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

Amazing!

This in depth look into Scientology is eye opening and full of so much information. Thank you Jenna for this raw and true account.

Astounding

I have been curious about Scientology but never knew much about it. This is a shocking and sad story. I feel it is a story that needs to be told. Since I started listening to the book I have done so other research. Scientology has gotten away with so many abuse’s. Hopefully as more people become knowledgeable about its practices the so called church can be made accountable for the abuse and human rights violations!!!

Factual and touching

This story isn’t gripping or harrowing. But it is simple, knowledgeable, and succinct. There were moments that the book got long, but the details behind the movement are what make it so manipulative and coercive. I am glad she went into the detail she did. Brainwashing only scratches the surface of describing Scientology.

Unbelievable

It’s unbelievable that people think Scientology is a religion. It’s a cult. I don’t fault children who are brought into this cult by their parents. They had no choice. But as parents, to subject your children to hard labor, abuse and to your voluntary absence is immoral and criminal. Thank goodness for people like Jenna, Leah, Mike Rinder, the Headleys and many more brave people that continue to shine a light on these cockroaches.

I had no idea!

This is an excellent book! It doesn't exactly weave a tale like some biographies might, and the way fiction books do, but I was totally sucked in and wanted to keep listening... Perhaps it is because it was written by Jenna Miscavige herself and it's true.

I imagine few of us would have a solid understanding of Scientology, but the truth is almost unbelievable.

Outstanding book!

It isn't often that you get the perfect meeting of a great performance and a gripping story: this is one of those times. The title "Beyond Belief" is apt; it is hard to understand how seemingly mild-mannered people (Scientologists) can allow their children to be treated so poorly. Jenna Miscavige Hill describes her extremely unusual childhood in Scientology and her gradual desire to leave the only life that she ever knew. Because she is the niece of the current leader of Scientology, there is even more credibility to her story. Before this book, I thought of Scientologists as being a bit odd, but basically harmless. This author's story underlines the need for more careful scrutiny of this organization, particular in the way that they utilize small children for forced labor and break apart families. Suddenly they don't seem harmless any more. Kudos to the author for what must have been a painful journey in writing this memoir.

The narration deserves special recognition...it is one of the most superb readings I have encountered on Audible. The book is a journey from the author's experience as a young girl to a grown woman, and the narrator is able to make the transition easy and smooth and believable without being over the top. I don't often buy the book after purchasing the Audible version, but I bought the book in this case because the story is so riveting. As I read the book, I hear the narrator's voice in my head, which is not a bad thing! It makes the story that much more real.

If you enjoy true life stories, you cannot go wrong with Beyond Belief.

An Amazing Book

What did you love best about Beyond Belief?

The story was captivating because it was all true and literally beyond belief. What happens in Scientology is unimaginable and really needs to be stopped. It is hard to believe that this can occur in our society today.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beyond Belief?

Learning what kind of life the children at the ranch had to live. The responsibilities and lack of contact the kids had with their parents makes you wonder what was going on in the parents heads!

What does Sandy Rustin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A lightness in her voice that helps keep the book from being very depressing and dark.

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

It made me outraged that this continues to go on and made me feel like doing something about it. I actually went to one of the survivor websites and donated to their cause.

Any additional comments?

The information in this book needs to be spread far and wide so fewer people get caught in the Scientology web of lies.

the true story of a child caught in Scientology

A true story of a child who got caught in the twisted realm of Scientology. Her parents all but abandoned her and her uncle manipulated those around her to keep her in the sect. She has a very accepting attitude but is head strong leading to many punishments. Though she goes through many trials she triumphs in the end as does her whole family.
The story is well told and engaging. A good listen.

fascinating

inside scientology has to be one of the scariest stories I have ever listened to

A heart breaking story

Would you listen to Beyond Belief again? Why?

Yes

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beyond Belief?

The picture of children, in California carrying rail road sidings and breaking rocks and adults watching on, telling them to run not walk--- an upsidown world.

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

Sadness, shock, anger-- why has it taken so long for someone to do something about this? Jenna you are a heroine.

Any additional comments?

I hope the Government agencies in the USA have to read this as compusary text. A real problem , happening today that they can solve. Shut them down now before they have another Jonestown on their hands. Also-- this would make a great movie.