Wright is skillful, thorough and fair-handed in his account of Co$ from its inception with LRH to its current state under the megalomaniac David Miscavige. Too many stories from defectors coming out about the "church's" human rights abuses and child labor violations. While Reitman's account is decent, this one far surpasses it and is the best resource to read if you're at all curious about the Co$. Needless to say, don't get roped into their Communications Introduction class, which is a prelude to indoctrination.
Incidentally, I read this book and then watched Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master and it was fascinating to confirm just how much PTA did indeed base his Lancaster Dodd on LRH. Many similarities in their family members and psychological makeup. Many of the techniques that Dodd used on Freddie Quell came from Dianetics techniques. One thing to note is that there is no historical Freddie Quell character in real life (that I remember reading about). In fact, LRH was more interested in helping people with money than ne-er-do-well drunkards. Fascinating movie. Incredible Book. Ridiculous Religion/Philosophy (let alone the space alien stuff).
Lastly, it wasn't lost on me that "The Cause" = Co$ or Church of $cientology.
Incidentally, I read this book and then watched Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master and it was fascinating to confirm just how much PTA did indeed base his Lancaster Dodd on LRH. Many similarities in their family members and psychological makeup. Many of the techniques that Dodd used on Freddie Quell came from Dianetics techniques. One thing to note is that there is no historical Freddie Quell character in real life (that I remember reading about). In fact, LRH was more interested in helping people with money than ne-er-do-well drunkards. Fascinating movie. Incredible Book. Ridiculous Religion/Philosophy (let alone the space alien stuff).
Lastly, it wasn't lost on me that "The Cause" = Co$ or Church of $cientology.
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