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David Miscavige: The Scientology Leader in the Shadow
311 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
August 22, 2026
Things I liked about the book: Well researched and with footnotes. Mostly well written. The authors knew some of the people they’re writing about, including David and Shelly Miscavige.
Things I didn’t like as much: Nonlinear timeline. Apparently, before being published in book form, chapters were posted online so there are some repetitions. Other things they could have written about in more detail. Towards the end of the book they rely way too much on ”The Truth Rundown” interviews with Mark Rathbun from St. Petersburg Times.
Overall an interesting book. A damning description of David Miscavige’s character and leadership of the church of Scientology. How Scientologists are being deceived with false promises while being pressured into donating large sums of money and how the church has basically turned into a real estate empire.
3.5 stars rounded down.
(The last pages, 310 and 311, are identical and copied from parts of pages 299-300. If the book is reprinted, these pages should just be removed.)
Things I didn’t like as much: Nonlinear timeline. Apparently, before being published in book form, chapters were posted online so there are some repetitions. Other things they could have written about in more detail. Towards the end of the book they rely way too much on ”The Truth Rundown” interviews with Mark Rathbun from St. Petersburg Times.
Overall an interesting book. A damning description of David Miscavige’s character and leadership of the church of Scientology. How Scientologists are being deceived with false promises while being pressured into donating large sums of money and how the church has basically turned into a real estate empire.
3.5 stars rounded down.
(The last pages, 310 and 311, are identical and copied from parts of pages 299-300. If the book is reprinted, these pages should just be removed.)
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review