Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me

This book is so sad. I felt terrible for the author while reading it. I think he is holding back a lot in his writing. He kindly calls his son a sociopath, but clearly his son is a psychopath based on all the horrible things he has done to both members inside and outside of the church. How anyone can take Scientology seriously after doing a little research on it is mind boggling. Scientology has some good things about it. No doubt. No doubt that is why people join. But if the leaders are demonic and sick, then what does that say about the church itself? I have read several books (read my review of Leah Remini's book) and watched many documentaries on Scientology. I still don't understand how so many are still in the dark about it and how it is allowed to continue imprison people as it does and get tax exemptions?! Look at the jack asses like Tom Cruise and other celebrities that clearly have no idea what is really going on because they refuse to open their eyes. These people have compartmentalized themselves away from seeing the truth. They are told not to read online about Scientology, so clearly they don't. And in keeping themselves willfully blind, they are working with the evils of this church and they too, are responsible for so much pain they are causing others. One day many of these people will wake up. But until then, they keep the suffering going for others.The silence of people like Tom Cruise's ex-wives who, no doubt, know what is going on and could speak up but they do not. For instance, Nicole Kidman's kids no longer speak to her because she is a "suppressive person". So many cowards know what is going on and refuse to speak up about it, which is just as evil. In Remini's book she talks about babies being neglected in the nurseries and other horrors. Many of the people are imprisoned in the walls and are tortured in "The Hole". One woman died within the prison walls of Scientology. I am sure later it will come at that others have as well. I was disappointed that Ron did not discuss more what has happened to his son's wife that has disappeared. Does he think she is still alive or not? Many don't. And what about other leaders that have disappeared? Some of the documentaries online go into this. Overall, this was a very good read and he is a brave man for telling the world what he knows as an insider. But I felt he knows much more than he was willing to say. I hope that his book will give others the courage to speak out as well because not speaking out is just as evil as what David Miscavige is doing and he will continue to do it as long as people keep quiet.

Mr. Ron Miscavige's book is a wealth of information. I believe the levels of information this book reveals breaks down into two major categories. Those who are relatively new to learning about David Miscavige (DM) and the Church of Scientology (CoS) and the second group is ex-members, family and friends friends of ex-members and those who are dedicated to Scientology watching (either as an activist, religious scholars or other reasons for following this highly controversial belief system.)I believe both groups I mentioned will take something away from this book, but before I get too much farther into my review I wish to be very upfront about this. If you are only interested in this book because you believe you will get juicy scoops on Hollywood Celebrities - you might be disappointed. While there is some minor talk of celebrity Scientologists as it relates to the author's son and some of the author's interactions with them, this is not an expose on CoS and Hollywood celebrities. It is about the journey the author went through in and out of the CoS, and of course, a lot of particulars on how DM was from infancy, to child and as his life progressed until he became one of the most controversial leaders of a belief system that many classify as a cult. Make no mistake...this IS the story of two men's lives as it relates to Scientology.For those who fall into the latter group I mentioned- there is quite a bit of information that is already known to those of us who follow CoS. it makes it no less poignant or tragic, IMO, that this belief system puts its "clergy" members through these types of abuses. It also paints a very vivid picture of a young DM. The background of DM probably won't come as too much of a surprise to the informed reader.For the former group, this book provides a very good look at what it is like for those who become involved in the CoS; especially for those persons who know only the bare bones first person accounts and stories that have been catching fire and spreading awareness of the CoS. it is a huge story comparatively speaking since it deals with DM.That being said -- this book, while very personal, is much more neutral than I expected. By that I mean that the author seems to take pains in stating his opinion quite straightforwardly without too much supposition on what could have been. He also takes more responsibility than I expected. He seems to be quite fair in his telling. I say this from the vantage point of knowing many first person accounts of the CoS and DM.The author can occasionally come off as tip toeing gently, but due to the extremely litigious nature of the CoS I expected it. That shouldn't imply or suggest that there aren't loads of details, insight and the ability to gain hindsight perspective from this book. I think it is extremely important to capture these accounts and make sure they are available for people who either are considering joining the CoS, have family members in or for the purpose of educating yourself on what is happening behind the PR curtain of an organization that claims it is pro-human rights and claims it walks that walk, and forming your own educated opinion from all the materials available.It took quite a lot of fortitude to pen this book considering the very personal negative information the author reveals. Imagine having all of your deepest darkest secrets in the hand of a group that allegedly espouse the priest penitent privilege -- yet all of sudden that same organization is spilling those secrets to anyone who will listen, buying websites to place that information on, having current members film testimonies that you are a "Dirty Pig" and much more yet they had no issue with you for 40+ years.The courage that the author shows in proclaiming his shortcomings due to the "always attack" posture of CoS is not something to be taken lightly. And while you (and I) may not like some of his mistakes, I think it is far more plausible that the author takes responsibility for past actions then it is for the CoS to say they never do anything wrong - ever, ever. It's always someone else who is lying or has done something wrong as a standard response to any negativity. They are the only person/group on the planet that has never made a mistake, lied or hurt someone. And, of course, they say that the author is making this story up (for money, revenge, because he's a defrocked apostate and any other number of allegations that have been offered before on others who have spoke out about the CoS practices) despite many of the assertions being factually documented by photographs, testimony and even their own admission.I think there are two sides to every story and if you are remotely interested in the CoS for any reason, this book is a valuable read. I won't reveal any spoilers, but I will say there is still quite a bit of new information here and this should definitely be on the reading list for those who are interested in the CoS.I would have rated it a 3.5 if the option was there. While this doesn't break down all new barriers with every revelation, it certainly reveals enough for me to understand why the CoS was so upset about this book being published. Additionally, the writing is clean, it is easy to read, it doesn't use a phenomenal amount of Scientology speak which can be confusing for never-ins, it explains the behind the scenes of one family who raised one man who would be a Tzar of his kingdom and allows you to see that behind the CoS curtain isn't the Wizard of Oz, but just a normal man, not a God, who has allegedly caused much pain, disconnection, heart break. What kind of human the author's son is...well that's for you to decide based on your own research and opinion.An informative and interesting book for all those interested in the CoS and religious belief systems.I suggest reading Going Clear either prior to this book, or after this book if you haven't already read it; Going Clear really places this book in context.

