Not really about Scientology

The title and description of the book are deceiving. This is more a full-life autobiography; Scientology pops up only every great once in a while. Hall speaks more about her early life, her familial dealings, her lovers, her ambitions, etc. than she actually does about her experience in the organization. She's even more interested in singing her folk songs than describing any courses she'd taken or auditing she'd completed. I had never heard of Hall (or her family members) and would not have bought this book if I'd known what it was really about.

3 people found this helpful

Misleading title for a dull story

I gave this book six hours before deciding it was too boring to finish. It's not even that much about Scientology; perhaps the title was chosen because of the interest today in the group. Hall writes well and reads well, but her life is not that interesting and I really disliked the opportunities she found to sing. Her parents were particularly annoying. I have read numerous moving stories of people searching for meaning and spiritual understanding. This isn't one of them. As the Scientologists would say: Flunk.

2 people found this helpful

Just not interesting

I kept thinking this book would be a great after Scientology memoir but it was really a long, boring journey to nowhere. I forced myself to finish hoping it would eventually become entertaining, but it didn’t.

2 people found this helpful

An Amazing Audible Book Experience

Many books are entertaining, amusing, and informative. This book is that and so much more. When I finished listening, I had a gift in my hands, a greater understanding of my own journey. I am grateful to Sands Hall for her honest, horrendous wrestling with what she calls her wasted years in Scientology in order to bring her story into the world. Hall, who is also an actress, reads her own work, and her physical voice is the perfect vehicle for her written words. All told, an amazing audible book experience.

2 people found this helpful

Insightful and well told

I was a Scientologist for over 30 years. I have been "out" but "under the radar " for 9 years. This book helped me to better understand how I came to be trapped in a cult. It also helped me to peel off a few more of the layers of Scientology control that still exist in my mind. Thank you, Sands.

1 person found this helpful

Courageous and insightful!

This brave memoir helps all of us to explore the many factors that affect our lives. With keen insight and emotional resonance Ms. Hall encourages us all to examine how we become who we are. Her beautiful narration adds immeasurably to the enjoyment. I highly recommend this!

1 person found this helpful

Thoughtful!

Excellent exploration of the author’s experiences, touching on deep themes such as the need to find meaning in one’s life. Enjoyed the narration and sprinkling of song. Well done!

1 person found this helpful

excellent memoir

Author was authentic, honest, & captivating in the telling of her story. from her familial relationships to her friendships within the Church, she eloquently shares her experiences, emotions, & thoughts are she grappled with finding her own path in life. so well done.

Not Quite What Was Expected

It was...interesting, in its way. I found the constant shifting between backstories and characters to be confusing at times, and the subtle self-promotions inserted throughout began to illicit some eye-rolling on my part after the third or fourth one.
Still, it was important to hear another take on the ludicrousness of Scientology, albeit more lukewarm than I felt it should have been, but Sands did challenge my objectivity several many times.

not just another expose on Scientology.

Sands book is an amazingly well- told story about a creative intelligent wonderful woman and how she got sucked into Scientology. Her inner battle between what she loved about the study and how she wanted to break away makes it real for those who have never been in but wonder how could you get sucked in. I highly recommend not just the book but the audible recording told in her own voice.