October 31, 2022
Wright inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
In September, Lawrence Wright was inducted to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an honorary society and policy organization founded in 1780 that describes itself as “electing exceptionally accomplished individuals and engaging them in advancing the public good.”
Wright is pictured signing the Book of Members at an Induction Ceremony that celebrated recently elected artists, scholars, scientists, and leaders in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.
May 18, 2014
Going Clear Recommended If You’re NOT on Vacation
Novelist Emma Straub ranks Going Clear as the #3 book to read if you’re NOT going on vacation this summer. Something about how creepy Florida religious compounds can be, apparently.
Publisher’s Weekly: 10 Books to Read If You’re Not Traveling This Summer ⟶
April 03, 2014
‘Going Clear’ Wins IRE Award for Best Investigative Journalism
A Note from Lawrence Wright
What a wonderful honor by my colleagues in the investigative press.
From the judges:
Wright's investigation of the Church of Scientology is groundbreaking in its examination of one of the most well known, but secretive, religion organizations in the world. He draws on previously secret documents—including internal works of the church's founder L. Ron Hubbard—interviews with former and current members of the church and hundreds of court records to present a hard-hitting, but balanced view of church and its followers. The book shines a light on the church's harsh treatment of those who try to leave, but also highlights those, including some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, who have benefited from its teachings. The book also explores the complicated biography of the church’s founder and its relationship with its most famous member, actor Tom Cruise. Despite threats from the church, which is known for its aggressive defense of its works and members, this work provides the best understanding of Scientology to date.
2013 IRE Award winners: Honoring the best in investigative journalism ⟶
March 12, 2014
National Book Critics Circle Praises ‘Going Clear’
In the weeks leading up to the March 13 announcement of the 2013 NBCC award winners, the National Book Critics Circle’s blog is highlighting the thirty finalists. NBCC board member Alex Abramovich offered an appreciation of Lawrence Wright's nonfiction finalist, Going Clear.
February 20, 2014
Finalist for L.A. Times Book Prize
Going Clear is a finalist for the 2013 L.A. Times Book Prize, in the “Current Interest” category. The winners will be announed on April 11, 2014.
January 13, 2014
‘Going Clear’ Nominated for National Book Critics 2013 Circle Award
Going Clear is one of five nominations in the 2014 award’s nonfiction category.
September 18, 2013
Some Great Books Omitted by National Book Award
A Note from Lawrence Wright
I can think of some other fine books that weren't on this list, either!
AP: Lawrence Wright, George Packer among authors on nonfiction long-list for National Book Awards ⟶
September 18, 2013
National Book Award “Longlist” for Going Clear
The National Book Foundation announced the “longlist” of titles in consideration for the 2013 National Book Award for Nonfiction, which included Wright's most recent book, Going Clear. This list will be narrowed down to five finalists next month.
In 2006, Wright’s Looming Tower was a finalist for the award.