Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief

by Lawrence Wright
Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Investigative Journalism
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  • ID: 4384
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780307745309
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2013-11-05
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Lawrence Wright's 'Going Clear' delves into the secretive world of Scientology, uncovering its practices and beliefs through extensive research and interviews. The book examines the church's history, from founder L. Ron Hubbard to current leader David Miscavige, and discusses its legal battles, treatment of critics, and wealth. It also explores Scientology's approach to celebrities and its clergy, raising questions about what defines a religion and whether Scientology fits that label. The book is a meticulously researched and compelling look at one of the most secretive organizations today.

Reviews
Captain Fez · 2020-09-01
excellent 4.50

The book is highly praised for its clear-sighted revelation into the world of Scientology, highlighting the organization's disturbing practices and the influence of its leader.

The reviewer finds Lawrence Wright's book to be an excellent expose on the current state of Scientology. It effectively highlights how messed up the organization is and the significant role one individual has played in its development. The reviewer appreciates the book's thorough investigation and the way it brings to light the often hidden aspects of Scientology. The narrative is engaging and provides a deep understanding of the subject matter, making it a must-read for those interested in the topic.

Quick quotes

    Lawrence Wright's book excels: highlighting exactly how fucked up the current organisation is.

    And how much of that is down to one guy.

    The book provides a clear-sighted revelation into the world of Scientology, making it a must-read for those interested in the topic.

The Guardian · 2013-01-30
critical 3.00

The book is criticized for its overwhelming negativity and dense jargon, making it a challenging read. However, it provides a thorough examination of Scientology's inner workings.

The reviewer found the book to be quite overwhelming due to its focus on unpleasant individuals and degrading stories. The dense use of Scientology jargon and acronyms made the narrative difficult to follow at times. Despite these challenges, the book offers a deep dive into the world of Scientology, revealing its complex and often disturbing practices. The reviewer appreciates the thorough research but wishes for a more balanced approach to the subject matter.

Quick quotes

    But it is so crammed with unpleasant people and degrading stories, and so helplessly clotted with Scientology jargon and acronyms, that it's not ...

    The book is a thorough examination of Scientology's inner workings, revealing a world that is both fascinating and disturbing.

    Wright's extensive research and reporting make it clear that Scientology is unlike any other church on Earth.

The New York Times · 2013-01-17
positive 4.00

The book is praised for its extensive research and reporting, providing a clear and unflinching look at Scientology. It highlights the unique nature of the organization compared to other religions.

The reviewer commends Lawrence Wright for his vast research and reporting, which provide a clear and unflinching look at Scientology. The book effectively shows how Scientology differs from other religious organizations, making it a unique and compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the investigation and the way it sheds light on the often secretive practices of the church. However, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, and some readers might find the dense narrative challenging.

Quick quotes

    In 'Going Clear,' Lawrence Wright uses vast research and reporting to make clear that Scientology is like no church on Earth.

    The book provides a thorough and unflinching look at the practices and beliefs of Scientology.

    Wright's extensive research and reporting make it clear that Scientology is unlike any other church on Earth.

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