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Fair Game: The Incredible Untold Story of Scientology in Australia
Fair Game: The Incredible Untold Story of Scientology in Australia | Steve Cannane
9 posts | 6 read | 13 to read
As astonishing as it is compelling - Steve Cannane's extraordinary insight into Scientology in Australia is investigative journalism at its very best. From Rugby League players trying to improve their game, to Hollywood superstars and the depressed sons of media moguls, Scientology has recruited its share of famous Australians. Less known is that Australia was the first place to ban Scientology, or that Scientology spies helped expose the Chelmsford Deep Sleep Scandal. Numerous Australians have held senior posts in the organisation only to fall foul of the top brass and lose their families as a result. Based on years of interviews and research, Walkley Award-winning journalist Steve Cannane tells for the first time the fascinating story of Australia's vital involvement with this powerful, secretive and punitive cult.
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Joanne1
Pickpick

If you're weird like me and can't get enough cult/fringe religion reading, you'll appreciate this book as much as I did. If you're Australian you might recognise the author as ABC journalist Steve Cannane. His book on Scientology in Australia is incredibly readable, frightening and fascinating. A lot of it I knew from other reading but some was astounding new information, like the connection with Chelmsford deep sleep therapy scandal.

mischa Such a good book. And yep, absolutely fascinating to read about all the Australian connections! 7y
AlaMich I'm into the cult thing too! As you live in Australia I don't know if you are familiar with Jonestown and the People's Temple, but it sounds like it would be right in your wheelhouse 😊 7y
AlaMich I should clarify, that's not the title of a book, just the name of the cult. Raven by Tim Reiterman is awesome, and there is a new book out called The Road to Jonestown by Jeff Guinn. (edited) 7y
Joanne1 @AlaMich yes I have heard about Jonestown and I've been trying to get a copy of road to Jonestown but it's not out here. I might have to order from amazon. I didn't know about raven though so thanks for the tip. Hopefully my library will have a copy. 7y
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Joanne1
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A short read while I wait for dinner to finish baking. (I know I said I was taking a break from this book, but, you know..... books).

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Joanne1
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You know a books getting into your head when it literally gets into your head. Last night I dreamt I was being recruited (along with Jamie Oliver?!) into Scientology. Perhaps I should take a break from it today?

Rachbb3 Yikes!! Scary stuff!! Lol. 7y
Victoria_Clyne Jamie Oliver at least the food would be good. 7y
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Joanne1
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Sunday afternoon reading, time for a new book and to indulge my fascination with fringe religion. My friends think I'm weird!

ReadingEnvy I love fringe religion too! Is Scientology big in Australia? 7y
Joanne1 @ReadingEnvy glad I'm not alone! Scientology isn't big but has some very troubling aspects and an interesting position in the whole Scientology scene. 7y
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Joanne1
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I went to the library to pick up the above book, another one on Scientology (I'm fascinated by fringe religious groups and cults) and somehow came home with three others despite the fact I have three unread library books still at home. #blameitonlitsy #bookhaul #nowillpower #librariesaredangerous

Redwritinghood Only 3 at home is not bad! I think i have about 20. 😊 7y
Joanne1 @Redwritinghood and I did take a few back that I'd even read. 7y
Victoria_Clyne Oooohhhh another Fredrik Backman. Nice choice. 7y
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Joanne1 @Victoria_Clyne I know, how could I leave that. All of them except the one I had on hold were just on the end displays. Then I forced myself to leave! 7y
Victoria_Clyne @Joanne1 why would force yourself to leave? You only picked up four books. 😉 7y
MrsMalaprop Ooh, hope you enjoy Fair Game. I found it disturbing and fascinating. 7y
Joanne1 @MrsMalaprop have you read Going clear. That too was disturbing and fascinating. 7y
mischa Fair Game is great. And Cannane really digs into the Australian side of things - it was nice to learn some new stuff. 7y
Jeg I'm reading it right now. Very interesting and disturbing. 7y
Joanne1 @mischa oh good that's what I was hoping for. I've read quite a bit of the American side already. 7y
Joanne1 @Jeg I think this has moved to the top of my tbr pile now. 7y
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Jeg
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I'm currently reading these two books. I don't usually read two at once but the Oliver Sacks book is a complete story in each chapter easy to go from one book to the other. Thank you @MrsMalaprop for the loan of Fair Game. Very interesting. Can't begin to tell you the number of times I used to be asked to fill in a questionnaire while shopping in the city. So pleased " they" have been stopped.

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MrsMalaprop
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Fascinating #recentnonfictionread by Aussie journalist Steve Cannane. #Marchintoreading

Joanne1 Ooh, a Scientology book. Must read, I'm fascinated by that world. It's like a car crash I can't turn away from. 7y
Suet624 I agree with both of you😂😂😂 7y
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MrsMalaprop
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#17Booklove #Nonfictionlove Interrupting my belated Valentine celebrations with my husband (our first sample of the new Chandon S) to bring you.....some of my non fiction loves. Coincidentally, all Australian too. Now, back to the Chandon 😊 ❤❤❤❤

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RadicalReader @MrsMalaprop what's fair game about? 7y
MrsMalaprop @RadicalReader Scientology in Australia. By a well known Australian ABC journalist. A well-researched, frightening and fascinating read. 👍 7y
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mischa
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The latest book in my ongoing fascination with cults and fringe religions.

This was a great insight into the extensive Australian connections to Scientology. As someone who has read heaps about the organisation, it was refreshing to discover quite a bit of information I had not known.

MrsMalaprop I agree. A fascinating read. 7y
12 likes1 comment