Scan barcode
Reviews
Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape by Jenna Miscavige Hill
guppyur's review against another edition
3.0
In a word, horrifying.
This was a rare nonfiction read for me, brought to my attention as an Amazon.com editor's pick. It pains me to tick the "nonfiction" box on my Goodreads shelf, and so acknowledge that this really happened to someone -- in fact, to a lot of someones. And it continues to happen to more of them, and most of them don't get out.
The basics: This is a memoir by Jenna Miscavige Hill, about her upbringing in the Church of Scientology and her escape from it. You may recognize the name Miscavige; it is also the surname of David Miscavige, the current head of Scientology. Hill is his niece. I imagine that by now anyone reading this book is aware of Scientology, but just in case: Scientology is nominally a religion, founded by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. It's drawn widespread criticism for its treatment of members and their associates, widespread derision for some of its claims, and has developed a reputation for litigious suppression of its critics. It also claims many prominent adherents, most famously Tom Cruise. I suspect that the Scientology experience for people like Cruise differs dramatically from the experience for the average member.
There are several important facts to keep in mind when reading this book. First, as Miscavige's niece, Hill is sheltered from the worst of what less connected members might have to endure. Second, as Miscavige's niece, she is inescapably a person of interest to the church, and an average member is likely subject to far less scrutiny and micromanagement. Third, Hill was a member of the "Sea Org," an organization inside the church, life within which is apparently rather different from so-called "public membership."
As for recommendation for or against reading it, I can't make one, as it will be dependent on your interest in the subject matter. For what it is I enjoyed it, if one can be said to enjoy something like this, and I think as first authorships go it's well-written, or else well-edited. For me it was a fascinating look inside the workings of a highly secretive organization with a reputation for comic book levels of villainy.
This was a rare nonfiction read for me, brought to my attention as an Amazon.com editor's pick. It pains me to tick the "nonfiction" box on my Goodreads shelf, and so acknowledge that this really happened to someone -- in fact, to a lot of someones. And it continues to happen to more of them, and most of them don't get out.
The basics: This is a memoir by Jenna Miscavige Hill, about her upbringing in the Church of Scientology and her escape from it. You may recognize the name Miscavige; it is also the surname of David Miscavige, the current head of Scientology. Hill is his niece. I imagine that by now anyone reading this book is aware of Scientology, but just in case: Scientology is nominally a religion, founded by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. It's drawn widespread criticism for its treatment of members and their associates, widespread derision for some of its claims, and has developed a reputation for litigious suppression of its critics. It also claims many prominent adherents, most famously Tom Cruise. I suspect that the Scientology experience for people like Cruise differs dramatically from the experience for the average member.
There are several important facts to keep in mind when reading this book. First, as Miscavige's niece, Hill is sheltered from the worst of what less connected members might have to endure. Second, as Miscavige's niece, she is inescapably a person of interest to the church, and an average member is likely subject to far less scrutiny and micromanagement. Third, Hill was a member of the "Sea Org," an organization inside the church, life within which is apparently rather different from so-called "public membership."
As for recommendation for or against reading it, I can't make one, as it will be dependent on your interest in the subject matter. For what it is I enjoyed it, if one can be said to enjoy something like this, and I think as first authorships go it's well-written, or else well-edited. For me it was a fascinating look inside the workings of a highly secretive organization with a reputation for comic book levels of villainy.
jcaballero0725's review
4.0
I felt as though the writer did a really great job narrating through her time in what seemed like a modern concentration camp. Okay, maybe Im being a little dramatic but, I did feel that she got her point crossed in the harsh and unbelievable conditions that happen in the United States today. Big eye opener, fast read, I would recommend this one if you're curious.
cronareads's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Bullying
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