When you no longer believe in eternity, every moment counts -- A memoir of breaking free and reinvention

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 readers to ask what's true in their own lives and who they really are.

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.

About the Author
Tom Tilley is one of the best-known Australian journalists and radio hosts of his generation. He has interviewed everyone from prime ministers to Pussy Riot, including global icons such as Sir David Attenborough, Al Gore and Melinda French Gates. Alongside his journalism, Tom moonlights as a bass guitarist, touring extensively with pop act Client Liaison. Tom grew up in a Pentecostal sect of which his father was pastor. Since leaving the church he has travelled widely. He now resides in Sydney, Australia, with his partner and their son. Speaking in Tongues is his first book.


Book Information
ISBN 9780733341021
Author Tom Tilley
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint ABC Books
Publisher ABC Books
Weight(grams) 383g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 154mm * 24mm