Curtis’s Reviews > Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape > Status Update
Curtis
is on page 333 of 404
Funny how Hill invented sci-fi stories/borrowed from movies to invent past lives from which to confess during interrogation sessions! So cathartic as she begins to fight back, especially when they try to keep her from her love. Knocking down doors, screaming at people, threatening to sacrifice herself to cause investigation. Rooting for her, yelling encouragement at the book! Back half SO much better than first half.
— May 08, 2026 06:34AM
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Curtis’s Previous Updates
Curtis
is finished
Very touching finale, deciding to not take a perfect chance at leaving just because the husband was still brainwashed; committing to only leave if she can get him out too. Very admirable! Hilarious that she learned most secret aspects of her faith via the South Park episode, and that ENTIRE Miscavige family bailed except for David, who's all alone now lol. Book made me less afraid of Scientologists; they seem feeble.
— May 11, 2026 04:53PM
Curtis
is on page 269 of 404
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.
— May 06, 2026 09:38AM
Curtis
is on page 232 of 404
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!
— May 05, 2026 07:51AM
Curtis
is on page 90 of 404
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.
— May 01, 2026 09:03PM
