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Cults, Curiosity, and Can’t-Put-Down Reads
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items Curious about cults and the people who join—or leave—them? This curated reading list features gripping memoirs, real-life stories, and in-depth accounts of life inside cults. From firsthand experiences to investigative insights, these books explore t...
Great book if you're faciniated with cults. The story about a family-oriented lifestyle hiding years of emotional, physical, and spiritual abuse under the guise of faith and duty.
A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy
An incredibly eye-opening Scientology memoir by Mike Rinder, offering a raw and honest look at life inside Scientology and the challenges of leaving the organization. Surprisingly readable and deeply revealing. Rest in peace, Mike.
A Billion Years: Escape from Scientology
An incredibly moving memoir by Shari Franke, In the House of My Mother tells a deeply personal story of family, resilience, and survival. I listened to this audiobook while driving through Utah, and her resilience in the face of adversity is awe-insp...
The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest
For me, Ruthless by Ron Miscavige highlighted the seemingly innocuous inception into the cult and the multi-generational repercussions of that decision.
Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige
Troublemaker by Leah Remini is a compelling and eye-opening memoir about life in Scientology. Her passion, along with Mike Rinder’s, has seemingly spearheaded the sharing of crucial information about the inner workings of this cult. Honest, revealing...
Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood & Scientology
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer is a gripping exploration of faith, fanaticism, and the extremes of religious belief. Through a real-life story of a violent crime tied to fundamentalist Mormonism, Krakauer examines how ideology can shape l...
Under the Banner of Heaven: Violent Faith
Scared by Sarah Edmondson is a powerful memoir about her experiences inside NXIVM and her journey to break free from manipulation and control. Honest, raw, and deeply personal, it explores the psychological tactics used in cults and the courage it ta...
Scarred: How I Escaped NXIVM Cult
Beyond Belief by Jenna Miscavige Hill goes hand in hand with Ron Miscavige’s biography, exploring the multi-generational trauma caused by life inside Scientology. Honest, revealing, and deeply personal, this memoir provides an insider’s perspective o...
Beyond Belief: My Secret Life in Scientology
Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall is a gripping memoir that recounts her experiences growing up in the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). Honest, raw, and deeply personal, it explores the challenges of escaping an oppres...
Stolen Innocence: Growing Up in Polygamy
Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief by Lawrence Wright is a groundbreaking investigation into the inner workings of Scientology. Before Leah Remini and Mike Rinder shared their stories, this book laid bare the organization’s...
Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood & Belief
Inside Scientology by Janet Reitman takes readers inside the Church of Scientology, exploring its practices, culture, and controversies. Thoroughly researched and revealing, it’s an essential read for anyone looking to understand Scientology, high-co...
Inside Scientology: America's Secretive Religion
Blown for Good by Marc Headley is a compelling memoir detailing his journey out of the Church of Scientology. Raw, honest, and deeply personal, it complements the stories of Mike Rinder, Leah Remini, Ron Miscavige, and Jenna Miscavige Hill—true crusa...
Blown for Good: Behind Iron Curtain Scientology