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SCIENTOLOGY Abuse At the Top
A former top insider reveals the nightmare world of violence and abuse at the highest levels of the Church of Scientology. One review "At home alone, a 14 year old girl takes a phone call from Scientology. This starts a quarter of a century journey of manipulation, betrayal and sexual, physical and mental abuse. This journey leads to the highest management echelon and one woman's courage to break free. A real page-turner." Mark P. Another "Amy Scobee has written a book unlike any other expose of Scientology. She actually was at the top of International Management for 20 years, and oversaw the recruitment of Hollywood stars into the Church of Scientology. She witnessed the abuse of top managers by their senior, David Miscavige. She writes convincingly of the human rights violations she endured while on the Rehabilitation Project Force, a thinly disguised slave labor camp. Her book is enjoyable to insiders and laymen alike, with a glossary of terms provided, and plentiful footnotes. This is an important contribution to understanding the controversy surrounding the Church of Scientology. The glaring spotlight eventually points to Abuse at the Top." Michael H.
236 pages, Hardcover
First published May 9, 2010
103 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 9, 2015
A real look at Scientology
I cannot believe people put up with this type of abuse. It's wrong, just wrong. L. Ron Hubbard would be ashamed of what David has done.
I cannot believe people put up with this type of abuse. It's wrong, just wrong. L. Ron Hubbard would be ashamed of what David has done.
June 16, 2012
Scientology: Abuse at the Top is an account of life behind the public façade of Scientology, as told by a former member of the ‘religion’s upper echelons, the notorious Sea Org.
Having previously read a lot of online material on Scientology, I did wasn’t expecting any major revelations from Scobee’s book, but despite being prepared for some of the absurdities of this ‘religion’, this particular story still managed to shock me. Amy Scobee seems an intelligent, articulate woman; and yet she was so brainwashed by Scientology that she put up with unimaginable ordeals; the separation from her family, the collapse of both her marriages caused by prolonged separation, and the slave labour camps. Scientology’s RPF - Rehabilitation Project Force - is indeed, just another word for ‘slave labour camp’. It is astonishing to think that the United States Government allows slave labour to take place on its own soil, while readily condemning it in a foreign country. A woman mentioned in the book was ‘locked’ in the RPF programme for 6 years: 6 years of slavery. Whilst reading this story, is sometimes difficult to sympathise with the victims because they could have walked out; but of course, the way cults operate is by isolating people from their families and from society in general. With no qualifications and not even a bank account, it would be overwhelming for most of us, let alone for someone who has known little else of the world since age 16.
Aside from shock values, this is not a book that you will read for its prose. Scobee’s writing leaves a lot to be desired, and a lack of structure, as well as an overuse of Scientology jargon and acronyms make for a difficult reading at times. But this is still a story that needed to be told and I hope that more people will buy this book, read it, encourage their friends to buy a copy and spread the word, so that hopefully, one day the US Government will put an end to this abuse of human rights in the name of the absolute scandal known as Scientology.
Having previously read a lot of online material on Scientology, I did wasn’t expecting any major revelations from Scobee’s book, but despite being prepared for some of the absurdities of this ‘religion’, this particular story still managed to shock me. Amy Scobee seems an intelligent, articulate woman; and yet she was so brainwashed by Scientology that she put up with unimaginable ordeals; the separation from her family, the collapse of both her marriages caused by prolonged separation, and the slave labour camps. Scientology’s RPF - Rehabilitation Project Force - is indeed, just another word for ‘slave labour camp’. It is astonishing to think that the United States Government allows slave labour to take place on its own soil, while readily condemning it in a foreign country. A woman mentioned in the book was ‘locked’ in the RPF programme for 6 years: 6 years of slavery. Whilst reading this story, is sometimes difficult to sympathise with the victims because they could have walked out; but of course, the way cults operate is by isolating people from their families and from society in general. With no qualifications and not even a bank account, it would be overwhelming for most of us, let alone for someone who has known little else of the world since age 16.
Aside from shock values, this is not a book that you will read for its prose. Scobee’s writing leaves a lot to be desired, and a lack of structure, as well as an overuse of Scientology jargon and acronyms make for a difficult reading at times. But this is still a story that needed to be told and I hope that more people will buy this book, read it, encourage their friends to buy a copy and spread the word, so that hopefully, one day the US Government will put an end to this abuse of human rights in the name of the absolute scandal known as Scientology.
December 7, 2023
An almost unbelievable but true story told by an amazing and supremely brave woman—BRAVO!!
