Inside Scientology Americas Secretive Religion
1) The Tanya and Stefan Castle story is a sub subject that tells a lot about how far Scientology has evolved. Firstly people at the top ranks STILL are put in such dire predicaments, that the abrupt AWOL (absent without leave) unauthorized departures/escapes are happening. That they dealt with Stefan like they did, also, something old, and also something new, the payoff offered Stefan. Secondly, it's the smaller cheezes, like Tanya, who are like the cooks, doctors, close personal go-fors of famous upty-ups, who have the juicy info about the uptty-ups, in this case David Miscavige the tyrannical "successor" leader of Scientology, that she escaped, and how she escaped is worth the price of the book. Thanks to those that dreamed up the escape and executed it, because it was an ex member "team" effort the Tanya Castle escape. In the sub subject of staff escapes from Scientology staff confinement situations, Tanya's is the best!
2) Janet does to us ultra expert ex member "critics" and know it alls, the unthinkable, really. Janet rises her book way above any past book, and she gives the LAST WORD to the young smart college educated Scientologist young worman!!! The book's final chapter, final paragraphs to me are the most amazing, uplifting and future hopeful part of the book. No one I am sure will even agree with me, since the expert Scientology watchers don't think Scientology has a chance. Well, I do. And that Janet gives the final word to the young smart Scientologists, is really also, for me, worth the price of the book.
3) Janet's chapters on the Lisa McPherson when I was done, I cried to myself. Lisa McPherson came to life, and her death hurts even more. Janet's talking with the Florida police and prosecutor people, and their input, excellent journalism. I knew a lot of the details, but learned even more, particularly what Florida officials thought about the tragedy. And Lisa McPherson's vibrant life was finally presented, so Lisa I think has been paid the best tribute by a writer yet. Thanks very much for that Janet Reitman!!
4) Mark Fisher's insider details where Mark is quoted and tells insider moments, priceless new info.
Janet I can't thank you enough for taking on "our" recent decades lives in the Scientology movement.
Janet, I hope the youth of Scientology take up the challenge that the young Scientologist you let have the last word, in your book.
And I hope your book goes where PAST books have NOT gone, which is onto the shelves of official Scientologits.
I hope to heck Scientology proper, meaning the official Scientology movement, are allowed to read and own and discuss your book.
I know the independent movement of Scientologists will read your book.
The dividing line of the old official Scientology and the new independent Scientology, is that the new independent Scientology CAN and WILL read your book.
Let's hope official Scientology doesn't close itself up.
Let's hope the young woman you gave the last word in your book to, let's hope she is NOT censored for staying in touch with you Janet!
I sure hope Scientology turns and adopts the more tolerant attitudes demonstrated by the new independent Scientologists, and your book will be a sort of litmus test, by whether official Scientology allows its members to read your book.
Can't thankyou enough Janet!
Chuck Beatty
ex Sea Org (1975-2003)
chuckbeatty77@aol.com
412-260-1170
866-XSEAORG toll free
(will answer any questions by email, re Scientology, I was a former Scientology administrative scriptures staff trainer helper, and compiler of the operative nuggets of Hubbard's staff member duties)
I bought this book day before yesterday and finished it today. I found it very good. It gives a very objective yet personal story. I would highly recommend it for current members of Scientology or those who have been involved but discontinued. It would also be good for someone who has not been involved in Scientology. It is not a dry document but a very interesting story. I found it hard to stop reading at any point.
BalasHapus1) The Tanya and Stefan Castle story is a sub subject that tells a lot about how far Scientology has evolved. Firstly people at the top ranks STILL are put in such dire predicaments, that the abrupt AWOL (absent without leave) unauthorized departures/escapes are happening. That they dealt with Stefan like they did, also, something old, and also something new, the payoff offered Stefan. Secondly, it's the smaller cheezes, like Tanya, who are like the cooks, doctors, close personal go-fors of famous upty-ups, who have the juicy info about the uptty-ups, in this case David Miscavige the tyrannical "successor" leader of Scientology, that she escaped, and how she escaped is worth the price of the book. Thanks to those that dreamed up the escape and executed it, because it was an ex member "team" effort the Tanya Castle escape. In the sub subject of staff escapes from Scientology staff confinement situations, Tanya's is the best!
BalasHapus2) Janet does to us ultra expert ex member "critics" and know it alls, the unthinkable, really. Janet rises her book way above any past book, and she gives the LAST WORD to the young smart college educated Scientologist young worman!!! The book's final chapter, final paragraphs to me are the most amazing, uplifting and future hopeful part of the book. No one I am sure will even agree with me, since the expert Scientology watchers don't think Scientology has a chance. Well, I do. And that Janet gives the final word to the young smart Scientologists, is really also, for me, worth the price of the book.
3) Janet's chapters on the Lisa McPherson when I was done, I cried to myself. Lisa McPherson came to life, and her death hurts even more. Janet's talking with the Florida police and prosecutor people, and their input, excellent journalism. I knew a lot of the details, but learned even more, particularly what Florida officials thought about the tragedy. And Lisa McPherson's vibrant life was finally presented, so Lisa I think has been paid the best tribute by a writer yet. Thanks very much for that Janet Reitman!!
4) Mark Fisher's insider details where Mark is quoted and tells insider moments, priceless new info.
Janet I can't thank you enough for taking on "our" recent decades lives in the Scientology movement.
Janet, I hope the youth of Scientology take up the challenge that the young Scientologist you let have the last word, in your book.
And I hope your book goes where PAST books have NOT gone, which is onto the shelves of official Scientologits.
I hope to heck Scientology proper, meaning the official Scientology movement, are allowed to read and own and discuss your book.
I know the independent movement of Scientologists will read your book.
The dividing line of the old official Scientology and the new independent Scientology, is that the new independent Scientology CAN and WILL read your book.
Let's hope official Scientology doesn't close itself up.
Let's hope the young woman you gave the last word in your book to, let's hope she is NOT censored for staying in touch with you Janet!
I sure hope Scientology turns and adopts the more tolerant attitudes demonstrated by the new independent Scientologists, and your book will be a sort of litmus test, by whether official Scientology allows its members to read your book.
Can't thankyou enough Janet!
Chuck Beatty
ex Sea Org (1975-2003)
chuckbeatty77@aol.com
412-260-1170
866-XSEAORG toll free
(will answer any questions by email, re Scientology, I was a former Scientology administrative scriptures staff trainer helper, and compiler of the operative nuggets of Hubbard's staff member duties)
As someone who spent 15 years inside Scientology, I am impressed by detail and accuracy of this book. The author really did her homework. Having witnessed a good number of the events portrayed first hand I found them to be described as they happened in excellent detail.
BalasHapusAs an ex-scientologist and staff member, I found the book to be to the point and factual. It is obvious that Ms. Reitman did her homework. I congratulate her on having the ethics and courage to write about what few others have been willing to tackle. This is a must read!
BalasHapusThe method in which she explains Hubbards history of rejection, work with the occult, desire to make money and then blends it into the current organizations narcissitic management is brilliant.
I found myself first feeling sorry for Hubbard, then thinking what a waste of brilliance, then how bizarre the whole situation is, and finally sadness and empathy for those who have been directly affected.
Again, thank you Ms. Reitman for a great read.
The Viewer
I ordered the book and am now reading it. I have finished about a quarter of the book reading it last evening. It has been very insightful to me. Having been in the C of S for forty year I have found out information that was withheld from me during my journey on the "bridge to total freedom." Janet's book is shining the light on many of the hidden things the C of S never wanted you to know. It is a wonderful book.
BalasHapus