10 of the Most Shocking Books About Scientology

The basis for the 2015 HBO documentary of the same name, Going Clear was a finalist for the National Book Award, as well as named the best book of the year by over a dozen publications in 2013. Written by Lawrence Wright, the nonfiction bestseller uses personal accounts from current and former members, as well as investigative research, to draw back the curtain on one of the world's most secretive organizations. The relationships between Scientology and critics, celebrities, and the IRS are just a few of the topics that will grab your attention in this noteworthy book.

Dianetics was first written in 1950 by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Considered to be an essential text for the religion, the book is divided into three volumes, "The Goal of Man," "The Single Source of All Inorganic Mental and Organic Psychosomatic Ills," and "Therapy." These sections and their subsequent chapters explain the principal ideas and practices of Scientology. A helpful list of definitions for important concepts is also included — such as "reactive mind," "engrams," "thetan," "disconnection," and "auditing" — as well as a short biography of Hubbard.

Since the age of 9, King of Queens actress Leah Remini was raised as a Scientologist. She maintained her affiliation with Scientology well into adulthood until, in 2013, she left the church. In her 2015 memoir, Troublemaker, Remini discusses growing up with Scientology, the entangled relationship between the church and Hollywood, as well as the questions and doubts regarding some of the organization's leadership and practices that led to her eventual disassociation with everything that she thought she knew. If you enjoy the book, check out her shocking A&E docuseries, Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath.

Bare-Faced Messiah is a biography of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Written by Russell Miller and published in 1987, just one year after Hubbard's death, the book strives to paint a true portrait of the religious leader. Every aspect of Hubbard's life is scrutinized, including his early childhood, career as a science-fiction author, stint in the military, creation of Scientology, and troubles that accompanied its success. While many critics praised the book, its publication was met with harassment, and even multiple lawsuits, from the church.

In 2005, Jenna Miscavige Hill — the niece of current Scientology leader David Miscavige — left the church. Eight years later, her eye-opening memoir, Beyond Belief, was published. The autobiography details her life within the church, experiences as a member of Sea Org (a group of the most elite, highest-ranking Scientologists), troubling discoveries, and eventual decision to abandon the church and its beliefs.

In 2011, Rolling Stone editor Janet Reitman wrote Inside Scientology. After years of dedicated research, Reitman attempts to shed light on "America's most secretive religion," including the history of its founder, celebrity attraction, current business model, and most public controversies — including the mysterious death of member Lisa McPherson. With first-person accounts from both current and former members, the book is a thoughtful overview that looks to understand what makes Scientology one of the most successful religions in the country.

Published in 1971, The Scandal of Scientology is an exposé by award-winning author Paulette Cooper. Written less than 20 years after the formation of Scientology, the book examines what was, at the time, considered a "now religion." Cooper's investigation into Scientology's political ambitions, wealth, relationship with celebrities, beliefs and practices, and more prompted the church to sue various libraries and bookstores that sold the book.

After the publication of the aforementioned The Scandal of Scientology, the church attempted to suppress its availability to the public. In a shocking 1977 FBI raid of Los Angeles Scientology offices, documents were uncovered that exposed "Operation Freakout," the church's covert plan to have Cooper jailed or institutionalized in retaliation for her scathing criticisms. This was just one of many forms of harassment that Cooper experienced during her investigation into the church, and the brutal treatment pushed her to the brink of suicide. In his 2015 nonfiction debut, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely, Tony Ortega recounts and explores the shocking attacks Paulette Cooper faced in search of the truth.

For over 10 years, award-winning British journalist John Sweeney investigated the Church of Scientology; during that time, he was reportedly bullied and spied on. His 2013 book, The Church of Fear, details his experiences and uncovers all that he discovered in his years of research. Accounts of both former members who criticize the church as well as tales from those who believe that it will be the saving grace of humanity create the comprehensive and enlightening story that has captivated so many.

Last year's Ruthless is written by Ron Miscavige, the father of current Church of Scientology leader David Miscavige. The third member of his family to do so, Ron Miscavige left the church in 2012. With an insider's perspective, the riveting bestseller describes the Miscavige family's introduction to the church, the relationship between David and L. Ron Hubbard, David's rise to power within the organization, Ron's personal challenges with leaving the church, and much more.