The Cosy Bookish Corner discussion

Hello again!

Here are some questions to get the ball rolling on the discussion for April's Book of the Month! Please remember that if you are to include spoilers in your answer, please use the Spoiler HTML (< spoiler >...< /spoiler > without the spaces)

Did you hear about Scientology before reading this book? If so, how much did you know?

Do you think that Leah's upbringing had an impact on her staying so long in Scientology?

After reading the Book, do you feel that you have a deeper empathy for people who have become a part of Scientology and either do not see its soul-destroying downfalls or are too scared to leave?

Just started reading this. I had thought about reading it before, but the group suggestion gave me the push to purchase it. I've got to say, it is much more well written than I anticipated. It's very interesting so far (I'm only in chapter 3). She had a lot going on as a teen, more than I ever would have realized, even after listening to some of her interviews on television.

I'll be interested to see how her relationship with her father progresses throughout the book as it didn't seem to end up well from other things I have read.

Does anyone else think that, yes he may come off as a jerk and not have a good way of expressing his concerns, but his intentions were correct with questioning their involvement in Scientology and their way of life in Florida?

Allison wrote: "Just started reading this. I had thought about reading it before, but the group suggestion gave me the push to purchase it. I've got to say, it is much more well written than I anticipated. It's ve..."

Hi Allison, so glad you chose to join in!
I was also suprised on how well written it was, I wasnt expecting it.

Although I hated the father at first, I do agree his intentions were good regarding Scientology and their way of life in Florida... I would have said the same thing!

Tanya wrote: "Did you hear about Scientology before reading this book? If so, how much did you know?

Do you think that Leah's upbringing had an impact on her staying so long in Scientology?

After reading the Book, do you feel that you have a deeper empathy for people who have become a part of Scientology and either do not see its soul-destroying downfalls or are too scared to leave? "

Wowwowwow! I really didn't have this book on my radar, and honestly probably wouldn't have read this book if it wasn't for this BOTM, but I'm SO GLAD I DID!


"Did you hear about Scientology before reading this book? If so, how much did you know?"

Starting off, yes I've heard of Scientology before reading Troublemaker, and I've seen the documentary "Going Clear" based on Lawrence Wright's novel, but It's been so long since I've seen the documentary (and I haven't read "Going Clear") that I naturally erased a lot of the Scientology information. I haven't researched too much of the subject, but now I just found myself going down a rabbit hole of active Scientologist celebrities, and the list is a lot longer than I realized.

Do you think that Leah's upbringing had an impact on her staying so long in Scientology?

(view spoiler)[
Definitely! She was a member of the church for well over thirty years, members also including most of all of her family to support her and practice policies with her. She didn't receive the formal education that other children were receiving at the age she joined, and the church made her feel secure and accepted without needing an education, which also fed into her beliefs to not properly educate herself on Scientology as a whole ; church policies of course playing a major role on not allowing any research against the religion. (hide spoiler)]

After reading the Book, do you feel that you have a deeper empathy for people who have become a part of Scientology and either do not see its soul-destroying downfalls or are too scared to leave?

I have mixed feelings. I do have empathy for people like Leah and people in general who are stuck in predicaments, such as toxic relationships or drug addiction, however there are manipulative people, like Tom Cruise, that I do not believe sees his actions as soul destroying, or too scared to leave or even willing to leave. Of course, there is the argument about John Travolta and how he can't leave because he is too scared of the church leaking information about his homosexual tendencies, and if this is true I hope one day he finds the courage to come out and get out!

(view spoiler)[ Further note, I really wish we found out about Michele Miscavige... Unfortunately she appears to still be a missing non-publicized person...very creepy stuff. What is everyone's thoughts about her disappearance? (hide spoiler)]

What is everyone's thoughts about the entirety of the book in general? I absolutely devoured it, and I will definitely recommend!

Hi Sarah! really glad you enjoyed the book as much as I did! Speaking of rabbit holes (I did the same!) Leah's also done a companion series about her time in Scientology and how she and her family are coping with life after it and also interviews other people who are in the same situation, I think its called Scientology and the Aftermath, I found it very interesting! (I would keep away for anyone who hasn't finished the book though!)

