A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology
4.7 | 2,693 ratings
Price: 19.68
Last update: 01-04-2026
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- janeWOW-- INCREDIBLE READ !Whether you are interested in the inner workings of Scientology, the general dynamics of cult control, or just a fascinating real life adventure story, this is a great read. Very well written, it carries you along with the author in his amazing journey in a way that is hard to put this book down. A book well worth reading, right to the very heart felt end.
Because the author is focusing on his own personal journey, he offers a clear understanding of how , step by step, one gets trapped into an environment of mind control. And then the gradual process of waking up from it. What an incredible journey !
As many already well know, Scientology does not take kindly to ANY criticism or exposure. And due to their "fair game" policy they will do ANYTHING to discredit, harass (on going) and destroy any critics. As such, those who have been exposing this destructive organization are to be commended !! In spite of that
harassment, there are now hundreds of ex-Scientologists from all over the world who have been speaking out and they all tell basically the same horrific stories. Too many to discount the truth they tell.
The hilarious part to me is that in the very act of harassing these people, Scientology shows the world
the very truth of what these people are saying !! Scientology is clearly very afraid of the truth being told. What honest organization does that !!!!
So in that very attempt, I found it pretty laughable that before Mike's book became available, Scientology was already putting out "fake" books ( on Amazon no less) under various author's names to try and divert
people away from getting his book. Their aggressive policies only seem to backfire at this point since
by now so many already know what they do. I'm sure they will also try trolling the reviews.
But humor aside, Scientology does clearly do all they can to make life hell for these brave people ,
which Mike ( among many) well exposes.
As such, I can only give my highest respect to Mike Rinder and all the many people who have been
willing to continue to speak out in spite of having to endure Scientology's onslaught. Pure evil.
The biggest travesty in my mind is that Scientology is being allowed Church tax exempt status. ( The book talks about how that all came about.) This means they don't have to be accountable as they corruptly amass
vast amounts of money. Much of it spent on lawyers, private investigators and on whatever it takes
to "silence" defectors.....as well as their leader's luxurious whims. And that is our tax dollars at work.
I have to wonder why the IRS ignores the obvious facts and continues to allow this sham to go on !!
Greatest respect to Mike Rinder and all the others willing to continue this fight for truth.
do speak out are indeed brave souls - Shirley HubbertMike Rinder's Story of leaving ScientologyAfter having watched. Aftermath on tv several years ago, i was fascinated with Scientology and the people that had left. I read this 2 yrs ago and its : Shocking, informative , Eye opening, Compelling ..Mr Rinder was lucky he lived thru Scientology Hell..!!
Glad he was able to enjoy Life later on - FluffyluggageCompelling read! Fascinating, insightful, tragic, realI've been familiar with Mike Rinder for a number of years, since seeing him with Leah Remini on Scientology and the Aftermath. I was fascinated with their passion and compassion, and I was intrigued by how two incredibly intelligent individuals from two very different walks of life could choose what I saw as such an odd path through it. Reading this book, I see many stories recounted that were told at least in part through the TV show, but this really gets into detail, and Rinder discusses his childhood indoctrination into Scientology, of which I was completely unaware. I'm so shocked, even knowing much of the background and many of the stories, about what I've read here. I'm always intrigued by cults abd their leaders, including how people can become completely indoctrinated into their lifestyle and brainwashed to believe even the craziest of ideas. But this gives a raw, real, and completely honest look at how it's possible to be a normal person whp thinks for himself and has never had reason NOT to believe anything else. I'm now looking to read many other memoirs by ex-scientology members, because I am beyond impressed at the strength it must take to walk away... this is a must-read for a Billion different reasons, and well worth every penny! Thank you, Mike Rinder, for your work in becoming a Whistle-blower. Please keep up that life-changing work.
- G RainesA Story of Strength and CourageHeartbreaking, at times, to read of the pathological cruelties committed by Scientology cult leaders. It's almost unbelievable the power the corrupt and opportunistic can have on trusting, impressionistic youth. Children are taken away from parents, people disappear without a trace, young are bullied and humiliated with impunity. This is a worthwhile book, even though, for me, the story did drag a little in the middle. Overall, it is an important read that illuminates clearly the tactics abusive people use to remain dominant and to impoverish their victims.