Today is the big day, which has been a long time coming.
I am sorry if anyone was watching CBS Mornings today expecting to see me… It was my error. It is airing tomorrow, Wednesday morning. Looks like it will be on around 8:30.
Now that the book and audiobook is available, I am interested to hear your initial thoughts. And if you have a copy of the book, would love to see you posting pix on social media with the #ABillionYears hashtag…
About time someone enriched the SciFitology Thesaurus with a reference to ‘Bottom’.
Bravo!
ššš
Bought it, read it, loved it. Well done, Mike. I’ve been a never-in Scn follower since I worked for a green-on-white circa 2005, and I’ve watched your progress with great interest. I’m pleased and proud that you have come so far, and done so much to help others see the light and escape. Chronicling your story has helped me by increasing my understanding of how people get in and how they can get out.
As a professional writer, I also think it’s a very compelling and well-written narrative. I think the way you talk about people is great — you aren’t judgmental; you tell what you saw and let people form their own comments. Everyone in the story, including Marty Rathbun, Cathy, and yes, even Miscavige, gets fair treatment. That’s not easy to do especially when one has been through what you have.
You are a good man, Mike!
AG
PS, one thing we never learned — did you ever manage to quit smoking?
Yes, I quit many years ago now. Thanks for your kind words.
The book, like the man, is honest and true. Thanks Mike. I believe that the day will soon come for Scientology and Miscavige to receive the Justice they have so long eluded, and I have no doubt your book will hasten its arrival.
I love to read actual books. I ordered “Billion” the old-fashioned way from B & N. Since Monday the 26th I’ve been checking the mailbox again when I come home at night. It MUST come by Friday. This weekend I have special plans. Turn off my phone and double lock the doors, Close all the blinds. Get in bed, stay in bed and read this book. Order in pizza and chinese food. Can’t wait! Xenu, don’t let me down! Get it to me by Friday.
Sounds divine!
It will be š Billion arrived today. My weekend mental escape is set. Talk about Tone 40. This is Oh Tea phenomena occurring in the laboratory of life. In fact i think I’m gonna write a Success Story. Advance Mag will love it.
Finally an update from Amazon AU, book is on its way, so excited.
Bought the book today and have not been able to put it down. In between breaks at work, and while at home, even ignoring my husband and telling him to leave me alone so I can read!!!
Donāt worry, heās gonna be reading it after I do!!
This is great, Mike!! All I can say is well done. This is the book that most likely will be the end of Scn and DM. Who would want to join this cult after what youāve said and revealed? I certainly wouldnāt if I were fresh off the street into a church.
And also a heartfelt āThank Youā. For someone who experienced Scn as a staff member, this all resonates in regards to the lengths of crazy we had to endure and promote. So so glad to be gone from it!
In chapter ,Letter to my Children , paragraph 6 ,the way you described mind conditioning and mental slavery was brilliant.
The simplicity you adopted in your expression give its emotional touch right coming out from the heart of the writer.
Truth is always simple
BTW ,this is Mark Kamran contributing as WWW š¤
Iāve been listening and watching you and Leah for years. Iām so proud of you all and how strong you guys have been with your mission to save people from and expose Scientology. I got the book today and I absolutely love it. Such a courageous book.
Can’t wait to read the book, the irony ,
that a hurricane is hitting scientology headquarters during your book release is epic
I just downloaded it and am so excited about getting into reading it!
Day 1 week 1.
Kudos Mike
And now the screaming, frothing at the mouth and rabid carpet chewing will erupt from $camology with all the effect of (to borrow a phrase from one Adrian Edmondson and Rick Mayall’s Bottom Live shows) two fleas having a light your fart competition.
At this moment, your children Taryn and Benjamin have no idea what a courageous, kind, honest, and purposeful man you are. I hope this book will become their salvation.
Congratulations Mike. Not only is it a great accomplishment to complete a book and have it published. But as of this moment there are at least 6 books that claim to engage with yours (even though they havenāt read it and never will). You ushered in a literary movement all of your own. Well done!
I know of at least one person who is not as enthusiastic.
But I have no doubt as I write this he, a few of his trusted minions, and his legal team are reading itā¦.line by line.
Looks good on them.
Just finished a big chunk of the book (ebook, I usually prefer paperback but seeing I wanted to read it right away I bought it digital)!
Way way too interesting, hope both or at least on of your children (or even your brother) gets around to reading at least a bit of the book and wakes up from the bubble!
Keep it up, greetings from Mexico!
I’ve barely begun the book, but I’ve got a feeling this is going to be a favorite! I’ve followed your work for a couple of years now, but never have commented until now. Thanks for spreading the word about this incidious cult!
Great news getting coverage!
Look what I found, It’s getting out there, lol.
https://pagesix.com/2022/09/27/scientology-happy-when-tom-cruise-nicole-kidman-split-book/?_ga=2.144933234.770759442.1664211872-894503939.1664211872
My hardcopy literally just got dropped off on my front porch!!! Woo-hooo! And my hubby is downloading the audiobook through audible as I type! Really looking forward to this – kudos to you, Mike!