(view spoiler)[ Omg Michele Miscavige!!! That is seriously creeping me out!! I mean, you'd think that at least after the book came out and Leah also mentioning it TV interviews, SOMETHING would have been done, but no! *que horror music* something's definetly happened there! (hide spoiler)]

I really enjoyed the book a lot more than I thought I would and I have thought about reading other similar memoirs but all in all they seem to have quite a similar experience, and it would just make me angry all over again. ( (view spoiler)[ I mean, 1 billion year contract, really? Anything bad that happens to you is YOUR fault? Really?? (hide spoiler)] )

What do you all think about the Celebrities that are in Scientology, including Cruise? Were you suprised? Has it changed the way you see them and would it stop you from watching anything they are in?
I never liked Tom Cruise anyway, so not much has changed there. I was suprised to hear of a few names but I don't think I would refuse to watch anything they are in.

Also, what did you think about Leah in general? I enjoyed how she just admitted her flaws straight away (without seeming victimising) and I quite liked how blunt and honest she was and she also seems to be a good friend to have.

Tanya wrote: "Hi Sarah! really glad you enjoyed the book as much as I did! Speaking of rabbit holes (I did the same!) Leah's also done a companion series about her time in Scientology and how she and her family ..."

I haven't seen Leah's TV show yet, but It's now on my list of binge worthy television! I've heard great things about her show, so I can't wait! I really liked Leah when she was on The King of Queens (the few episodes I watched at least), but now I really like her! I too enjoyed how she was so REAL! She just seems so down to earth, yet such a bad B*TCH. I love that she doesn't take crap from anybody, and she really did follow her dreams! I truly commend all that she endured herself through to get to where she is now, she's very inspirational!

(view spoiler)[ The Michele Miscavige situation seriously creeps me out too!! I totally agree that you would most definitely think something would have come up after all of this publicity on her! Sadly, I have a feeling that she was murdered and never to be seen/heard of again.. (that's also just my horror fanatic/ murder mystery obsession coming out too though) (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ I mean, 1 billion year contract, really? Anything bad that happens to you is YOUR fault? Really?? I know! My mouth just remained open for so many parts of this book, thinking to myself WHAT? FORREAL?? WTH?! Just straight outrageous and ridiculous. (hide spoiler)]

As far as other celebrities in Scientology, I was kind of amazed by a few who consider themselves Scientologist.. I have always liked the actress Juliette Lewis and she claims to be both a Christian and a Scientologist. Which I find interesting because you would think with the strict environment of Scientology that you would not be allowed to claim another religion as well as Scientology. Tom Cruise, however, not surprised about his choice of Scientology, or choices overall in general. Also, I wish that I could say no it hasn't changed my views on these different celebrities, but in actuality it kind of has. I probably won't go as far as banning their films/music/writings, but I know there will be a part of me that will stop and think about particular celebrities being Scientologist now that I've looked into who actively participates. I'll especially think of the endless amount of money and time all of these people have contributed!

What was your favorite part of the book?

Sarah wrote: "I know there will be a part of me that will stop and think about particular celebrities being Scientologist now that I've looked into who actively participates. I'll especially think of the endless amount of money and time all of these people have contributed! " yes, definetly!

I'm not sure which was my favourite part of the book to be honest, there are a few:

(view spoiler)[Mostly, the most shocking parts of Scientology, like the Cruise Wedding (Poor Suri!!!), the adults making tell all "Audits" about eachother, etc... But I did love how becoming a mother was ultimately what eventually made her make the push to leave and I am so glad that most of her family followed her. I keep wondering if Scientology are planning a way to "tale her down" (a la Michelle Miscavage way), but then I think that she is way too public now that if anything did happen to her, we'd all know exactly where to point the finger. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ The Cruise wedding was very interesting! The baby being practically ignored the entire time, all of the scandal, and accusations towards Leah. I am also glad that her family followed her to leave, it was the best decision for all of them. I definitely think she is way too popular and public to get taken down by David Miscavige, but they are crazy.. so you never know.. I was hoping she would discuss more of the extraterrestrial part of it, I would like to read/ listen to her intake on "Xenu" (hide spoiler)]

Tanya I am so glad you picked up this book.

One of the reasons I joined your group is because of the amount of members, I sometimes get overwhelmed in groups where there thousands of members and hundreds of people commenting a topic.

