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A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology Hardcover – September 27, 2022

by Mike Rinder (Author)

2,480 ratings

Editors' pick Best Biographies & Memoirs

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One of the highest-ranking defectors from Scientology exposes the secret inner workings of the powerful organization in this remarkable memoir.

Mike Rinder’s parents began taking him to their local Scientology center when he was five years old. After high school, he signed a billion-year contract and was admitted into Scientology’s elite inner circle, the Sea Organization. Brought to founder L. Ron Hubbard’s yacht and promised training in Hubbard’s most advanced techniques, Mike was instead put to work swabbing the decks.

Still, Rinder bought into the doctrine that his personal comfort was secondary to the higher purpose of Hubbard’s world-saving mission, swiftly rising through the ranks. In the 1980s, Rinder became Scientology’s international spokesperson and the head of its powerful Office of Special Affairs. He helped negotiate Scientology’s pivotal tax exemption from the IRS and engaged with the organization’s prominent celebrity members, including Tom Cruise, Lisa Marie Presley, and John Travolta.

Yet Rinder couldn’t shake a nagging feeling that something was amiss—Hubbard’s promises remained unfulfilled at his death, and his successor, David Miscavige, was a ruthless and vindictive man who did not hesitate to confine many top Scientologists, Mike among them, to a makeshift prison known as the Hole.

In 2007, at the age of fifty-two, Rinder finally escaped Scientology. Overnight, he became one of the organization’s biggest public enemies. He was followed, hacked, spied on, and tracked. But he refused to be intimidated and today helps people break free of Scientology.

In A Billion Years, the dark, dystopian truth about Scientology is revealed as never before. Rinder offers insights into the religion that only someone of his former high rank could provide and tells a harrowing but fulfilling story of personal resilience.

From the Publisher

WARNING: California’s Proposition 65

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[Rinder’s] voice is crisp, urgent, and vividly impassioned, whether assessing his years as a compliant member, his breathless escape, or his promise to continue exposing Scientology as a ‘unique and vengeful monster.’ An intensely personal, cathartic memoir of blind allegiance, betrayal, and liberation.”
—Kirkus, starred review

“Few people understand Scientology like Mike Rinder does. In A Billion Years, he tells the gripping, harrowing account of growing up in Scientology, serving founder L. Ron Hubbard, and rising to the top of its ranks. Mike has found purpose in his pain and his book offers not only a cautionary tale but also an inspiring story of resilience.”
—Leah Remini, New York Times bestselling author of Troublemaker

“A candid and deeply felt memoir of a life lost to false belief—and courageously regained.”
—Lawrence Wright, New York Times bestselling author of Going Clear

“A Billion Years is an extraordinarily powerful book. It is an essential account from the inside, and while it’s a devastating exposé of the abuses of the church, the tone is measured and deeply humanistic. Rinder lets us feel what it’s like to fall into a state of blind faith, and how hard it is to break free and see the truth for what it is. Nothing could be more relevant to our current moment.”
—Alex Gibney, Oscar-winning director of Taxi to the Dark Side and Going Clear

“Mike Rinder has written the definitive book on the great threat of Scientology in the twenty-first century. It’s a flamethrower of a read, burning up the organization’s wicked nonsense so all that is left is like so much ash in the ashtray. Read it.”
—John Sweeney, investigative journalist and presenter of BBC Panorama’s Scientology and Me and The Secrets of Scientology

About the Author

Mike Rinder was raised as a Scientologist from early childhood. He went on to serve as Scientology’s international spokesperson and as the head of its Office of Special Affairs and was a member of the Board of Directors of Church of Scientology International from its creation in 1983 until he left in 2007. Since renouncing Scientology, Rinder has become a prominent whistleblower against its abuses. He appeared in the HBO documentary Going Clear and cohosted all three seasons of the Emmy Award–winning show Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath on A&E. He and Remini currently cohost the podcast Scientology: Fair Game.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gallery Books (September 27, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1982185767
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1982185763
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.07 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.5 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #145,985 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #11 in Scientology
- #155 in Survival Biographies
- #4,876 in Memoirs (Books)

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a must-read, praising its compelling storytelling and easy-to-read writing style. They describe it as an eye-opening account of a harrowing life and an amazing story of someone overcoming challenges, with one customer noting how the author writes with brutal honesty. The book receives positive feedback for its stunning presentation, while customers express concern about the cult content, describing Scientology as a devastating cult.