As with other books by former Scientologists such as Leah Remini, Mike Rinder, Marc Headley and Janis Gilham Grady, I never cease to be a combination of amazed, angered, shocked and horrified at the very least about what they and countless others endured at the various levels of involvement with this sham of a so-called “church” and “religion”; that one could rise to the highest executive and departmental heights of the organization one day to scrubbing toilets, ships and dumpsters and being mentally and, in many cases, physically tortured by an evil despotic dictator of a man like David Miscavige, all in the name of “clearing and saving the planet” is the epitome of cruel hypocrisy and I applaud all of these uniquely amazing people, including this author Amy Scobee, for speaking out about all the abuses and injustices perpetrated by this fraudulent entity; a fantastic read and I’m so glad I have continued to explore all of these stories (this review is by Stephen London, husband of Mary Kay Wojtkowski, who is listed below and whose name this book is under as a reader)
As with other books by former Scientologists such as Leah Remini, Mike Rinder, Marc Headley and Janis Gilham Grady, I never cease to be a combination of amazed, angered, shocked and horrified at the very least about what they and countless others endured at the various levels of involvement with this sham of a so-called “church” and “religion”; that one could rise to the highest executive and departmental heights of the organization one day to scrubbing toilets, ships and dumpsters and being mentally and, in many cases, physically tortured by an evil despotic dictator of a man like David Miscavige, all in the name of “clearing and saving the planet” is the epitome of cruel hypocrisy and I applaud all of these uniquely amazing people, including this author Amy Scobee, for speaking out about all the abuses and injustices perpetrated by this fraudulent entity; a fantastic read and I’m so glad I have continued to explore all of these stories (this review is by Stephen London, husband of Mary Kay Wojtkowski, who is listed below and whose name this book is under as a reader)
March 23, 2013
I'd purchased this book based on interviews I'd seen with Amy Scobee online. I found her interesting and even funny in the way that she recounted certain incident (such as watching the T. C. $ci video). And after reading the book, I still find her to be, but I felt almost dizzy upon my completion of it. As someone who has been reading a number of books as of late and watching videos on the Co$, I am not unfamiliar to the jargon. But she sounded as if she were speaking to others who'd gone through her experience in certain instances and it was easy to lose the layman. True, she does have a glossary in the back which was helpful for a few terms I didn't even know. But for a while, the passages were heavy with terms and phrases that boggled the mind. And because of that, though her story was an interesting one, I will have to give it a 3/5 due to the heaviness of $ci-speak.
September 7, 2010
This book was fairly easy and fun to read, and I would recommend it if you are interested in reading horror stories about Scientology. The style of writing felt natural but definitely could have been improved. Many time it got confusing due to all the acronyms and lingo used by Scientologists, and the author didn't do the best job explaining why she decided to live through so much of this nonsense. But overall it was an entertaining read.
June 3, 2016
I think her story was compelling and highlighted more of the abusive "religion"... I gave this story a 2 because it flowed like a history book timeline. I found it very dry. Throughout the entire book she used abbreviation after abbreviation and, while she did explain them, there was just too many to keep up with. My eyes glazed over several times. But I applaud her for getting out...it took guts.
April 30, 2013
I think this book could have been good but I thought the writing was terrible! I'm no writer, myself, but I do know that I don't like reading the same sentence over and over again to try and make sense of it. Also, all the abbreviations really threw me for a loop. Just couldn't do it.
December 26, 2016
Not the greatest writing ever, but fascinating.
August 26, 2023
Another in the long list of books about life in the Sea Org. This book was another quick read that would benefit from some editing. I watch Amy's Vlog on youtube and feel as if I know her personally, and she is so happy that it must drive the OSA people watching her videos batty.
She pulls no punches. In one chapter, she describes episode after episode of David Miscavige physically attacking others at the Int Base. Additionally she spent an inordinate amount of time performing disgusting punishments while living in squalor.
Amy Scobee and Mat Pesch left the Int Base and the Sea Org on the same day. Mat had told them the day previously, after months of relentless sec checks that went on for infinite hours, that he had had enough and if they wanted to keep him they would have to shoot him in the head. He included Amy in this ultimatum. Still, scientology was not going to make it easy for them. They put Mat on a bus to Florida and Amy on a plane to Seattle after confiscating all of their contact information. They just had to make it as hard as they could for the two to be together.
Nonetheless, within 2 or 3 days they were together, and married less than 2 weeks later. Then the fun began. Even better than this book is the video they made together about this adventure, which is available on youtube. https://youtu.be/NGL4slLj41k?si=A0hPn...
