Title: Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology
Author: Leah Remini
First published November 3, 2015
256 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781101886960 (ISBN10: 110188696X)
Rating: 4.05
Overview
Leah Remini has always been known for speaking her mind, but her association with the Church of Scientology was one topic she kept quiet about for over thirty years. In her explosive memoir, Troublemaker, the actress, talk show host and reality TV star finally reveals her eye-opening insider account of the controversial organization.
From her childhood indoctrination in New York to her move to Los Angeles and her rise to fame, Remini shares how Scientology’s practices became intertwined with her life and career. But when she began to question the church’s actions, she found herself targeted and ultimately declared a “Suppressive Person.” In this frank, funny and poignant memoir, Remini pulls no punches, exposing the church’s controversial practices and revealing the painful split that led to her emotional and spiritual freedom.
Troublemaker is a powerful story of resilience, bravery and the pursuit of truth from an author who refuses to be silenced.
About the Author
Leah Remini is a multi-talented individual who has made a name for herself as an actor, producer, and bestselling author. She has been a familiar face on television since she was eighteen years old, but is most recognized for her role as Carrie on the popular show The King of Queens, which ran for nine seasons.
Remini also produced and starred in one of the first and most successful comedic web series, In the Motherhood, and appeared in the movie Old School alongside well-known actors Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn. In 2010, she co-hosted the first season of the CBS daytime talk show, The Talk, and in 2013, she showed off her moves on the dance floor as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars.
Currently, she is a co-star on the TV Land comedy The Exes and the creator and executive producer of TLC’s reality show Leah Remini: It’s All Relative. Remini is passionate about her philanthropic work, which includes supporting various military, women’s, and children’s charities.
She resides in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.
Editoral Review
Leah Remini’s memoir, Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology, is a powerful and harrowing account of her experiences within the controversial and often secretive organization. Remini, a prominent television actress, brings a unique insider’s perspective to the story, detailing her involvement with Scientology from childhood through adulthood, including her rising fame within the organization and eventual disillusionment with its practices.
The genre of memoir is well-suited to Remini’s story, providing a personal narrative that allows for emotional depth and reflection. Her writing style is clear and direct, with a conversational tone that makes the book accessible and engaging.
Remini’s themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery will resonate with many readers, regardless of their own experiences with religious or cultural groups. Without giving away too much of the plot, it is safe to say that Troublemaker is a deeply revealing and at times shocking account of Remini’s experiences within Scientology.
The book highlights the inner workings of the organization, including its obsessive secrecy, control over members’ personal and professional lives, and aggressive tactics used to silence or punish those who speak out against it. Remini’s journey to break free from Scientology’s grip is fraught with challenges, but her resolve to seek truth and reclaim her own autonomy is inspiring.
One of the strengths of Troublemaker is its raw honesty. Remini does not shy away from difficult or uncomfortable truths about her own choices and actions, nor does she sugarcoat the abusive behavior of certain Scientology leaders.
Her willingness to expose the darker side of a group so often cloaked in mystery is commendable. The book is not without its flaws, however.
Certain sections of the narrative feel repetitive or overly detailed, and the pacing can be uneven at times. Additionally, to those unfamiliar with Scientology, some of the terminology or inner workings of the organization may be confusing or difficult to follow.
Despite these limitations, Troublemaker is a gripping and important book. It sheds light on a complex and controversial topic, and invites readers to question the nature of faith, community, and personal agency.
It also provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly accepting authority and the potential abuses of power that can result. For anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotional read, or interested in learning more about Scientology, Troublemaker is a book well worth reading.
