"David Miscavige, the Church of Scientology's current leader and successor to founder L. Ron Hubbard, hasn't always ruled with an iron fist. It was his father, Ron Miscavige, who first introduced his family to Scientology, and David embraced it immediately, even as young boy. Years later, Ron could only watch with dismay as his bright, carefree son transformed into the leader he is today. Ruthless explores the Miscavige family's gradual immersion into the church while the seeds are planted for son Davids meteoric ascendancy. Ron traces the arc of David's life from the early years to David's stellar rise to power in Scientology, his brutal approach to running the organization today, and the disastrous effects that his leadership has had on countless numbers of Scientologists and their families. The only book to examine the origins of Scientology's current leader, Ruthless tries to make sense of David Miscavige's embrace of what the church calls "disconnection"--shunning family members who leave or criticize the church--and what his leadership means for its members and for the future of Scientology itself. Ron argues that the influence his son wields over so many people is toxic. And under David Miscavige's leadership, a relatively benign, if flawed and controversial, philosophical movement has transformed into what his father ultimately considers an emotionally damaging organization that has ripped families apart, including his own. Ron's personal, heartfelt story is a riveting insider's look at life within the controversial and confounding world of Scientology." -- Publisher's description

Beginnings -- Life in the coal region -- Music and the Marines -- Starting a family -- A marriage made in hell -- David's miracle -- Getting in deeper -- David goes to England -- England, again -- Leaving home -- Climbing the ladder -- The worst month of my life -- Life in the Sea Org -- Frankenstein's monster -- The hole -- Assessing my son -- Enough is enough -- Back in the real world -- A final gesture -- "If he dies, he dies. Don't intervene." -- Decompressing -- David does not give up easily -- The con that is Scientology today -- Now what? -- A final word.