Exes are coming out of their private lives to promote this current explosion of interest in the abuses of the criminally insane, destructive cult known as scientology. Every story is worth listening to. The stories pile up and up and up and it is clear to me that scientology should not have tax exempt status and should be entirely wiped out. thank you to all the exes, and Amy and Mat
She pulls no punches. In one chapter, she describes episode after episode of David Miscavige physically attacking others at the Int Base. Additionally she spent an inordinate amount of time performing disgusting punishments while living in squalor.
Amy Scobee and Mat Pesch left the Int Base and the Sea Org on the same day. Mat had told them the day previously, after months of relentless sec checks that went on for infinite hours, that he had had enough and if they wanted to keep him they would have to shoot him in the head. He included Amy in this ultimatum. Still, scientology was not going to make it easy for them. They put Mat on a bus to Florida and Amy on a plane to Seattle after confiscating all of their contact information. They just had to make it as hard as they could for the two to be together.
Nonetheless, within 2 or 3 days they were together, and married less than 2 weeks later. Then the fun began. Even better than this book is the video they made together about this adventure, which is available on youtube. https://youtu.be/NGL4slLj41k?si=A0hPn...
Exes are coming out of their private lives to promote this current explosion of interest in the abuses of the criminally insane, destructive cult known as scientology. Every story is worth listening to. The stories pile up and up and up and it is clear to me that scientology should not have tax exempt status and should be entirely wiped out. thank you to all the exes, and Amy and Mat
September 16, 2017
Information is disturbing
I chose this rating NOT because the book is bad..BUT because the content of this book is BAD! This is another of Scientology book I chose to read in my attempt to understand why my best friend attempted to recruit me into this cult. I cannot believe she wanted me to get involved!! I went to visit her church....sO was there 2 1/2 hours. W as told I couldn't communicate. Spent $90.00 on something. A class..some books. This was 1975. As I drove home I realized the error of my/their ways. I had 2 large male family members return the materials the following day! I broke contact with my best friend..over the years although she claims she no longer has attachments with scientology, I can't trust her. She is a psychiatrist..and says she wants to "CLEAR" me. I'm still running like hell l!!
Therefore my interest in the scientology content. I cannot believe my eyes. This is no church..no religion. It appears to be an ugly cult that draws the weak and timid into the fold then abuses them. Knowledge is power. I figured it out as I drove home that unlikely evening that My friend attempted to draw me in..Thank God ..I never returned. The whole experience made me sick. Now that I've read more..I'm even sicker. I hope the church doesn't come after me.. I'll shout this ugliness from the rooftops.
Read this for knowledge! Read Troublemaker. Leah Reminini. Another eye opener..enough said!! If I disappear overnight. Well, you get the picture!
I chose this rating NOT because the book is bad..BUT because the content of this book is BAD! This is another of Scientology book I chose to read in my attempt to understand why my best friend attempted to recruit me into this cult. I cannot believe she wanted me to get involved!! I went to visit her church....sO was there 2 1/2 hours. W as told I couldn't communicate. Spent $90.00 on something. A class..some books. This was 1975. As I drove home I realized the error of my/their ways. I had 2 large male family members return the materials the following day! I broke contact with my best friend..over the years although she claims she no longer has attachments with scientology, I can't trust her. She is a psychiatrist..and says she wants to "CLEAR" me. I'm still running like hell l!!
Therefore my interest in the scientology content. I cannot believe my eyes. This is no church..no religion. It appears to be an ugly cult that draws the weak and timid into the fold then abuses them. Knowledge is power. I figured it out as I drove home that unlikely evening that My friend attempted to draw me in..Thank God ..I never returned. The whole experience made me sick. Now that I've read more..I'm even sicker. I hope the church doesn't come after me.. I'll shout this ugliness from the rooftops.
Read this for knowledge! Read Troublemaker. Leah Reminini. Another eye opener..enough said!! If I disappear overnight. Well, you get the picture!
December 21, 2017
Easy to read despite being hard to obtain. (Michiganians please see the note following the review.) Scobee published this book before Leah Remini began her television show, so I've been meaning to read it ever since I joined GoodReads. It confirms much of what Remini's show depicts, but from Scobee's viewpoint. The violence is less incredulous than how Scobee was constantly being put on the RPF or various rehabilitation programs yet would be released from them back into upper management positions. If she was such an awful Scientologist, wouldn't the Sea Org re-start her at a lower level after her second or third tour through the RPF? Apparently not. Instead, they chose to give her multiple high-ranking positions concurrently and work her to until she dropped. Very strange. Overall, this is a great memoir for those not already well versed in Scientology's abuses though it would have benefited from a proofreader.