The murky world of Scientology is so intriguing and this insight into the COB is absolutely fascinating. Ron Miscavige has lived a truly unique life and has such a wonderful way of relaying his memories, the book was a very easy and enjoyable read and I highly recommend it not only as a tell all about David Miscavige but also as a great autobiography in its own right.

Ho letto questo libro per curiosità e devo dire che l'ho trovato interessante - anche i consigli per ulteriori letture in fondo al libro.

This book is an unbiased analysis of the evolution of Dianetics and Scientology by someone that has a very unique perspective. The authorknew Mr. Hubbard personally and was a Scientologist at the time Mr. Hubbard was still alive. He still respects and values the knowledge that Mr. Hubbard brought together. He is the father of the current Headmaster of what Scientology has become. The book is an entertaining read that provides information that is not available in the many other books on the subject , in regard to the special insight into the family life of the current Boss of Scientology. Scientology was meant for all people , and indeed its' mission is to " Clear " the planet ( uplift everyone mentally and spiritually , end poverty and criminality , end war and strife , end insanity ) , however , over the years it has devolved to it's current condition ( which to those of you that know the jargon , ain't Power ) . Here is a quote from the book that very aptly sums things up , " Scientology was no longer affordable for the average working person and , increasingly , became limited only to the wealthy ". Strangely enough a similar thing happened to early Christianity. The author believes that a restructuring will eventually take place , and remains hopeful about future developments. A good read , and a must read for those interested in the subject.

How can this happen. That so many people can blindly follow someone like Davud Miscaviage. ,it seems ever generation breeds some like hitler and it seems David Miscaviage is his generations hitler

(Englische Ausgabe). Das Buch ist keine Abrechnung. Seine Nichte Jenna Miscavige hatte schon vor Jahren auf die Brutalität in dieser Sekte aufmerksam gemacht. Es ist eine einzige Bestätigung für andere, die die Flucht geschafft haben, und denen von Mitläufer-Scientologen nicht geglaubt wird, weil die interne Propaganda zu stark ist.Es ist ein Bericht, der minutiös aufzeigt, wie man als Scientology-Anhänger denkt und handelt und immer mehr von der Sekte vereinnahmt wird, bis man vollkommen in deren Raster denkt. Unmerklich verschwinden Emotionen und man wird berechnender und kälter. Mitgefühl ist verpönt. Wie bei so vielen: Sie werden "ruthless" also immer mehr Gnadenlos wie sein Sohn David Miscavige. Und hier stellt Miscavige Senior sich immer wieder die richtigen Fragen. Am Ende muss er fliehen und schafft die Flucht. Er weiß, wenn er geschnappt wird, dann wird es zu einer lebenslangen Unterbringung in irgendeinem überwachten Loch, wenn nicht gar der Tod. Kein Mensch wird ihn und seine Frau dort finden, wie seine Schwiegertochter, die seit 10 Jahren verschwunden ist. Ich frage mich allen ernstes: Noch sind ihm weiter Detektive auf den Fersen. Werden Sie ihn kidnappen?Auch recherchiert er selber, trotz Überwachung durch Privatdetektive mit Waffenarsenal im Kofferraum (laut Polizeibericht aus Kalifornien), und kommt zu erstaunlichen Resultaten. Leider fehlt hier der letzte Schritt, der Reflektion: Wie stark war die Hypnose bei ihm selbst und Anderen? Je länger und tiefer die Leute in die Firma einsteigen, desto schwächer wird die Chance, die Manipulation aufzuarbeiten. Aber ich bin sicher, er wird weiter Fragen und selber Antworten finden.