Status Updates From Beyond Belief: My Secret Li...

Hill finally standing up for herself--against her parents who're now trying to get her out of cult! An irony that had me on the edge of my seat, rooting for parents despite understanding Hill's resentment/distrust of them after lifetime of neglect. Cracks in belief reminding me of my own progress out of religion, but naivite still center stage even if skepticism starting to bloom. Frustrating; much more engaging now.

First half: lots of lulls, feels padded, lingers on mundanity of Scientology life. Hill rarely establishes things in advance; a situation will come up and she'll have to retroactively explain its significance. Once fractures in belief & family show up, gets much better. Writing still very bland, but interesting subject. Auditing, behavior modding, groupthink on full display; very eerie. Still doesn't know about Xenu!

A bit understated in tone; reciting events with minor insight & sometimes over-explanation, reminding reader repeatedly that she was only a kid so couldn't question or know better. Interesting seeing contrast between 'regular Scientologist' and Sea Org; semi-normalcy giving way to life of forced deprivation/labour. Some things could've been positives if not so intense, like learning construction/commune life.