Title: A Stolen Life: A MemoirAuthor: Jaycee Dugard
Genre/Audience: Memoir, autobiography, adult
Publication: 2011
Source: Library
I'm sure most of you know about Jaycee Lee Dugard, who was kidnapped at age 11, in 1991. She was finally rescued after 18 years, in 2009. While on her way to school, just minutes from her home, Phillip Garrido, and his wife, Nancy, kidnapped her off the street and shoved them into their vehicle. For 18 years, they kept Jaycee hidden in their backyard and brainwashed her into thinking it would be unsafe if she ever tried to leave. They wouldn't even let her speak her real name. They made her dependent on them both physically and emotionally, and even made Jaycee feel empathy for them. Phillip also repeatedly forced Jaycee to have sexual relations with him, and she gave birth to his two daughters while in captivity, the first at age 14.
I believe that this memoir is the first time Jaycee has spoken at great length about her 18 year ordeal. I cannot even begin to fathom what she went through. While reading her story, I couldn't even imagine something like this had really happened, but it did. It sickens me that the man who ruined her entire life is the father of her children. It also sickens me that Phillip made the girls refer to Nancy as their mother, and Jaycee as their sister. The Garrido's are truly disturbed and twisted people and I hope they get what they deserve in jail.
This story is heartbreaking, disturbing, and worst of all, true. I highly recommend it. Everyone should know the truth about what this poor girl endured, and who better to hear it from then Jaycee herself? I am so happy she is working towards taking her life back. This story is a true testimony to what the human spirit can endure when faced with the unthinkable.
My Rating: 5/5
It's horrible what happened to this poor girl! I really hope that she's able to heal and make some sort of normal life for herself and her daughters.
ReplyDeleteI read this in one sitting when it first came out. I really liked it but wish she would have given more insight into what happened after he was caught. That would've just really made the book for me! I haven't seen a lot of reviews of this one, so I'm glad to see that you liked it! I need to write a review this one eventually, it's on my list!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Jaycee amazing? I am not so sure I would have survived all she endured. When she was on tv she seemed wise beyond her years. I really should read her book. I was afraid it might be too disturbing but maybe we should feel uncomfortable with what happened to Jaycee. I think the proceeds from the book go to her charity also. It's a good cause.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this because her story amazes and inspires me so much, but at the same time, I am also scared to.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine that she was able to revisit this and put it down on paper. It amazes me that she survived this with her mind intact. Was this one of the inspirations for the book ROOM?
ReplyDeleteI put this on hold for myself at the library and then when it came in I read a few pages and thought it to be too sad for me. Kudos to her for her strength. And shame on the aholes who did that to her.
ReplyDeleteI am really interested in reading this one!
ReplyDeleteWhen I have seen her appearances on TV, it amazes me how well she seems to be given what she went through. I don't think I could read this one, but your review does make a compelling case :)
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