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

Must read for anyone with kids.

As a student in Boston during the late 80's.I was constantly approached on the street by these scientologists and once entered their "church". on Newbury street. They have expensive real estate which psycologically gives themselves credibility to the young people they target. And they do aggresively target them. Every year hundreds of thousands of new minds enter the city and they are waiting. This book is a highly detailed account into the inner workings of this cult. It gives great insight into mind control and manipulation. While most of us will never be threatend or affected by such an extreme organization one can learn from the writers experience on how to avoid being manipulated or controlled by any organazation. The narrator captured the authors transition from mind robbed child to angry adult, flawlessly.

Too important to ignore

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

People often find faith when a) Their parents bring them up in itB) when a crisis occurThe author had no real choice as a child, her uncle being the new leader in Scientology, while her parents eagerly worked for the org.I hate the word cult and feel people use it wrongly. With Sciontology I must ask, if you can save us, why charge fees few can pay?You see, I think their is something good in the famous book "Dianetics" but it is NOT a church. Each member is isolated to avoid doubt and unlike Christian Churches which people may leave and then comeback, I have yet to hear an ex-sciontologist wish to return.People state that most cults remain because people want to come back. Scientology however becomes smaller as time goes on. This story is a tragedy, because too many can say it did not just happen to this author. Ex-sciontologists worldwide can give the same account. They can because the system is the same. For Sciontologies official version of their faith go to scientology you owe them to see their side too. After all, faith is a human right.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a story of faith turned into a fanatic money marchine. Their is nothing to like, yet facts to learn.

What about Sandy Rustin’s performance did you like?

She read it nice and clear

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"My life inside Dianetics"

Any additional comments?

If you are an active scientologist and enjoy it, good for you! It is your right to practice what you desire as long as your kid gets the ame choice. A one-time listen I am very glad I bought. Well written and most importantly:She has proof which is a must.

Crazy Story!

Any additional comments?

This book opened my eyes to the very sick and deranged world of Scientology. I have always been curious about this book and I appreciated the perspective from someone who grew up knowing nothing else. The obvious abuses that she went through, as well as others, and the isolation is disturbing. I don't actually know how celebrities can subscribe to this theology, unless the religion that they are receiving is much different than those in the Sea Org. I wouldn't doubt it since much of the money the church seeks is from large donors such as celebrities. It is truly shocking that people can get so brainwashed and watch their families split apart and allow it to happen! It's truly crazy making.

I really liked this book and think it shines a bright light on a very dark religion.

Intimate & Rare Look-Raised/Escaped Scientology 😯

Jenna Miscavage Hill is the niece of the leader of Scientology, David Miscavage. She details her life, her experiences and, most importantly, her relationships within and outside of Scientology. Miscavage's 180° change in the treatment of his niece. Miscavage Hill's parents joining Scientology, leaving Scientology and the extreme 'pendulum swing' and their relationships with their children. There are numerous accounts of Miscavage Hill's personal relationship accounts, as well as the relationships of other Scientologists that she observed.

Miscavage Hill has amazing empathy for someone who was forced and indoctrinated at such a young age. Her warmth throughout and after her 'escape' is very admirable, to say the least.

Sandy Rustin captures all of the emotion without judgment in her performance. Her voice is strong, soft, angry, happy, etc. as Miscavage Hill's experience is written. An absolutely outstanding voice performer, 5 stars worthy.

This book captures Jenna Miscavage Hill's life experience in a very detailed account. This, along with Rustin's performance makes this an overall 5 star rated book. Disturbing? Yes. Credit worthy? Absolutely.


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What a bizzare group of people

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

Yes, I found this book to be very interesting. The bizarreness that is Scientology can almost be read as a non fiction drama. Which you may assume it was if you had never heard of Scientology. Narration was great and the book kind of played out like a girls diary. The things she saw and her feelings towards those things. Some may think it is a way to poorly write a novel, but I found it to be the most effective way.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jenna. She got her self into all the trouble that in turn showed us what a dysfunctional group this is.

Which scene was your favorite?

The whole thing. From the Ranch to the Sea ORG. Fascinating read.

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

Yes. It was fascinating, if you have never read anything about Scientology this is a great book to start on. I'm always interested in things I don't either know about or do not understand. This exposes a lot of those questions.

Powerful true story

Thank you for listening to your inner voice Jenna! I feel the same about all religions.

Utterly Jaw Dropping

I had little to no knowledge of Scientology outside of what is heard in the news, and found this book riveting, astonishing, well crafted, and informational. I found myself multiple times talking out loud to the ‘book’ - with phrases along the lines of ‘Are you kidding me?!’ . Jenna is a brave woman and I’m so happy that she’s found both family and happiness outside the ‘church’.

I thought I had known everything about Scientology

I was amazed there are still things that I did not know about Scientology. Good story.. started a little slow but it kept your attention.

Cults....

Really enjoyed everything about this book and it's reading. It kept my attention and I've already read a lot about this crazy cult.

Worth the listen if it's a topic that interests you or if you just like a great autobiography.

Amazing

Such a great book. Keeps you interested and involved the whole way through. Must listen!!