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Readability Insight Story telling Writing style Inspirational story Look Cult content

81 customers mention "Readability"81 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as wonderful and brilliant, with one customer noting it's a must-read for anyone who has watched Scientology.

"...control, or just a fascinating real life adventure story, this is a great read...." Read more

"What a wonderful book! I am so proud of Mike Rinder for standing up to a group who should have been abolished LONG AGO...." Read more

"Great read" Read more

"...there are definitely great nuggets you won’t get anywhere else except this book...." Read more

79 customers mention "Insight"79 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fascinating and eye-opening, describing it as a stunning takedown of Scientology.

"...the general dynamics of cult control, or just a fascinating real life adventure story, this is a great read...." Read more

"It's a very insightful book into the dark and abusive cult of Scientology...." Read more

"This book was really eye-opening. I have been interested (maybe fascinated) with Scientology as an observer for many years...." Read more

"...along comes Mike Rinder’s totally engrossing autobiography and expose of Scientology, The Sea Org , Ron Hubbard and David Miscavage ...." Read more

58 customers mention "Story telling"54 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book, with one describing it as a compelling account of a harrowing life.

"...A book well worth reading, right to the very heart felt end...." Read more

"...There are many specific persons involved in his story and he does a good job of reminding the reader who they are if they appear in the story more..." Read more

"...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..." Read more

"...I love that he tells the story pretty much in first person...." Read more

45 customers mention "Writing style"45 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's writing style compelling and easy to read, with one customer noting that the author writes with brutal honesty.

"...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..." Read more

"...Mr. Rinder is a good author, describing his experiences and feelings very bluntly, and the way he was forced to handle the things he tells of makes..." Read more

"...His story is not only well-written, but well-told...." Read more

"...The book reads like one is watching a movie. Mike is an EXCELLENT writer! He wrote that there were many other stories that could have been included...." Read more

37 customers mention "Inspirational story"37 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and brave, describing it as an amazing story of someone overcoming challenges.

"...Mr. Rinder is a good author, describing his experiences and feelings very bluntly, and the way he was forced to handle the things he tells of makes..." Read more

"...The author has shown a lot of bravery and self sacrifice by writing this book, after finding the strength of will to break free of them, which I..." Read more

"...of how hard it was for Mike Rinder, a manifestly intelligent and capable person, to realize he had let nonsense put him in slavery to a maniac...." Read more

"A great book; very personal and very compelling...." Read more

6 customers mention "Look"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book visually stunning, with one customer noting it provides great background information.

"...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..." Read more

"I could not put this down. Mike gives a detailed and intimate look at his life as a scientologist and how he slowly realized it wasn't all he'd been..." Read more

"Mike Rinder tells a gripping, moving, and sometimes terrifying look at the top tier of the cult of Scientology, and how Scientology treats its..." Read more

"...lays out the reasons Scientology operates the way they do and gives great background on how the organization was built up. I could not put it down!..." Read more

7 customers mention "Cult content"0 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed views on the cult content of the book, with some describing Scientology as a devastating cult, while one customer notes it is not a religion or spirituality book.

"A hard read at times because of all the abuse and suffering in this CULT, AND after escaping it...." Read more

"...Scientology is a horrendous cult which has caused untold damage to tens of thousands of people because even friends and family members of those who..." Read more

"...scientology is such a devistating cult and with each great book from the Aftermath family from Blown for good to Troublemaker now Billion years..." Read more

"...How horrific for the family unit. The sufferings of the children. I pray this cult will be broken" Read more

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jane
WOW-- INCREDIBLE READ !
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2022
Verified Purchase

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

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Monica
Good book about growing up and escaping from a crazy cult
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2025
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It's a very insightful book into the dark and abusive cult of Scientology. Mike Rinder grew up in it and espoused all of its craziness, and was the victim of unbelievable abuses that , had they happened in the world outside of Scientology, the perpetrators would have been reported and arrested. Because he was part of the Office of Special Affairs, he practiced the "fair game" doctrine against anyone scientology thought were their enemy, and he knows first hand what Scientology does to anyone who dares speak out against it. It's insane. Spoiler alert: after over 4 decades in it, he was able to finally escape, paying the price of being disconnected from his kids and his wife and friends, and being at the receiving end of the fair game treatment.

