Keepinitreal is the Evanston Public Library's first book club dedicated solely to non-fiction; this month we are reading "Going Clear" by Lawrence Wright. Discussions are free and open to all.
Scientology presents itself as a scientific approach to spiritual enlightenment, but its practices have long been shrouded in mystery. Now Lawrence Wright—armed with his investigative talents, years of archival research, and more than two hundred personal interviews with current and former Scientologists—uncovers the inner workings of the church. We meet founder L. Ron Hubbard, the highly imaginative but mentally troubled science-fiction writer, and his tough, driven successor, David Miscavige. We go inside their specialized cosmology and language. We learn about the church’s legal attacks on the IRS, its vindictive treatment of critics, and its phenomenal wealth. We see the church court celebrities such as Tom Cruise while consigning its clergy to hard labor under billion-year contracts. Through it all, Wright asks what fundamentally comprises a religion, and if Scientology in fact merits this Constitutionally-protected label. Brilliantly researched, compellingly written, Going Clear pulls back the curtain on one of the most secretive organizations at work today.
Keepinitreal is the Evanston Public Library's first book club dedicated solely to non-fiction. Discussions are free and open to all, no registration required. Books will be held at the Main Library, 2nd Floor, Reader's Services Desk and the discussion will be in the Seminar Room on the 3rd Floor. Call 847-448-8620 or visit the blog at www.keepinitrealevanston.wordpress.com for more information.
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