A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology Audiobook

" Amazing! Thank you, Mike for everything you’ve done "

" Great audiobook and highly recommended for an insider's scoop on this insidious organization. Mike relates the harrowing tale of his life in L. Ron Hubbard's fake navy and how his family cruelly disowned him when he escaped (Google "Scientology disconnection"). This was a fine addition to my library and all I can add beyond that is that Scientology should not be tax exempt! "

" A Billion Years is an incredible and gripping audiobook written and narrated by Mike Rinder, formerly a top-ranking member of Scientology and now a whistle blower. It's a unique, eye-opening account of Mike's journey through the hierarchy of Scientology and his eventual escape from the organisation. This book gives readers an intimate look into what it's like to be part of such a high ranking group within Scientology, as well as detailing how Mike managed to free himself from it after years. Mike's narration is superb – engaging and captivating. His voice conveys both emotion and clarity with great precision, allowing listeners to truly feel what he went through during this difficult chapter in his life. Each chapter paints a vivid picture of his experiences as he recounts every detail with accuracy – from the psychological pressures put on him by the organisation to the impact being inside had on his relationships with family, friends, and even himself. The anecdotes interspersed throughout make for a powerful listen that will stay with you long after you've finished listening. On top of the personal stories Mike shares, he also dives deep into various topics related to Scientology such as its beliefs, structure, and activities. He provides excellent insight into these topics without straying too far away from his story or getting into the weeds. Overall I found this to be an amazing audiobook experience full of compelling stories, insightful facts about Scientology, and honest reflections by Mr. Rinder. Very eye-opening and highly recommended! "

" Mike Rinder's powerful memoir is an inspiring and educational audiobook. It narrates the incredible journey of Mike's life as he battled through a system of extreme control and manipulation to break free from the highest ranks of Scientology. With raw emotion and remarkable detail, Mike's narrative reminds us that anything is possible with courage and strength. The book takes listeners into his personal experiences within the church: from his his struggles with his emotional connection to it, all the way to his eventual escape. His honest story serves as an eye-opening cautionary tale to anyone who has ever been tempted by something too good to be true. Mike's words are powerful, persuasive, and thought-provoking. He does not shy away from difficult topics such as fear and doubt but instead confronts them head on. Through this audiobook, we get an insight into what drives people towards something like Scientology and how individuals can gain strength through resilience in order to escape its clutches. What's more, it offers valuable advice for those caught in similar situations, many of which remain widespread today. All in all, A Billion Years is an informative and gripping audiobook that will blow you away with its story of strength, courage, determination, and survival against all odds. It is a must listen for anyone looking for motivation or just interested in learning more about one man's inspiring journey out of darkness into light. "

" This is my review for the audiobook "A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology" written and narrated by Mike Rinder. This book is not just an informative look into the world of Scientology, it also offers an emotional journey through Mike's life as he recounts his struggles with the "religion". Through his personal story and experiences, readers are given insights into the inner workings of this highly-controversial belief system and its effects on those who practice it. Mike effectively relates each detail from his past, from his initial entrance into Scientology (as a child!) to the powerful moment when he finally breaks free from its grip. His narrative is both educational and deeply personal, making it easy for even a newcomer to understand how people can become so entrenched in such practices. He speaks candidly about how he became disillusioned with Scientology's methods and why he ultimately chose to leave — a decision that came at great cost yet brought him newfound freedom. The audiobook is beautifully narrated by Mike himself, which makes listening to his account all the more engaging. His soothing voice carries readers through each emotion-filled chapter while also providing an inside look at how Scientology operates. Whether you're already familiar with this organization or not, A Billion Years will open your eyes (and ears!) to its secrets and provide an inspiring example of one man's courage and conviction in overcoming adversity against all odds. I would highly recommend this audiobook not only as a source of knowledge but also as a beacon of hope that we can escape our own bonds if we remain strong willed and determined enough to do so. "

" This audiobook is nothing short of spectacular and it's wonderful that it's actually read by the author, a former high ranking Scientology official. It's an incredibly compelling narrative that takes the listener on a journey through the life of someone who spent decades within the highest ranks of Scientology and lived to tell the tale. The story told throughout this audiobook is captivating and engrossing; you can't help but be drawn in by Mike's narration and his attention to detail in describing his experiences with this controversial organization. His words come across as earnest and honest as he recounts both the good and bad aspects of his time there, allowing you to see, first hand, the inner workings of an organization shrouded in mystery. The production value of this audiobook is also very high with excellent sound quality. Mike's deep baritone makes for easy listening while providing a sense of comfort due to its familiarity. In addition to being extremely fascinating (I really didn't know much about Scientology before this), this audiobook is also rather educational. Not only does it provide insights into how Scientology works from an insider's perspective but it also explains how difficult it can be for those who become entrenched within its ranks to leave unscathed. Overall, this book paints a vivid portrait of what it's like for someone trying to escape from one of the most secretive organizations in modern history. If you're looking for an engaging story that offers fascinating insight into a mysterious world then look no further than A Billion Years. It will leave you captivated and enlightened as you learn about one man's journey and struggles along the way. Highly recommended! "

" I'm so glad that I decided to listen to Mike Rinder's audiobook "A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology" because it is an incredibly powerful and moving account of his time in this dangerous cult. In his own words, Mike explains how he spent two decades as a high-ranking official for the Church of Scientology and his journey to ultimately escape. His narration style is calm and confident, yet careful to ensure listeners gain insight into the heavy emotions he experienced while inside the organization. The audiobook gives a detailed account of Mike's harrowing experiences, from being constantly monitored and controlled by superiors to his eventual realization that he needed to break free. He talks candidly about the physical and emotional tolls that his years in Scientology took on him, but also highlights the strength of will and courage it took for him to eventually find his own way out. It's an inspiring story of someone's resilience in the face of extreme adversity. Mike shares thoughtfully about how all aspects of life was dictated by Scientology, from food choices to clothing options, down to controlling even which members could be friends with each other. Yet even through these difficult times, there were moments of humanity shining through from people within the organization who wanted nothing more than freedom from their own prison system. The audiobook is full of details that bring home just how manipulative, coercive and oppressive living under such circumstances can be. Overall A Billion Years is an emotionally charged story filled with courage and hope for anyone trying to overcome oppressive situations no matter what form they take on. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for inspiration or simply wanting to learn more about human resilience in difficult circumstances. "