Scientology: A to Xenu: An Insider's Guide to What Scientology Is All About

By: Chris Shelton

Narrated by: Chris Shelton

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

What is Scientology really? Behind the glossy logos and sleek advertisements and South Park parodies, what do Scientologists really believe and practice? Is it really a religion? Who was L. Ron Hubbard, and why did he start it in the first place? Is their technology for real or just so much New Age pseudoscience?

Former insider Chris Shelton grew up in Scientology and worked for it for 25 years. This critical analysis covers the key aspects of its beliefs, practices, and structure from the bottom to the top, including not just the confidential Xenu story but details of all of the upper-level scriptures. Chris goes into detail about what goes on inside Scientology churches, why its members get involved in the first place, and what it takes to get out should someone decide to leave.

An informative guide for anyone who has been involved with Scientology in the past as well as anyone who wants to understand what it's really all about.

©2015 Christopher Shelton (P)2016 Christopher Shelton

Great book for learning the sausage making of Scientology.

Listened to the book twice. He is very knowledgable about the intricate workings of Scientology. Kept my interest from beginning to end.

Informative and Fair

The book covers each topic with facts and when the author has an opinion or is describing a personal experience he describes them as such. I would highly recommend this book to people who are interested in cults or fringe groups.

educational and entertaining.

first of all, I could listen to Chris's voice all day. I think this book is most educational book about scientology I ever read it listened to.

Very thorough

I thought I knew so much but learned so much from listening to this in depth study of Scientology. I was never a member but am fascinated by this subject matter. Chris Shelton did a fine job on his first book. I hope this book will be followed up by many more. Clear narration as well.

Excellent & book with some technical problems

What made the experience of listening to Scientology: A to Xenu: An Insider's Guide to What Scientology Is All About the most enjoyable?

This is a straight forward book that works as both an introduction to the CoS or a companion piece to other books such as Going Clear or Inside Scientology.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Chris (the author) comes off as informed & sincere. While this book is not about him or his journey out of Scientology, you can't help but rout for him.

Which scene was your favorite?

The chapter that breaks down the O.T. Levels is very interesting. I don't think that information has been presented so straight forward in any other book about Scientology.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

As started above. The O.T. Level information is very interesting.

Any additional comments?

There are some real problems with the production value of this audiobook that I think need to be addressed. During several parts of this book the narrator will stop mid-sentence & say "again", then reads the line over again. Clearly these were just messed while editing the audiobook together. Not a big deal but still it happens quite a bit. To the point of being distracting. Would love to have this corrected at some point.

Very Fun

Very informative and entertaining. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend to anyone who enjoys learning about cults.

Very Insightful

I watch all his YouTube videos and find that he is very good at conveying the information. I am obsessed with the subject of Scientology and can't wait to see the end of this destructive cult.

Very Thoroughly Covered Scientology

In the way that an encyclopedia covers a topic broadly, top to bottom, citing examples, definitions, history, images, that can each be studied further, this book is a must for anyone who wants to build an understanding of Scientology.

I already read Marc Headley's gripping story, "Blown for Good," and Leah Remini's eye-opening "Troublemaker," after watching the multiple Emmy winning A&E series, "Scientology and the Aftermath," with Mike Rinder. This book helps flesh out the background for those books. Hubbard was like many others who proposed a Utopia, and built a whole world to set it in, while a requirement of cults is to redfine, so it's no surprise that it needs a layered approach to attempt to understand.

VERY INFORMATIVE!

If you wondered what the beliefs of Scientology are, and wondered about the reality of life inside, I highly recommend this definitive book!

Everything you wanted to know about Scientology

Chris Shelton tells a compelling story about his 25 years in Scientology.
What I really like about this book is his insightful knowledge of the theory or dogma of this orginisation. It really is an A to Xenu guide to Scientology. Anyone who enjoyed the Going Clear book and documentary will enjoy this book. Wonderful narration by the author himself.