In Confessions of an Ex-Scientologist Pothead, Liz Gale delivers an enthralling account of growing up a third-generation Scientologist, the mind-bending secret scriptures that dictated her upbringing and the haunting scandals that gave her courage to break free.
From her first breath, Liz is destined for life within the mysterious world of Scientology. Indoctrination lurks behind every corner as she shuffles between an elite boarding school, eccentric churches and a family of true believers.When her teenage brother’s sudden death sparks a national controversy, Liz begins to ask dangerous questions about her family’s seventy-year involvement with the organization.
The true cost of freedom becomes clear when she starts a family of her own and is faced with a gut-wrenching choice. Will she sacrifice everything to protect her children?
You bet your ass she will. --- "Laugh, cry and prepare for a wild ride with this captivating memoir of a third-generation ex-Scientologist""
"Liz Gale's memoir will fascinate and entertain readers with its unflinching honesty and quirky humor."
"Overwhelming, thought-provoking, heartbreaking, empowering, depressing and hopeful all at the same time."
Read for class. It read like a blog, and I was left with more questions than answers about Scientology but then again I guess if I really wanted to know the controversies in detail I’d pick up a different book
A light read. The story itself is related somewhat obliquely, as if Gale did not want to present the reader with the truly dark side of her experience, which is tragic on a number of fronts. It is illustrated and cleverly arranged as a series of confessions and the writing is interesting. The book was almost like a respite from the much heavier books on scientology that i have been reading, and was a mild segue for me, as I have now embarked on the reading Jon Atack's Let's Sell the People a Piece of Blue Sky, which is a formidable, scholarly history of L Ron Hubbard and scientology. Whereas I read this book in a couple of days, the book I'm reading now will probably occupy me for at least a few weeks.
Very easy read. I'm a weirdo who is wildly fascinated by Scientology and I always learn something new with every new article, video, book, etc I come across. Good for Liz for taking the brave step to share her truth and pain. Hang in there, girl.
This book will stay with you. The writing style invites you to in. I felt like Liz was sharing her story with me personally, perhaps over a cup of coffee.
If you're curious about the cult known as Scientology, then this is a must read book. It delves into how Liz grew up as a true believer, but slowly things didn't quite add up and she peeked behind the curtain. What she found was quite mindblowing, her whole life was based on the vivid and bizarre ramblings of a lunatic! She documents her loss and gains in the story that she wrote, and how she's thriving today with her family by her side! She briefly talks about the series that she was on which is featured on Netflix, with other former members telling their journey in and out of the cult. So take this book into your hands and read her journey out, and look forward to her next book!
"Confessions of an Ex-Scientologist Pothead" by Liz Gale is a captivating and honest memoir that takes readers inside the complex world of growing up in Scientology. Liz’s storytelling is both witty and deeply personal, blending humor with raw reflections on her upbringing as a third-generation Scientologist. Her brave account sheds light on the secretive aspects of the religion while exploring themes of family, loss, and resilience. The book invites readers in with a conversational tone, making it feel like a genuine sharing of experience over coffee. Liz Gale’s unique voice and candid revelations make this memoir an empowering and thought-provoking read for anyone curious about Scientology or the power of breaking free from deeply ingrained beliefs.
I remember this woman's story from the Aftermath show, so I was happy to read her book. It's fairly short. The chapters are divided into topics, and then she gives you some Scientology info along with some of her personal story that corresponds with the topic. I have read a whole lot about scientology, but I believe you could read this book with no issues even if you know nothing about this cult. It is worth your time for sure.
After watching her episode of Scientology and the Aftermath, I started following the author on TikTok and then happened to run across her book. I was really glad to hear more of her story, and even more glad to hear that she's doing well. It was a lovely read, well-written, and I look forward to reading any future work.
Horrifying stories, clearly and compellingly written. I definitely know more about Scientology than I did before I read it.
It sucked me right in and didn't let me go until I finished. Left me wanting to hear more, although I'm not sure that would be fair to ask from the author, who's already been through a lot and told a great deal about her experiences.
I wish she had written more! I love her wit and her sense of humor even as she writes about personally painful memories and choices . I wish her and her family the very best.