Fulfillment note: Michiganians, this book is not available via MeLCat, so you will have to ILL it. (The copy I borrowed is from the Denver Public Library.) If you're not familiar with ILL, ask your friendly local librarian for help.
Fulfillment note: Michiganians, this book is not available via MeLCat, so you will have to ILL it. (The copy I borrowed is from the Denver Public Library.) If you're not familiar with ILL, ask your friendly local librarian for help.
January 18, 2021
After reading this book, I come to cherish and respect my Islam more and more.
Thank God for Islam and for being a Muslim.
Thank God for a religion that has ethics, morals and scientific approaches that leave us sober and witty.
Scobee, like several other defectors, had worked closely with Scientology leader David Miscavige.
And as a group, these former executives came forward to tell the world how bizarre and awful it was to work for a leader that was so irrational, impulsive, and violent.
What an odd group!
I can't even begin to imagine how can clever people, or supposedly clever, let themselves be led aimlessly and brainwashed so easily!
Or maybe Kundera can answer on behalf of that former bewilderment of mine in his masterpiece, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' when he said:
“Anyone whose goal is 'something higher' must expect someday to suffer vertigo. What is vertigo? Fear of falling? No, Vertigo is something other than fear of falling. It is the voice of the emptiness below us which tempts and lures us, it is the desire to fall, against which, terrified, we defend ourselves.”
― Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
I don't know....maybe!
Thank God for Islam and for being a Muslim.
Thank God for a religion that has ethics, morals and scientific approaches that leave us sober and witty.
Scobee, like several other defectors, had worked closely with Scientology leader David Miscavige.
And as a group, these former executives came forward to tell the world how bizarre and awful it was to work for a leader that was so irrational, impulsive, and violent.
What an odd group!
I can't even begin to imagine how can clever people, or supposedly clever, let themselves be led aimlessly and brainwashed so easily!
Or maybe Kundera can answer on behalf of that former bewilderment of mine in his masterpiece, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' when he said:
“Anyone whose goal is 'something higher' must expect someday to suffer vertigo. What is vertigo? Fear of falling? No, Vertigo is something other than fear of falling. It is the voice of the emptiness below us which tempts and lures us, it is the desire to fall, against which, terrified, we defend ourselves.”
― Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
I don't know....maybe!
October 3, 2023
I listened to the audio done by Amy Scobee herself. She is so genuine. Thank goodness Scientology did not abuse the kindness out of her. And they tried hard. This is a story about her experience growing up in the cult of Scientology. She is honest in what happened, how she handled it, and how she felt about it. Great perspective. I loved listening to Amy read her own story, since she added extra commentary as someone who has had several years to look back and think even more clearly about what was happening to her. At the time, the craziness made sense since it was indoctrinated in her. With time, she realizes how nuts it really was. Anyone interested in either Scientology or the life of someone in a cult, this book would be of interest to you. She is working on a second book about what Scientology has tried to do to her after she left. I cannot wait to read it.
July 17, 2022
I am fascinated by Scientology- not because I have any interest in it but because the fact that people still live and operate in this cult astounds me. Leah Remini’s book, show, and podcast were amazingly eye opening. I read the books from David Miscavige’s family members as well so I thought I’d give this a go as I’d seen Amy in interviews and thought it would be interesting to hear her story. It was not. I couldn’t even finish the book because the story (although I’m certain was compelling in content) was so poorly told. Also I did it on audio and the narrator was terrible and the overuse of the word “supposably” was too much for me. Couldn’t finish but hold Amy in high regard for getting the help out of this brain-drain cult.
April 21, 2023
I want to rate this 4 stars, but I have a few issues with this book. I am familiar with Amy Scobee, the author. I've also been reading and watching Scientology survivor stories for about 10 years now. I'm pretty familiar with the jargon and abbreviations they use for everything. I imagine a person who didn't know anything about Scientology and read this book would have a really hard time understanding anything. There was a glossary, but the story just had so much terminology. I didn't mind that so much. I just think the book could've used some major editing. It did have some interesting information though, and Amy seems like a really wonderful person. I'm glad I read her book.
May 20, 2023
I am a fan of all escapees from Scientology. Amy is a gentle soul who suffered immensely through no fault of her own. Like Mike Rinder's book, Leah Remini's book, and Aaron Smith Levin's podcasts, this is a true account of surviving inside this cult. It is a book that means to be nothing more than an honest memoir that describes horrendous abuses sociopaths can inflict on others when given power from the unsuspecting. Anything that tells the truth about Scientology is worth reading.
