Blown for Good - Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology (BFG Paperback)

by Marc Headley

Book Overview

Many have heard of the controversial subject of Scientology. Few know the inner workings of their day to day operations and mangement and what goes on at the top levels of Scientology operations... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0982502222
• ISBN13: 9780982502228
• Release Date: January 2010
• Publisher: BFG Books Inc
• Length: 396 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A Scientology insider tells all - Scientology is dumb

Stayed up into the night finishing Marc Headley's Blown for Good. I was blown away by how good this book was. I could not put it down - and I'm glad I didn't. I finished Nancy Many's Billion Year Contract a couple of days ago. That was a good book, It is distinct among the recent Scientology survivor books in how it gives an inside view on how mental illness and Scientology don't mix. Maybe too much of an "inside" view. The book was grueling for sure but I would recommend it. But that book didn't capture me quite so much as Blown for Good. The day after I finished Nancy Many's book, I got Blown for Good in the mail. There is so much about this book to like. There is a charm to it. I realized half way through the book that all the chapter titles were taken from Depeche Mode songs and like the music of Depeche Mode, the book takes you some place dark where strength and vulnerability walk hand in hand. It also occurred to me that is book begs to be made into a movie, not only because the picture Marc paints is so clear, but also because we already have a sound track. Marc's sarcastic, smart ass comments are great comic relief and not just funny to laugh at, but almost necessary as he takes you into the world of Scientology's "Secret" Base, the domain of the sociopathic, sadistic "leader" Dave Miscavige. More than any other book to date (I think I've read them all) this book paints a portrait of Miscavige. It is not a pretty picture. Miscavige comes off sometimes as a cartoonish super villain, laughing maniacally at his hapless minions who he makes to suffer, but Marc keeps up anecdote after anecdote, with quotes and details to remind you that this is a real person he is talking about. These surreal outrages against the trust that was placed in this sick man really did happen (and are still happening). There is a good deal of insider information about Tom Cruise, Lisa McPherson and many other people of interest to the critics of Scientology as well as the general public. I kept thinking to myself while reading this book that Marc just happened to be in the right place at the right time to tell me everything that I was curious about. Much of what I found so interesting about the book stems from my own curiosity as an ex-Sea Org member who didn't last quite as long as he did. While I never went to the "Secret" Int Base, I experienced the veil of mystique that surrounded the Int Base and had been in awe of it. Turning the pages of this book, Marc tells me the only thing to be in awe of at the Int Base was the incompetence, abuse and lack of dignity. I saw enough outrageous stuff during my time in the Sea Org to make me sneak out of the Sea Org's LA base in the middle of the the night, but I had no idea how bad it really was at the upper echelons. In recent years I've read about Miscavige hitting people and the sleep deprivation and the rest, but when Marc's book hit me with it page after page, I got worn down - more and more outraged. The only thin

Impossible to put down.

This is the first full account of what it's like to work for Scientology, at their "International Headquarters" in Hemet, CA. Headley's story is immediately absorbing, beginning with his escape from the base -- after spending nearly 15 years almost completely shut off from the rest of the world. He goes on to detail how grueling it is to work for Scientology. Long hours, little to no pay (depending on your "condition"), almost no sleep. Oh, and you're not allowed to leave. Ever. And if you try, they pursue you, and position other Sea Org members at all the bus stations so you have no chance of getting out. Even more bizarre is David Miscavige, the leader of the Church of Scientology. It is, at times, difficult to stomach the depiction of his over-the-top rants, as well as his verbal, and frankly, brutal physical abuse of the people who work for him. It's interesting to take note of a nearly identical portrayal of Miscavige in "A Piece of Blue Sky", a book published twenty years ago. Headley also does an excellent job of decoding Scientology's unique language: a lengthy and alien system of abbreviations and words which are used quite differently than in the outside world. A rare and arresting depiction of what it's like to work for one of the most corrupt and mysterious organizations on the planet. I couldn't put it down.

I salute Marc Headley for this book

I am only up to Chapter 8. Am an Ex Scientologist & worked at St. Hill, UK for 5 years, also did alot of training in Scientology. I offically left the Church in 2001. Am now declared a Suppressive Person. On reading the first 8 Chapters it brought back alot of memories of how my life used to be. Marc has written a very factual account of how the Church operates, it is exactly how he tells it. The Sea Org members are treated inhumanly & this used to upset me greatly when I was on staff. The book is easy to read & he tells it as it is. Getting an insight into Int base is alarming, those people are inslaved & it should be investigated by the American Govenment. What Marc has written goes on Worldwide but is extreme at Int. David Misscabbage should be investigated. I am so glad that I left Scientology & have a good life now. This book will help people to not get involved with this criminal organisation. Well done Marc Headley.

Why every American should read this book

First, it is a page turner and and would make a blockbuster movie. Second, Marc Headley wrote and published this book while still being harrassed and harrangued by Scientology's "intelligence arm". One of many rapid-fire expose's, they all expose one startling fact: Our government agencies have been ignoring the crimes and abuses of this cult for decades. Every American should now ask your Senator and Congressman to see to it that these horrendous crimes finally come to an end, and that U.S. Citizens be protected. And don't forget to ask the current IRS Commissioner why the error of religious status given to this group hasn't not been corrected. When you read what really goes on it will seem too incredulous. Just when you've finished one chapter, thinking it couldn't possibly get worse, you turn the page. Somehow Marc has kept and inserted his sense of humour amidst the horror. Kudos to your courage as well, Marc. Will our elected officials now stand up as well?

A gripping read!

It is not often that one gets a look inside a secretive organization like the Church of Scientology. Mark Headley spent years working at Golden Era Studios, shoulder to shoulder with top management and Scientology celebrities. This book reveals the inner workings of the Sea Organization, and the machinations of cult leader David Miscavige and his acolyte Tom Cruise. Headley writes with credibility and humor. This is a must read for any current or ex-scientologist, or anyone with an interest in this subject. The faithful should have no problem with it, as one of the early abilities they lay claim to is the ability to talk to anyone on any subject, and the focus on truth. The book includes a forward by Marty Rathbun, a former high level church leader during the time Mark was there.