When I saw the April's choice, I really though to just wait until May's book, I have a never ending list of books I want to read and biographies have never made the cut for me. But then I was like you joined the group because you want to be in a bookclub, that is when I checked the reviews in good reads and Amazon and I was impressed of the ratings and how popular was the book so I decided to youtube her since I need to confess first time hearing the name Leah Remini.

So finally today I bought the book and oh boy, I can't seem to put it down, I am almost 100 pages and the only thing I want to do is to know more and more.

I love her writing and the way she developed her own story.

I never heard about Scientology, I must confess that at first (just like Leah) though it was related with Science haha.

Isabel wrote: "But then I was like you joined the group because you want to be in a bookclub, that is when I checked the reviews in good reads and Amazon and I was impressed of the ratings and how popular was the book so I decided to youtube her since I need to confess first time hearing the name Leah Remini.

So finally today I bought the book and oh boy, I can't seem to put it down, I am almost 100 pages and the only thing I want to do is to know more and more.

I love her writing and the way she developed her own story.

I never heard about Scientology, I must confess that at first (just like Leah) though it was related with Science haha. "

I can't wait for your final thoughts and perspective about Scientology when you're finished!


If anyone likes documentaries, I highly recommend HBO's "Going Clear". A few people mentioned in Remini's biography are also featured on this documentary, and it's another eye-opener to Scientology. I just recently watched it again for the first time in a long time, and I think it's well worth the time if anyone is interested in checking it out. :-)

Sarah wrote: "Isabel wrote: "But then I was like you joined the group because you want to be in a bookclub, that is when I checked the reviews in good reads and Amazon and I was impressed of the ratings and how ..."

I love how you also where not considering to read the book and then you were hooked up. Yes will give you my thoughts one done :)

I will check out the documentary you are talking about!

Isabel wrote: "Tanya I am so glad you picked up this book.

One of the reasons I joined your group is because of the amount of members, I sometimes get overwhelmed in groups where there thousands of members and ..."

Isabel thank you for joining our Book Club and so glad you are enjoying the book!! Really lokking forward to hear your thoughts! 😊

Sarah wrote: "Isabel wrote: "But then I was like you joined the group because you want to be in a bookclub, that is when I checked the reviews in good reads and Amazon and I was impressed of the ratings and how ..."
Will definetly check out the documentary! I have also heard that "My Scientology Movie" by Louis Theroux is also very good but i have not watched yet (my mum recommended it to me after I recommended her this book lol)

Well I just finish the book, 2 days has taken me to finish it!

Look to not give out anything about the book for those who plan to read it and those who are reading it I will keep my thoughts hided so I do not mistakenly give out any spoilers

((view spoiler)[ Where to start, I do understand why Leah would remind in the church for over 30 years, cmon people need to understand she was introduce to it from a very young age so the church became a massive part of her life! And I understand who many people falls for it, let's take for example Leah's mum, a woman living in Brooklyn, divorce, taking care of two girls and working her ass off to provide a roof and food everyday in her house. For her, Scientology was a door open, a potential better life, and she did not have much to loose. Everything started great, they make it seem like is the most amazing thing to be part of the church and you commit yourself for eternity. (hide spoiler)])

((view spoiler)[ But Scientology need to understand something. You can't brainwashed all your members and I am sure that Leah's case (somebody who stood up, spoke her mind and did not care of the consequences was not the only one, and I am sure there has been more people as Leah (but probably they did not write a book haha (hide spoiler)])

((view spoiler)[ Let me also mention how impressed I am with Leah's patience and effort in her acting career, I mean, 25 cancel shows??? it must be so so frustrating, and I had no idea she auditioned for the role of Monica in Friends!!! Also what on Earth Sharon Osborne how she became such a rat with Leah! (hide spoiler)])

((view spoiler)[ One of the things I did while reading the book was to research the people mentioned, as her husband Angelo (gosh that man is so handsome) and people as David Miscavige (Bastard) and of course Shelly, I really though we would know an answer by the end of the book!! gosh I do agree with you guys that is so so creepy (hide spoiler)])

((view spoiler)[ I am the only one hating Tom Cruise (I was shocked with Naz story and how was Cruise seen as a God)? and Katie Holmes? I hated how they blamed Leah for ruining their wedding (specially Holmes) (hide spoiler)])

((view spoiler)[ I guess the most shocking part for me is how that so called "religion could make you go against your family or friends, how they stated that Scientology was more important than family and how they could control into doing what they want. I have research on google and been on the Website, the marketing is so amazing that no wonder how many people fall into becoming a member. Also the amount of money people need to constantly pay for courses or donate? I wonder where all this money really goes (hide spoiler)])

Sorry for writing almost a bible but I had so many things I wanted to discuss!

