Russell Miller
This is the definitive biography of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology. Russell Miller completely dismantles many of Hubbard’s lies which formed the basis of Scientology.