For an in-depth, first-hand account of Scientology, Jenna Miscavige Hill's memoir is a must
I'm almost finished with what I believe is without a doubt one of the best books explaining Scientology I've ever read. Why? Because it's a first person account, written by someone who would know the inner workings of this mysterious faith. I'm going to call it what I think it is: A cult. I really didn't doubt that it was before reading Jenna Miscavige Hill's Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape, but now I'm even more sure. And I'm furious.
Honestly, I don't normally go for this sort of story, but my curiosity got the best of me. I'd just seen Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master when I spotted this particular book. I had to have it. I'm so glad I picked it up. Jenna Miscavige Hill is the niece of David Miscavige, the Church of Scientology's leader. From birth, she was raised in the faith. Her parents were also Scientologists (high-ranking members, at that). The things that Hill endured as a small child at the hands of these monsters made me so angry, there were times when I actually had to stop reading. I can't believe this sort of thing goes on - and I'm horrified that these Hollywood celebrities glorify Scientology so much. It's sickening.
I won't give too much away, because I really hope you'll give this book a shot, but suffice it to say that Jenna Miscavige Hill's never-ending indoctrination into Scientology was nightmarish. She did leave, in 2005. She was 22-years-old when she walked away from the church, her family and friends, and everything she'd ever known. Now, all these years later, she's finally telling her story.
If you're curious about the inner workings of Scientology, you won't be disappointed with Beyond Belief. Hill goes into (shocking) detail. What was it like to be raised as the child of Scientology's most esteemed leaders? It sure wasn't normal. In fact, in my opinion, it was extremely abusive, both mentally and physically. It's one thing for an adult to be subjected to some of this nonsense, but a child?!
I'm going to stop before I wind up smack in the middle of an epic rant, but I wanted to be sure I hammered home the point that Beyond Belief, while difficult to read at times, sheds a lot of light on the new-age cult that is the Church of Scientology. This book explains, at least in part, how and why someone would become so devoted to an organization that is clearly brainwashing and utterly controlling every aspect of life. I applaud Jenna Miscavige Hill for finally breaking away and for choosing to share her story with the world.
Has anyone else read Beyond Belief yet? Let me know your thoughts. I'm going to finish now. I think I've finally cooled off long enough to see this through to the ending.
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