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

Riviting, disburbing and unable to stop listening

Would you consider the audio edition of Beyond Belief to be better than the print version?

I think this story is compelling either way but I did really appreciate Sandy Rustin's narration. She has a very young childlike voice and it was perfect for hearing Jenna's story.

Any additional comments?

This book was so captivating. Jenna takes you inside the cult that is Scientology and shares so much more than I knew about the church. I've always been curious and have read a few other books on the topic but have never heard it from a child's perspective. It was truly heart breaking. There are so many bizarro rules and downright unethical moments that she and others like her had (and have) to endure that I was left speechless. What Scientology puts children and families through is no less than traumatic and abusive. This is a must listen - it is really disturbing and absolutely engrossing.

Couldn't Stop Listening, Captivating Story.

It is terrifying what some have done in the name of religion. This is an amazing story.

My Favorite Book in YEARS!

Would you listen to Beyond Belief again? Why?

I don't re-read or re-listen to books, but if I had to...it would be this one.

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

Not a moment, but overall the story is written so fluidly and believable.

Which character – as performed by Sandy Rustin – was your favorite?

Jenna - I like her spunk.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was moved to anger many times just learning how people are treated.

Any additional comments?

Beautifully written and narrated.

Very good insight into the Cult of $cientology.

This book in very good, it tells how it was to grow up inside the Cult and the double standard of its preaching. I actually listened to it 3 times and will probably do so again as it reveals few very interesting things about the leader of the Cult. Great book for enthusiasts about this scam/swindle called Scientology.

well thought out read.

for me, it was actually hard to listen to and believe. I think children should not be involved in the way she was.

Painstaking truths

Told through the eyes of a young child that grew up believing in an organization that lost sight of its foundation of "for the good of people." The "church' controls its followers with deceptions, changing rules to benefit the organization, mental abuse, excessive labor, breaking families apart, & unexplained deaths too. Eventually as people fought to leave the organization & information came about errors & cover ups... Did the founding father see the organization as front for power & money?

sad but great story

loved this story of jenna's life and escape in scientology. highly recommend to anyone interested in reading up on the truth of scientology

Welcome to a different planet.

Where does Beyond Belief rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This audiobook was a very easy listen. The story of Jenna Miscavige is hardly a boring one. The book takes you deep into the secret world of Scientology as preached by its head nutter David Miscavige (Jenna's uncle).

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

The moment when you learn about what the highest people in Scientology truly believe. Truly shocking .... Sorry no spoilers here.

What about Sandy Rustin’s performance did you like?

She has a soft voice, easy to listen to. She makes you convinced that Jenna is telling you the story herself.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not quite, its very long. Its about 16 hour or so. But I probably listened to it about 2hours at a time.

Any additional comments?

Worth the price, or use a credit. You wont be disappointed.

Hard hitting, well worth the time

I knew Scientology wasn't good, but I had no idea how bad it could be!!!

Wow, thinking of parents abandoning their children at such a young age just twists my heart into knots!!! Finding out that Scientology views children as small adults lends credence to my view you have to be somewhat damaged to buy into all their doctrine.

And imprisoning adults for not obeying the group rules? Yikes! Wouldn't us regular folks call that kidnapping?

This is an important listen. This girl is telling us her experiences and they are horrendous.

We need to look at the folks who have contributed millions of dollars to this cult as damaged goods. And I'm including all those famous folks like TC and GVS. Do you really want to continue to support this cult by supporting them in their careers? I don't.

Fascinating view of this mysterious religion

Would you consider the audio edition of Beyond Belief to be better than the print version?

Not sure since the author did not read it. I thought maybe the narrators voice was a bit too childlike for authors words and views.

What other book might you compare Beyond Belief to and why?

Father, Mother, God - a memoir about Scientology from an outsider. Authors parents were Scientologists but she was not. The authors Mother died from cancer while being taken care of drug-free in a Scientology "home".

Have you listened to any of Sandy Rustin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Any additional comments?

Interesting, factual based but influenced by the authors emotions. You wonder why it keeps going on and on, I asked myself why she did not leave sooner when her parents did. It makes Scientology seem like a lot of high school drama.