Review: Troublemaker
After Leah Remini‘s parents divorced, her mother became involved with a man who was a Scientologist. He brought Remini’s mother into the church and she started working there. Leah and her sister would come by to see their mother after school and they, too, became indoctrinated. Remini tells the story of growing up in, and later breaking ties with, the church in her memoir, Troublemaker.
Since I have a fascination with memoirs and with the Church of Scientology this book was right up my alley and it did not disappoint. Remini comes across as open and honest and her success seems to have come in spite of, not because of, the church, which she portrays in a very poor light.
Remini also shares some Hollywood gossip which I found fascinating as well. Before I read Troublemaker, I wasn’t a huge fan of Remini’s – I found her too abrasive – but since reading it, I find I have a new appreciation of where she’s coming from.
I listened to the audio version of the book which is narrated by Remini herself. I thought she did a fantastic job of bringing her story to life. If you enjoy celebrity memoirs, be sure to check this book out.
I read her story in People, but a magazine length article is about all I usually want to read of memoirs.
I too have an interest in the whole Scientology movement. This sounds like a winner.
Glad that you liked this Kathy–me too
I really liked her abrasive personality on the page…she seemed to have good self-awareness about it and I appreciate anyone who can just be themselves, damn it all, because I feel like so many people put on facades. And – I appreciated the celeb gossip too!
But, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as Going Clear…maybe because a lot of the Scientology info wasn’t new to me. I wonder how I would’ve felt about it had I read it before Going Clear…
She does always come off as a bit abrasive…even when she was on dancing with the stars…
I was definitely intrigued by this one. Your review is the 1st one I’ve seen.
I read about Dianetics and Scientology years ago! This sounds like an interesting memoir, Kathy.
I wasn’t sure about this one, as I am not a big fan of hers…but then I saw her connected to Kirstie Alley in something, and I know they had the Scientology connection at some point, too, so my interest is now piqued. Thanks for sharing, Kathy, and I’m adding this one to my list.
I’ve always loved Remini, I love her personality and abrasiveness, and she is just plain hilarious. I’ve watched just about everything she’s been in and am patiently waiting for It’s All Relative season 3 to begin.
I’ve always been interested in learning about Scientology since there are so many varied opinions about it. I have this book on hold at my library and am now 4th in line. I think I started out at 16.
Like Jill, I may just read the article in People magazine and leave it at that.
I’mfrom ny so Leah seems like one of my childhood girlfriends .I’m also fascinated with Scientology &show people get caught up in it.I thought it was a really honest memoir at the same time entertains &gossipy .I highly recommend it.
I liked her on that show, but she does seem so !!! in RL, but if you says this explains it
This isn’t a celebrity I’ve ever heard of, but it certainly sounds like she’s had an interesting upbringing and life so far. I’m glad you enjoyed this one!
I read an excerpt from this one and it was a pretty amazing story!
I was hoping you’d recommend it – adding it to my audio wish list.
I know nothing about this girl and very little about this church other them having many celebrity members. I should read this as it will be informative as well.
I’ve heard really good things about this one, I’m glad you agree.
I’ve always loved Remini!
I’ve really been wanting to read this. I’m also super fascinated with Scientology. I think I’ll do the audio!
After watching Going Clear I’m really fascinated with Scientology stories. I’ll have to see if my library has it- you make it sound so good!
I’m glad she escaped Scientology. After watching Going Clear I was scared sh**tless of anything to do with them
I’m interested in listening to this, too. Glad you liked it.
I really love it when an author reads their own books…this one sounds great to me! I do like her and I want to hear about the inner workings that are kept secret!