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  • Speaking in Tongues

  • By: Tom Tilley
  • Narrated by: Tom Tilley
  • Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (335 ratings)

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Speaking in Tongues

By: Tom Tilley
Narrated by: Tom Tilley
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Publisher's Summary

Told with empathy and searing honesty, Speaking in Tongues is a powerful coming-of-age story about questioning the life created for you and building your true self, one recycled brick at a time.

From the outside, Tom Tilley's childhood seemed ordinary. The first son of a pastor, he grew up in a beautiful country town where life revolved around football, his loving family and their Pentecostal faith. But behind church doors, a strictly enforced set of rules included a looming ultimatum: if Tom didn't speak in tongues, he'd go to hell and be outcast from his close-knit, devout community.

The older Tom became, the more he questioned the teachings of the church, especially around speaking in tongues. And the more he heard about his parents' adventurous lives before they found God, the more he wanted the freedom to make those 'mistakes' that the church forbade. Eventually, after years of suppressing his doubts in silence, Tom spoke up. Having the courage to do so came at a huge personal cost, leading to a decision that would take his family to breaking point. What happened next is surprising, and Tom's journey to independence will inspire listeners to ask what's true in their own lives and who they really are.

©2022 Tilley Media Pty Ltd. Tom Tilley asserts their moral right to be identified as the author of this Work. First published in English by HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited in 2022. (P)2022 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd. This audio version produced by arrangement with HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited.

What listeners say about Speaking in Tongues

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Loved it!

As a fellow revival centres alumni, Tom hits the spot regarding the mind twisting dogma of our former church. Kudos to the family for their love, and to Tom for his ability to tell his deeply moving story so well.

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Loved it!

Loved it Tom!
We grew up in different churches, but your thoughts and doubts were very similar to mine growing up. My doubts have always been something I knew not to talk about... until now. Thank you for sharing your story.

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Intriguing story

I powered through this audiobook in about a week which is some kind of record for me. It was an interesting listen, although I did cringe at some of the descriptions of the more intimate events in Tom's life. The story about his life in the church was eye opening, and his career in music and media was well described. Well done Tom Tilley, you've written a brave and honest memoir!

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Thank you

Thanks for writing the shared experience many of us have struggled to explain to others or deal with internally ourselves.

This book has made a positive impact so thanks.

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Loved it.

Thank you Tom for sharing your unique story and to the Tilley family for their generosity in supporting this endeavour.

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Tom Tilley didn’t disappoint

A Hack listener from way back, I heard an interview with Tom about this book and am so glad it was my first ever Audio book. The story was fascinating and I could listen to his voice all day. Thanks for sharing your story Tom.

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Speaking in tongues

Absolutely loved this book. Really gains momentum. Such a great insight into Christian centres. Highly recommend

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Fascinating

Very familiar with Tom’s voice from Hack, but never knew anything about his upbringing. Good on you Tom for sharing so candidly.

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A wild ride

Starts off a bit slow but then Tom takes you on a thrilling ride. At times makes you cringe, laugh and cry. So close to home having grown up (and moved away from) a fundamentalist church upbringing myself. Thoroughly enjoyed Tim’s story, thanks for sharing so honestly and respectfully.

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Raw and vulnerable

What a journey - thanks for sharing your story, Tom. At times heartbreaking, but such a revelations

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