February Book Review: Troublemaker by Leah Remini

Overall Rating: 8/10

Why I Picked This Book (Again)

This is actually a reread for me, but this time, I listened to the audiobook. I had read Troublemaker before and loved Leah Remini’s blunt, no-nonsense storytelling, but was curious how it would feel hearing her tell her own story in her own voice.

To be honest, I had no idea who Leah Remini was before reading this book the first time—aside from the fact that she was a former Scientologist. I never watched King of Queens and don’t follow celebrity gossip. But I am fascinated by cults, and Scientology is one of the most secretive and controversial ones out there. After watching everything I could about the “religion” (make sure you check out the documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief), I wanted another firsthand account of what it was like on the inside.

A Brief Look at Scientology

Scientology, founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, presents itself as both a religion and a path to spiritual enlightenment. It’s structured like a pyramid, where members pay for increasingly expensive courses to achieve higher levels of awareness—eventually reaching a state called “clear” and beyond.

Critics accuse Scientology of financial exploitation, emotional manipulation, and outright abuse, despite its promises. Critics (especially ex-members) face aggressive retaliation, lawsuits, and harassment. One of the church’s most infamous practices is “disconnection,” which forces members to cut ties with anyone who speaks out against Scientology—including close family. Leah Remini didn’t just sneak away in the night; she left loudly, and Troublemaker is her story of what it cost her.

First Impressions

Before opening Troublemaker for the first time, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it would touch on the dangers of Scientology, but I didn’t expect how funny it would be. Remini’s voice is sharp, unfiltered, and brimming with Brooklyn attitude, which makes this book feel less like a memoir and more like a late-night conversation where no topic is off-limits. She’s brutally honest about both Scientology’s dysfunction and her own.

Writing Style & Voice

One of the biggest strengths of Troublemaker is Leah Remini’s voice. She writes how she speaks—casual, biting, and deeply personal. Sometimes it felt like she was speaking straight into my ear, ranting or reflecting in real-time. That might not work for every reader, but for me, it made her story feel authentic. The rawness of her words makes it impossible to ignore the weight of what she’s sharing.

One of my favorite quotes is when she reflects on why she stayed in Scientology for so long:

“People don’t get into Scientology to be controlled. They get into it because they believe they are doing good things. They believe they are bettering themselves and helping mankind.”

This hit me because it explains why intelligent, well-meaning people can fall into high-control groups. It’s easy to dismiss cult members as brainwashed, but Remini reminded me that most people join because they want to do something meaningful. It’s why it can be so hard to leave a toxic relationship: the emotional pull makes it so difficult.

What Worked

Brutal Honesty – Remini doesn’t hold back. She lays out the contradictions and manipulations of Scientology with a mix of anger, humor, and heartbreak. Her firsthand accounts of mistreatment, mind games, and absurd expectations make it clear why she had to leave.
Emotional Depth – Her personal journey—from a devoted Scientologist to one of its most vocal critics—is moving. She captures the fear, loss, and betrayal she experienced without ever feeling self-pitying.
Pacing & Structure – Troublemaker balances personal anecdotes with exposé-style deep dives into Scientology’s inner workings, keeping things engaging.

Another standout quote that stuck with me was her realization about how Scientology controls its members:

“Doubt is the enemy of faith. And Scientology is a faith in which there can be no doubt.”

This line perfectly sums up why people feel trapped. The second you question anything, you’re labeled as a problem—and fear has long been used to keep people in line.

What Didn’t

Occasional Tangents – Because her voice is so conversational, the book sometimes meanders. While it adds personality, it can slow the momentum.
Repetition – Certain themes and ideas are revisited multiple times, which could have been streamlined.
Audiobook Pacing – While I usually love author-read audiobooks, I didn’t love some of Remini’s pacing here. At times, it felt rushed, like she was powering through sections rather than letting them land.

A good example of this is when she reads:

“I was being punished. Again. I had spent most of my life trying to be a good Scientologist, but here I was, getting pulled into another ethics cycle. Another punishment. Another moment where I had to question my worth.”

This moment is heavy—it’s about the cycle of control and punishment that kept her trapped in Scientology for years. But in the audiobook, it feels like she speeds through it without letting the weight of those words settle. I wanted a second to absorb what she was saying, but it felt like she was rushing to get to the next sentence.

The Takeaway

If you want a no-holds-barred look at Scientology’s darker side, Troublemaker is worth picking up. Remini’s mix of humor, frustration, and raw honesty makes her story unforgettable. Even when things get heavy, she keeps you hooked with her signature attitude. But this isn’t just a book about leaving a messed-up religion—it’s about finding the courage to stand up for yourself, no matter the cost.

While Troublemaker has a few moments where it loses focus, its honesty and emotional depth make up for it. It’s messy, just like real life.

If you’re a:

fan of Leah Remini,
reader interested in cults, high-control groups, and survivor stories, or
person who appreciated memoirs feel like a deep conversation with a friend,

you’ll love this one.