Energetically purchased the audio version right away, early this morning. Was weeping during the author opener in the message to your two older children. So intriguing, all of it, including learning about Australia and the family move to Saint Hill Manor in England. Go, Mike!
Preorder downloaded from Kobo okay, but I have to wait until I get home tonight to start reading.
Hi Mike,
I have the audiobook and the Kindle version.
Iām only up to you and the Apollo in Portugal and you being stranded on land as the angry mobs are approaching!
Trying to savor this book slowly is nearly impossible as it is a fascinating read/listen. Kudos on your narration. And itās so considered and well written.
I am truly sorry for the cruelty youāve experienced, for the disconnection of your adult family members due to scientology policies, and for the fair gaming you must still be subjected to.
I so admire the dedication you show by continuing the work of exposing the truth about scientology and of helping anyone who wants to leave to transition into this world.
Thanks to you and Leah and Aaron and Marc and Claire and EVERYONE else that is supporting this work.
Heartfelt love,
Kate
I feel this 100%!!!
ā¤ļø
Listening to audio book now – Not only a love letter to your children. I am just at the point of you running in the tube and breathing š You did it Mike and thank you for this insight into your escape to freedom. I sure look forward to this entire book. A movie can’t be far. š
As a new dad, the opening words hit hard. Thank you.
Can’t wait to read your new book Mike!
Yo Dave,
Some truly bad sh*t is heading yer way good buddy. The time has never been better for You to fire up some of those Oh Tea abilities and ya better get into action and quit sniveling about wanting yer Oh Tea Ates and the other faithful idiots in yer fold to ‘git er done’!
The new book is likely a category 5 and it is on yer doorstep if ya hadn’t noticed. Mr. Donkeypunch looks like at least a cat sex sized storm and it comes with a lot of tropical disturbances that could each develop into a donkeydave punch of their own.
And good ole Mamma nature is even pissed as hell. If ya haven’t noticed, it looks like a big blow job is on the way and it might camp over the good ole Fort Harrison as a cat four or better. Time to git on down to the city council and show em yer Ohhhh shitness Dave.
Meanwhile back at the ranch, howz them stats lookin this week????
Lawsuits pending – up
Criminal proceedings – up
Whining and sniveling from upper mgmt – way the f#$k up
Scotch consumption – up
so yer lookin ok good buddy! Keep on doin what yer doin!
Well written Newcomer! Well written! And I bet Appelbox Boy is just starting to wonder what that odd taste is in his Cornflakes! Once the Wiskey taste subsideās heāll come to realize weāve been pissān in them the entire time!
Whenever we get the chance, its always a pleasure !!!!!
#ABillionYears on the Erie Canal
https://archive.org/details/2022-09-27-img-0819
Already on Chapter 10!!
I just got your book through kindle. I have been watching and listening to you and Leah for quite some time. I usually donāt comment, but I have to today. I cried as I was reading your letter to your children; I could feel the pain of a parent. I have two children myself. Iām praying that as scientology implodes, your childrenās eyes will be open. I also pray for the many families to be reunited! Iām telling everyone I know to purchase your book and to educate themselves about this destructive cult!
Just checked out the audiobook from my library this morning. Can’t wait to listen to it when I’m off the reference desk!! Thanks for all you do!
Kirkus Reviews quotes Mike promising to continue to expose Scientology as a “unique and vengeful monster.” Scientology can call itself a religion, but the history shows the religion angle was simply Hubbard’s way of deflecting taxes and government interference. If Scientologists claim it’s their religion, I can only point out their penchant for lying.
I can think of two religions that might fit part of the ‘vengeful monster’ description. The Catholic Church during the Spanish Inquisition gained a reputation approaching vengeful. Their Inquisition was monstrous for sure, certainly to those they kidnapped and “put to the question.” A pre-columbian religion of middle America, Inca I believe, had monstrous rites ending in the sudden and cruel death for those selected. Monstrous, yes, but vengeful? I don’t know enough about them to say vengeful.
It is so good to have Mike’s book attempt to bring to light the vengeful monster that is and has been Scientology. We can bemoan the inability of law enforcement and other government agencies to rein in the worst abuses of Scientology, but the true way to defeat the cult-ish pretend-church is to avoid participation at any level, to avoid donations at any level, and to continue to reveal and fight back against the abuse. Those free of Scientology’s severe indoctrination should try to provide to those still caught up in that prison of belief the means to make a peaceful exit, free from recrimination and guilt.
There still are Scientologists who remember working with Mike. They will be curious, and hopefully will be able to read “A Billion Years.” I hope they do, and I hope it makes an impact on them, and all throughout the cherch.
The Inca were/are in Peru and the Andes mountains. The Toltec and Mayans were in meso-america in Mexico. Linked but separate.
I was too lazy to google today, and memory failed. Thanks for the info.
My copy of the book was just delivered. My husband made fun of me because I literally clapped when I saw the delivery van pull into our driveway and greeted the driver with more enthusiasm than heās probably comfortable with. Congratulations again and please keep us posted about any media appearances.
Audiobook is here. Started listening right away….
I have been looking forward to this book since I first heard about it.
My wife is listening to the audio book at the moment.
And I am waiting for my hard copy to arrive at my door.
Mike, thank you for the book and the work you do.