In "Going Clear," Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lawrence Wright embarks on a meticulous exploration of Scientology, unraveling the complex tapestry of its history, beliefs, and controversies with the narrative depth that defines his work. Through over two hundred interviews with both adherents and detractors, coupled with extensive research, Wright penetrates the guarded walls of one of the most enigmatic religious movements of our time. From the mind of science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, who conjured up a new religion in the aftermath of World War II, to the relentless ambition of his successor, David Miscavige, Wright maps the tumultuous journey of Scientology's rise, its fierce battle for religious recognition, and its scandal-ridden quest for influence and survival. At the heart of this compelling narrative are the personal stories of those who have lived within Scientology's shadow—celebrities courted for their influence, young idealists who commit their lives to its clergy, and families torn apart by its policies of disconnection. Wright not only delves into the organization's secretive practices and aggressive strategies to maintain control but also raises profound questions about the nature of belief and the quest for spiritual fulfillment. "Going Clear" is not just an exposé on a controversial faith; it's a profound examination of the human need for meaning and the lengths to which we will go to find it.