Reviews

A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology by Mike Rinder

lizzielemon's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative medium-paced

4.0

holeinocean's review

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense

5.0

lancev's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative mysterious tense slow-paced

5.0

One of the best things I've ever read. Fuck scientology. 

iread2dream's review against another edition

5.0

I love the subtle inflections and intonations that only the original author can add when reading their own book. I always enjoy listening to Mike speak, and I'm glad his words and voice will live on for eternity, through many lifetimes, until this world ceases to exist. I listened to the audiobook on 1x speed, which I never do, and not once did it feel like a chore to listen at that speed. Whereas I usually feel like audiobook narrators narrate too slow, Mike's pace was good and I think his voice helped.

I really liked the flow of the story and how Mike added anecdotes that aren't scientology related but that maybe give us a glimpse of Mike gaining "outside" memories that could've played some role when he blew. Why stay in a cult when you can learn how to herd sheep out in the real world, ykwim? I also appreciate that Mike added memories/experiences that led him further into scientology, and how he explained his thinking at the time of whatever incidents he's discussing.

Listening to the afterword was really hard. I'm glad Mike was able to write this book, but most importantly, I'm glad he was able to live a happy fulfilling life after he left scientology and that he got to experience true joy. Rest in peace Mike.

scrublife3011's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense

3.5

eliaszuniga's review

informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

spweezle's review

emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

4.5

trickypeanut's review

5.0

Such a heart-centered account of the harm done in the name of this cult. I hope those still in find their way to the light someday. I hope those who have left find their families and peace. Rest in power Mike.

dallasorion's review

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.75

kbingham's review against another edition

challenging dark inspiring medium-paced

5.0