I also agree w/ Lady Lee and Blondie.
As for 30 years a Watchtower Slave by Schnell, is not a good read to me. I found it harsh and angry and to me it would only support the JW theory that people that leave are bitter and thus spin a tale. However, Ray Franz was more of a fact finder and he told it in written form. Any book that is non-fiction is written really from the perspective of the story teller, so you cannot condemn him for telling it from his perspective. He lived it, he is entitled to tell it.
Onthewayout stated something I never thought about before, Ray Franz had/has the same info the WTBTS figure heads have. But they choose to ignore what they find. He could not. He went against everything he had ever known in his life. Imagine how frightening that must have been for him the day it all came together and his knowledge over took his heart and he decided to act. As we know there will always be critics out there regardless of what is done or not done. He should be commended on his courage for leaving, everything is gravy.
I did not read CoC until after I was gone for several years. I found it interesting, but to me my path was laid out and I did not need justification. Like I said, as for Schnell, I was rather disgusted after reading the book, not with the info in it, but the harsh bitter tones contained in much of the book. Do I think it is worth the read, yes, because each person should form their own opinion. However, I do not recommend the book to people I know that are wishing to investigate more about the religion. I always direct them to CoC.
