Short Synopsis
From author Janet Reitman comes the first full journalistic history of the notoriously secretive Church of Scientology—an even-handed account that uncovers the astonishing truth about the controversial religion.

Full Synopsis
Scientology, created in 1954 by a prolific sci-fi writer named L. Ron Hubbard, claims to be the world's fastest-growing religion, with millions of members around the world and huge financial holdings. Its celebrity believers keep its profile high, and its teams of "volunteer ministers" offer aid at disaster sites such as Haiti and the World Trade Center. But Scientology is also a notably closed faith, harassing journalists and others through litigation and intimidation, even infiltrating the highest levels of government to further its goals. Its attacks on psychiatry and its requirement that believers pay as much as tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars for salvation have drawn scrutiny and skepticism. And ex-members use the Internet to share stories of harassment and abuse.

Now Janet Reitman offers the first full journalistic history of the Church of Scientology, in an even-handed account that at last establishes the astonishing truth about the controversial religion. She traces Scientology's development from the birth of Dianetics to today, following its metamorphosis from a pseudoscientific self-help group to a worldwide spiritual corporation with profound control over its followers and even ex-followers.

Based on five years of research, unprecedented access to church officials, confidential documents, and extensive interviews with current and former Scientologists, this is the defining book about a little-known world.

"Stephen Hoye proves a perfect pick as narrator. His tone and inflection communicate the book's nuanced ideas." ---Publishers Weekly Audio Review

"A bizarre and complicated history told with masterful control." ---Kirkus Starred Review

"A detailed and readable examination of the life of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the church, and his successor, David Miscavige." ---Publishers Weekly

"Stephen Hoye's impressive, journalistic narration suitably conveys this vital work." ---Library Journal Starred Audio Review

"Narrator Stephen Hoye gives an effective reading. . . . The result is stranger than any fiction." ---USA Today Audio Review

Kirkus Review

New York Times Bestseller

Kirkus Bestseller

New York Times Bestseller

Amazon Top 100

Amazon Top 10 Nonfiction

Library Journal Audio