Don't apologise Isabel, the more comments, the better!! Really glad you enjoyed this book 😊 I agree with everything you've said! (view spoiler)[ I will admit that Scientology has been very well planned and organised. At the beginning, it can be very luring and comforting for anyone going through hard times and feeling especially lost ad alone (i.e. Leah's mum). They offer a solid structure, a clear path and community and you get to save the world!!.. all sounds great, right? But its not until you've done a couple of "courses" that all the bad stuff happens, and by then its too late to walk away because you already have friends and family in there that you are not willing to walk away from... Clever (hide spoiler)]

Tanya wrote: "Will definetly check out the documentary! I have also heard that "My Scientology Movie" by Louis Theroux is also very good but i have not watched yet (my mum recommended it to me after I recommended her this book lol) "

Awesome! I found "My Scientology Movie" for rent on Amazon and that will definitely be my next watch!

Isabel wrote: "Well I just finish the book, 2 days has taken me to finish it!

Look to not give out anything about the book for those who plan to read it and those who are reading it I will keep my thoughts hided..."

(view spoiler)[ No you are definitely not the only person hating Tom Cruise, he's a twat. I was surprised about Katie Holmes being a twat too.. Although I believe she had a lot of negative influences in her life at the time..She reverted back to Catholicism after their divorce. Sharon Osborne was quite the twat too. No wonder why Leah had to put up with so much BS.

I too wonder where all of this money goes towards Scientology (probably straight to David and Tom's pocketbooks >:( ) It's all very sketchy...and sadly it's the promising messages that get people hooked..like Leah's promise of getting help into acting. I agree 100% with Tanya's comments above At the beginning, it can be very luring and comforting for anyone going through hard times and feeling especially lost ad alone (i.e. Leah's mum). They offer a solid structure, a clear path and community and you get to save the world!!.. all sounds great, right? But its not until you've done a couple of "courses" that all the bad stuff happens, and by then its too late to walk away because you already have friends and family in there that you are not willing to walk away from. I couldn't have said it better myself..all the "promises" for a better life and the promises to "save the world"...it's very very sad :( (hide spoiler)]

Sarah wrote: "Awesome! I found "My Scientology Movie" for rent on Amazon and that will definitely be my next watch!" ohh let us know what you think!!

Tanya wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Awesome! I found "My Scientology Movie" for rent on Amazon and that will definitely be my next watch!" ohh let us know what you think!!"

Yes, I definitely will!! <3

I thought the book was really good.
Is it odd that I kept thinking of scientologist's as being like Nazi's? Self important, don't talk to outsiders, unless your recruiting them. They even have the work camps! I feel like if they were the majority as opposed to the minority we would be looking at them in a whole different light.
I've always been interested in religious and political leaders who could make people follow them so blindly despite seeing the flaws in the system.

Kelsey wrote: "I thought the book was really good.
Is it odd that I kept thinking of scientologist's as being like Nazi's? Self important, don't talk to outsiders, unless your recruiting them. They even have the..."
Yes, good point!

Kelsey wrote: "I thought the book was really good.
Is it odd that I kept thinking of scientologist's as being like Nazi's? Self important, don't talk to outsiders, unless your recruiting them. They even have the..."

I could not agree more on how you see this book! How can you easily manipulate people...

Kelsey wrote: "I thought the book was really good.
Is it odd that I kept thinking of scientologist's as being like Nazi's? Self important, don't talk to outsiders, unless your recruiting them. They even have the..."

Not odd at all! I feel like the fascism/cult leaders of yesterdays world is completely relevant to Scientology today. It's very Charles Manson-Hitler-Stalin-Jim Jones-esque. CREEPY STUFF!

If anyone is still interested in Leah's story, she's on the new episode of Jada Pickett Smith's Red Table Talk on Facebook Watch:
https://www.facebook.com/538649879867...

I've just watched it, it was quite nice :)

If anyone is still interested in Leah's story, she's on the new episode of Jada Pickett Smith's Red Table Talk on Facebook Watch:
https://www.facebook.com/538649879867...

I've just watched it, it was quite nice :)