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When I’m not reading series books or some kind of thriller, I love reading memoirs. Especially if it is a celebrity or a topic that is so far from my life. For instance, the books about Warren Jeffs and the girls that escaped are super interesting. Likewise, I also like reading about celebrities like Chelsea Handler or Tori Spelling. When I saw that Leah Remini had a book coming out and it was about her surviving Scientology (and subsequently leaving Scientology), I knew I had to read it. Especially if she was spilling the tea on Tom Cruise.

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Troublemaker: Wie ich Hollywood und Scientology überlebteBeyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing EscapeRuthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me

About Troublemaker by Leah Remini

From Amazon – 

Leah Remini has never been the type to hold her tongue. That willingness to speak her mind, stand her ground, and rattle the occasional cage has enabled this tough-talking girl from Brooklyn to forge an enduring and successful career in Hollywood. But being a troublemaker has come at a cost.

That was never more evident than in 2013, when Remini loudly and publicly broke with the Church of Scientology. Now, in this frank, funny, poignant memoir, the former King of Queens star opens up about that experience for the first time, revealing the in-depth details of her painful split with the church and its controversial practices.

Indoctrinated into the church as a child while living with her mother and sister in New York, Remini eventually moved to Los Angeles, where her dreams of becoming an actress and advancing Scientology’s causes grew increasingly intertwined. As an adult, she found the success she’d worked so hard for, and with it a prominent place in the hierarchy of celebrity Scientologists alongside people such as Tom Cruise, Scientology’s most high-profile adherent. Remini spent time directly with Cruise and was included among the guests at his 2006 wedding to Katie Holmes.

But when she began to raise questions about some of the church’s actions, she found herself a target. In the end, she was declared by the church to be a threat to their organization and therefore a “Suppressive Person,” and as a result, all of her fellow parishioners—including members of her own family—were told to disconnect from her. Forever.

Bold, brash, and bravely confessional, Troublemaker chronicles Leah Remini’s remarkable journey toward emotional and spiritual freedom, both for herself and for her family. This is a memoir designed to reveal the hard-won truths of a life lived honestly—from an author unafraid of the consequences.

My Thoughts on the Memoir

First of all, I love Leah Remini. From the moment I saw her in the show, King of Queens, I loved her. I was actually really sad when that show ended. She and Kevin James were an excellent pairing. So of course, I had to read her book! Especially since my knowledge of Scientology was based on the little bit I heard in the media. That and Tom Cruise acting crazy and jumping on Oprah’s couch (remember that??). Like I mentioned above, I like reading about things that are far from how I live my life. I like learning something knew. Leah Remini really delivered with this book.

 

Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, ChelseaStolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren JeffsUncharted TerriTori

My Favorite Part

Well, first of all, learning the ins and outs about Scientology was pretty interesting. It’s very easy for me to see what the appeal is for people to initially join Scientology. However,  some of the rules are a bit much. Not to mention, the way of thinking in Scientology is not my thing. However, the part where Leah Remini talks about Tom Cruise and his relationship/wedding to Katie Holmes was, my favorite part. In all actuality, I don’t know if I can look at Tom Cruise the same way after reading this book. Read it and let me know what you think!

Fans of Leah Remini

If you are a fan of hers, then you will be happy to know that you can binge watch every episode of King of Queens. The Peacock streaming service picked up the show. I know what I will be binge watching this weekend! The show ran for NINE seasons!

I read a lot of mystery, suspense, and thriller books. Sometimes the constant serial killer story is too much for me and I need a little break. One of my favorite types of books to read are memoirs or biographies. I find it super fascinating to read about someones life. When I saw that Jessica Simpson had a book out, I will admit, my initial motivation for reading it was because I thought she was a hot mess. I had seen an interview she did with Ellen Degeneres and it was a wreck. However, when I read Open Book, I learned so much about Jessica Simpson and it was nothing like I had assumed. And this, ladies and gentleman, is why we should never assume anything!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

 

Open BookJessica Simpson Womens Plush Marshmallow Slide On House Slipper Clog with Memory FoamThe Dukes of Hazzard (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

About Jessica Simpson and Open Book

From Amazon –

Jessica reveals for the first time her inner monologue and most intimate struggles. Guided by the journals she’s kept since age fifteen, and brimming with her unique humor and down-to-earth humanity, Open Book is as inspiring as it is entertaining.

This was supposed to be a very different book. Five years ago, Jessica Simpson was approached to write a motivational guide to living your best life. She walked away from the offer, and nobody understood why. The truth is that she didn’t want to lie.

Jessica couldn’t be authentic with her readers if she wasn’t fully honest with herself first.

Now America’s Sweetheart, preacher’s daughter, pop phenomenon, reality tv pioneer, and the billion-dollar fashion mogul invites readers on a remarkable journey, examining a life that blessed her with the compassion to help others, but also burdened her with an almost crippling need to please. Open Book is Jessica Simpson using her voice, heart, soul, and humor to share things she’s never shared before.

First celebrated for her voice, she became one of the most talked-about women in the world, whether for music and fashion, her relationship struggles, or as a walking blonde joke. But now, instead of being talked about, Jessica is doing the talking. Her book shares the wisdom and inspirations she’s learned and shows the real woman behind all the pop-culture cliché’s — “chicken or fish,” “Daisy Duke,” “football jinx,” “mom jeans,” “sexual napalm…” and more. Open Book is an opportunity to laugh and cry with a close friend, one that will inspire you to live your best, most authentic life, now that she is finally living hers.

My thoughts

First of all, I had no idea Jessica Simpson was as successful as she is. I remember liking some of her older songs years ago. I also remember enjoying the few episodes of Newlyweds that I saw. It was one of my first times seeing a reality tv show and I was hooked on them! Remember, I said I liked reading about a persons life…I also liked watching it too! Especially if it was vastly different from my own life.

Second of all, not only did I not know that Jessica Simpson was that successful, I also didn’t know that she made it her life’s mission to help people. I didn’t know that she felt like her ability to sing was God’s way of telling her to use her voice and ability for good. And she did. I found it fascinating to read about her times on various military bases and how greatly moved she was by meeting the troops and how much it meant to her.

And finally, I was VERY interested in the sections she wrote about the men she dated and/or married. Despite her relationship ending with her ex-husband, Nick Lachey, she really thought highly of him. And it showed by the way she wrote about him. Sure, she mentioned both of their issues in the relationship, but it doesn’t seem like she has any ill feelings. As for another man she dated, John Mayer, I learned that he is a total dog. Read it…tell me what you think of him after reading it!