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2 people found this helpful

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Jessica M
Very moving
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2023
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This book was really eye-opening. I have been interested (maybe fascinated) with Scientology as an observer for many years. After seeing Mike Rinder on the Aftermath series and learning of his book, I put it on my list. I finally got to read it and I was shocked at some of the things I read that hadn't been told in the show. Mr. Rinder is a good author, describing his experiences and feelings very bluntly, and the way he was forced to handle the things he tells of makes you hurt for him because he wasn't allowed to for himself. This book stirred up a lot of tears and a lot more anger to know this still goes on. No matter your stance on the subject of Scientology, this is a well-written autobiography and story of much more than a man's life.

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11 people found this helpful

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Bebop Jim
The Best Scientology Expose
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2023
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I originally learned about Scientology in the 1970s from a friend who , along with his brother, was hooked on this strange belief system. I had become a student of HP Blavatsky’s cult of Theosophy. The big difference between Scientology and Theosophy is that Scientology promotes selfishness and greed while Theosophy promotes selflessness and altruism. It costs thousands of dollars to attain the highest levels of supposed hidden knowledge through expensive courses from Scientology. Although Theosophy demands unlimited amounts of time from its students, money is not a big factor, although wealthy people have been known to donate large sums . ( Both groups are tax exempt ) I became extremely interested and subsequently went on to read every book and watch every TV program about it . In 2012, I was visiting my step son who lived about an hour and a half from Gilman Hot Springs and Gold base . Well we drove there and photographed the imposing buildings from the outside . My obsession pretty much died down after this . But along comes Mike Rinder’s totally engrossing autobiography and expose of Scientology, The Sea Org , Ron Hubbard and David Miscavage . Mike lays bare his life and what he endured over 35 plus years on the inside of the horribly cult known to the world as Scientology

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claudio design
mudò e crudo
Reviewed in Italy on November 5, 2022
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E un resoconto agghiacciante di quanto avviene dentro ad una setta
Ne spiega bene le cause ed un pezzo della storia di scientology
Anche io come Mike ho un figlio nella Sea Org che non vedo da 12 anni
La crudeltà è segnale di pazzia è David Miscavige è molto molto crudele

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Armando O.
Excelente, intrigante
Reviewed in Mexico on October 3, 2022
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Pocos o nadie podrían explicar lo que es Scientology como Mike Rinder, es una lectura intrigante y hasta dolorosa, de todo lo que sucede dentro de ese culto y las devastantes historias de sus seguidores/ prisioneros.

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Brian
Interesting and Important Read
Reviewed in Canada on April 2, 2023
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Well-written, easy to read, and riveting account of Mr Rinder's 40+ years in the cult of Scientology.

46 years (if I recall Mr. Rinder's involvement in Scientology correctly) is a long time to squeeze into one book, and I'm sure there's far more for Mr. Rinder to share, but this book should be enough to scare anyone away from Scientology, or any other cult for that matter.

This book contains important information and I would encourage everyone to pay close attention to Mr. Rinder's message. I predict many will read "A Billion Years..." more than just one time.

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Roberto
Exceptional
Reviewed in Germany on February 15, 2023
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Read a lot of books regarding the topic. This is by far the best. Buy with confidence.

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Ines
Thank You
Reviewed in France on June 29, 2023
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The world changes for the best when men of integrity take a stand despite all adversary odds.
Mike Rinder is one of such a brave being 🙏💗

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A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology Hardcover – September 27, 2022

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5.0 out of 5 stars WOW-- INCREDIBLE READ !

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book about growing up and escaping from a crazy cult

5.0 out of 5 stars Very moving

4.0 out of 5 stars The Best Scientology Expose

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars mudò e crudo

5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente, intrigante

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and Important Read

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank You

WOW-- INCREDIBLE READ !

Good book about growing up and escaping from a crazy cult

Very moving

The Best Scientology Expose

mudò e crudo

Excelente, intrigante

Interesting and Important Read

Exceptional

Thank You