Beyond Belief

My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape

By: Jenna Miscavige Hill

Narrated by: Sandy Rustin

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, Non-Fiction, 2014

Jenna Miscavige Hill, niece of Church of Scientology leader David Miscavige, was raised as a Scientologist but left the controversial religion in 2005. In Beyond Belief, she shares her true story of life inside the upper ranks of the sect, details her experiences as a member Sea Org - the church's highest ministry - speaks of her "disconnection" from family outside of the organization, and tells the story of her ultimate escape.

In this tell-all memoir, Jenna Miscavige Hill, a prominent critic of Scientology who now helps others leave the organization, offers an insider's profile of the beliefs, rituals, and secrets of the religion that has captured the fascination of millions, including some of Hollywood's brightest stars such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

©2013 Jenna Miscavige Hill (P)2013 HarperCollinsPublishers

Fascinating and Horrifying Story

What made the experience of listening to Beyond Belief the most enjoyable?

This true account of life inside scientology is fascinating to listen to, and hard at times to listen to. As an ex-scientologist myself, (I purposely don't capitalize the word), I know it is hard to believe, but I know it's true. It's so in depth and personal, and I'm so glad Jenna had the courage to follow what was true for her, and that she got out!

What did you like best about this story?

What I liked about the story was how true it is, and that people who read it will know the truth about this group that calls itself a "church".

What about Sandy Rustin’s performance did you like?

The narrator was good, although I always prefer it when the author reads the book. She did a good job though.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It's horrifying to know what Jenna went through, and that, as a child, she had such a horrible life inside this organization. I loved the part when she finally left.

Any additional comments?

Good for you Jenna, for writing your story and sharing it! Thank you for speaking up.

Fascinating read

If you could sum up Beyond Belief in three words, what would they be?

informative, thought provoking, disturbing

What did you like best about this story?

Understanding what goes on in scientology

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked when Jenna finally gets the strength to leave.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I couldn't stop listening. I wanted to know how or even if Jenna, her family and friends would get out of scientology and when they would realise they had been brainwashed for years.

Great Read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It is a good book, but I don't think they would read it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jenna. She showed a lot of guts, but not until the end.

Which scene was your favorite?

Didn't have a favorite.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Neither

Any additional comments?

Was going to stop reading and send it back, but got through it till the end. Seems she was happy where she was. To tell the truth she kept saying how shy she was about the interview and protesting after leaving, but if she did what she said to the auditors by smashing the cans and yelling at them doesn't seem shy to me. Glad she knows she is out.

Understanding Truth from Brainwashing

Jenna Miscavige grew up from a very young age, living in a compound of the Church of Scientology - "religion." She believed all that was being taught to her. However, she was not learning like other children going to public schools. She was taught the Scientology way.

The very young worked hard and long hours on the restructure of a building that was in a deplorable state. The children were told what to do by a "teacher" who stood in the foreground and instructed them. This lesson could be described as teaching children the skills of carpentry, landscaping and the true meaning of exhaustion. Their punishment for not obeying their leader was severe. This was Jenna's first " lesson" when she left the children's compound.

As a member of Scientology, you were not given choices but learned instead, to do as you were told. To me, Scientology is not a religion but more of what I think of as a commune. Leaving Scientology was mightily discouraged. Those that tried had to escape and try not to get caught because severe punishment would be their penance.

The book, Beyond Belief, is very informative and a true learning experience of just what Scientology is all about. This book is well written and easy to understand. The story revolves around the Miscavige's. Jenna is the niece of the leader of the Church of Scientology, David Miscavige.

The book is not written in a dialogue format. The reader learns about the struggles, fears and punishments that make Scientology work like a well oiled machine. However, Scientologist's do not want the world at large to know what their "religion" actually is. This is why Jenna Miscavige Hill wrote this true story. She needed to tell her story. However, she and her husband to be had to formulate their own plan of escape in order to leave the Church of Scientology.

The narrator made the book an easy listen. The descriptions of how the Church of Scientology functions were scary. If any reader has ever wondered what Scientology is all about, read this book. You will not have to wonder anymore.

Wowzers!!!!

Who knew??? It's hard to even fathom something like this could happen in today's time. Brained washed or not, I can't imagine anyone having to go through any of this. Seriously, if anything attempts to block you from your family or loved ones how is this different from jail? Very interesting to hear this!!!! 😲

Compelling read!

This is a very articulate recollection of ty the abuses Scientology inflicts on the people they dupe and control. The performance makes it feel like the author herself is telling the story.

Captivating

Purely captivating! She explains this in a way that non scientoligists can understand. Sad that she spent much of her life held captive but at least she got out

The truth will set you free

This book answers many questions about Scientology and its cult-like practices. Recommend to the curious.

A great insight to Scientology "cult"

A great story told by a girl who was raised (brainwashed) by Scientology. It had you feeling very sorry for the little girl and disgusted in what others will do for the sake of a so called religion!

Truly touched

This is a beautiful story about the triumph of the human spirit. The narrator does a great job in speaking with a similar voice to the author's as well, having heard her in interviews.