Are You There, Xenu? It's Me, Nathan

by nathan timmel, Cory Lewellen (Photographer)

Google “Scientology,” and you’ll find of books vilifying or lionizing the practice. Former members, current members, investigative reporters; many people have their hat in the “I am an expert on this subject!” ring. Nathan Timmel is no expert; he’s just a man who has had a couple brushes with the practice and wanted to share his tale. In 1991—with no Internet available to quickly look up the practice made famous by Tom Cruise and John Travolta—a person needed hands on experiences to determine whether or not a religion was for them. Nathan and a couple of his college friends took personality tests, listened to the sales pitch, and went on their merry ways. Years later, in an unofficial follow up to that initial salvo with Scientology, Nathan had the opportunity to fart around with an E-Meter. Both tales are covered quickly in this 4,000-word essay. Maybe you’re here because you’ve enjoyed one of Nathan’s previous works; maybe this is your first sojourn through his world. Hopefully it means you’ll download another.

21 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2014

About the author

Nathan Timmel has been writing since he could scribble using crayons. As a comedian, he has released six albums—four of which are in rotation on Sirius/XM radio—and has appeared on The Bob & Tom Show.

Nathan currently lives in Iowa with his wife, daughter (who was born on his wedding anniversary. Neat, eh?), son, and their annoying cat (named Turtle).

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

This "book" is riddled with errors (no editor?), is not funny (I guess that's why this guy is a "comedian" in Iowa and not NY or LA or some other cultural center) and brings NOTHING new or interesting to the table. Save your $ and time, readers.