May 31, 2017
Bitter sweet
I hate that she had to go through so many heart aches. But so happy she is free from this cult!
I hate that she had to go through so many heart aches. But so happy she is free from this cult!
June 23, 2017
Awesome, I remember hearing about Amys story on leah and mikes show scientology and the aftermath.
October 23, 2017
Stopped too soon
I could've kept reading her life story. Hopefully she knows how much good she's doing & her work is great
I could've kept reading her life story. Hopefully she knows how much good she's doing & her work is great
December 13, 2019
Would give no stars
January 1, 2020
I learned a great deal
The story and the details were fascinating. However, as a book it was uneven. I was left with more questions than answers.
The story and the details were fascinating. However, as a book it was uneven. I was left with more questions than answers.
April 15, 2023
Another interesting memoir on Scientology. Also, one of the first. Amy seems like a lovely person.
June 6, 2023
Good read. Appreciated the footnotes. Glad she’s out and happy!
June 19, 2023
The first half of the book is very factual (and thus a bit boring), but the second half was great and left on a cliff-hanger of sorts. The end of the book definitely made the book worth reading.
August 15, 2023
This book was so good, I could hardly put it down, it was an extremely interesting read
June 23, 2023
Heartbreaking and inspiring!
This book describes the horrible abuses of Scientology and the psychopathic violence and cruelty of David Miscavage. It also shows the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love. It is truly inspiring.
This book describes the horrible abuses of Scientology and the psychopathic violence and cruelty of David Miscavage. It also shows the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love. It is truly inspiring.
June 17, 2016
Sad
Sad this woman got involved in this cult, for this organization to claim to be a religion is ludacris, these celebrities are idiots , lord help anyone involved in this non- sense started by a mere MAN, and now over seen by a mad man.... This book tells the tale I always knew they were freaks I pray some can get out before its too late to say all is too hopeful. Hell is full of narcissistic people I'm sure this cult will fit in nicely I only hope reality hits . its absurd to think anyone would give their life up for a fake religion started by a Man, a money hungry evil man..... Words cannot express the sadness I have for the innocent the children brought into this madness you would think someone would investigate this tragedy of a mess , money is so the root to all evil. So glad you got away god bless you.
Sad this woman got involved in this cult, for this organization to claim to be a religion is ludacris, these celebrities are idiots , lord help anyone involved in this non- sense started by a mere MAN, and now over seen by a mad man.... This book tells the tale I always knew they were freaks I pray some can get out before its too late to say all is too hopeful. Hell is full of narcissistic people I'm sure this cult will fit in nicely I only hope reality hits . its absurd to think anyone would give their life up for a fake religion started by a Man, a money hungry evil man..... Words cannot express the sadness I have for the innocent the children brought into this madness you would think someone would investigate this tragedy of a mess , money is so the root to all evil. So glad you got away god bless you.
December 13, 2017
I did find this interesting but there are so many job titles and initials for job titles etc that I lost track a little. My views of the whole thing after having read this book is that basically Scientology was introduced as a good thing challenging peoples perceptions of how they treat each other etc and helping them to become the best they could be, however after LRH (Ron Hubbard) the initiator of this "religion" died and David Miscavage took over the church became greedy and striving for its own good and not the good of its people. Celebrities are treated differently and have their own Celebrity Centre.
April 9, 2015
OMG!
Reading Amy's story was so difficult for me to understand how gullible people can be. To be controlled, manipulated and abused by one guy at the helm of scientology (cult comes to mind) was very difficult for me to comprehend. I read "Going Clear" and decided to read a personal account to gain a more in depth knowledge as to why people accept having all their rights taken away and not stand up for themselves. Life is too short. I wish only the best to those who have left this insanity behind them. Happiness to Amy and Matt.
Reading Amy's story was so difficult for me to understand how gullible people can be. To be controlled, manipulated and abused by one guy at the helm of scientology (cult comes to mind) was very difficult for me to comprehend. I read "Going Clear" and decided to read a personal account to gain a more in depth knowledge as to why people accept having all their rights taken away and not stand up for themselves. Life is too short. I wish only the best to those who have left this insanity behind them. Happiness to Amy and Matt.
February 11, 2014
Very interesting story. But I have to agree with the other reviewers, the Scientology lingo made a lot of it difficult to get through. I would have liked more telling us how she felt. I am surprised at how long it takes people to get out and how much they are put through before finally leaving. This is a cult and deserves no religious tax break or recognition. Period. I did read it through quickly because I am fascinated by what makes people go into cults and stay so long.
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