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Reviews
Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape by Jenna Miscavige Hill
miscamy's review
4.0
Is this the most literary work on Scientology? No. However the insight of a child, from the inner circle, and her story of abuse on so many levels is one definitely worth reading. I have a very good memory of my childhood, back to 2 years old at least, so it was extremely touching to compare my memories with hers. I caught myself actually whispering "you poor little girl" out loud more than once.
lurker_stalker's review
3.0
This book is definitely not a page turner or a masterpiece but it did what I wanted it to do: give me some insight into Scientology. There were lots of places where I zoned out of the narrative while working or cooking or whatever but I got enough info to let me know that growing up as a member of the cult was miserable and I can understand how difficult it would be to leave it behind.
I would recommend this book for anyone who has a burning desire to learn more but not for anyone looking for sensationalism. This is a slow journey from very early childhood to an adult woman who realizes she's been brainwashed her entire life.
I would recommend this book for anyone who has a burning desire to learn more but not for anyone looking for sensationalism. This is a slow journey from very early childhood to an adult woman who realizes she's been brainwashed her entire life.
vannahcabana's review
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
This book details the Scientology journey of the niece of the organization’s current leader. It was very interesting to read her story as a child through young adult years in the “religion.” I’ve watched several documentaries regarding Scientology and other folks leaving, but this was quite interesting being the current leader’s niece. Not an easy story to read but definitely interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Abortion, Infidelity, Stalking, Death, Sexual content, and Suicide
badseedgirl's review
3.0
Abuse and neglect are abuse and neglect no matter what religion a family subscribes to.
pantswithpockets's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
libraryshifter's review
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
nderiley's review
4.0
After reading Going Clear and watching the HBO special, I wasn't certain what Hill's memoir could add to the insanity that is Scientology but I love memoirs so I picked it up regardless.
Holy hell. Going Clear does a great job giving an overview of how Scientology was founded and what it was like to interface with the 'religion' as an outsider. Beyond Belief gives the inisider's perspective and has much to add by providing insight into the motivations of those still in the org.
Definitely worth a read!
Holy hell. Going Clear does a great job giving an overview of how Scientology was founded and what it was like to interface with the 'religion' as an outsider. Beyond Belief gives the inisider's perspective and has much to add by providing insight into the motivations of those still in the org.
Definitely worth a read!
jnjackson's review
4.0
This was a very fascinating inside look at Scientology from a church "worker" perspective. Now I'm interested in reading Leah Remini's book to get a celebrity view of the church.