My Story

By: Elizabeth Smart, Chris Stewart

Narrated by: Elizabeth Smart

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

For the first time, 10 years after her abduction from her Salt Lake City bedroom, Elizabeth Smart reveals how she survived and the secret to forging a new life in the wake of a brutal crime.

On June 5, 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart, the daughter of a close-knit Mormon family, was taken from her home in the middle of the night by religious fanatic Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. She was kept chained, dressed in disguise, repeatedly raped, and told she and her family would be killed if she tried to escape. After her rescue on March 12, 2003, she rejoined her family and worked to pick up the pieces of her life.

Now for the first time, in her memoir, My Story, she tells of the constant fear she endured every hour, her courageous determination to maintain hope, and how she devised a plan to manipulate her captors and convinced them to return to Utah, where she was rescued minutes after arriving. Smart explains how her faith helped her stay sane in the midst of a nightmare and how she found the strength to confront her captors at their trial and see that justice was served.

In the nine years after her rescue, Smart transformed from victim to advocate, traveling the country and working to educate, inspire and foster change. She has created a foundation to help prevent crimes against children and is a frequent public speaker. In 2012, she married Matthew Gilmour, whom she met doing mission work in Paris for her church, in a fairy tale wedding that made the cover of People magazine.

©2013 Elizabeth Smart (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

Loved the outcome

Amazing survival story. The most beautiful outcome anyone could ever hope for. I hope others find a way to keep going after any traumatic event. This is an amazing strong woman. One ok a kind story. Thank you for sharing it with the world.

Bravo Elizabeth!

I was in Salt Lake City the summer of Elizabeth's abduction. I saw her missing person's posters everywhere I went. Having young daughters with me, I was haunted by her kidnapping and followed her story after returning home. I was elated that she survived her ordeal and wanted to hear her story. I will admit that I was agonized for most of the book. Understanding the torture, abuse and evil mind of her captors was disturbing. Having her reveal her drive to survive and her bravery made it worth the read. What inspired me the most is how she has crafted a life of happiness now and refuses to let what happened to her ruin her life. Bravo Elizabeth!

Amazing listen!!!

I am so glad she shared her story. She is also a very good reader as well. I am amazed at all that she went through and her outlook after. She is an amazing woman!

Excellent book - extremely inspiring.

I would definitely recommend this audio book to anyone who is trying to move forward after suffering life's challenges.

Amazing young woman!

The strength and spirit of this young woman surpasses the evil she had to endure for 9 months! I wish her joy and happiness alway!

noone could tell it better than Elizabeth, herself

Elizabeth, thank you for sharing your story. I respect your bravery to be open and expose your vulnerability. I wish you the love and happiness you deserve on your life's journey.

A troubling, inspirational read!

I loved that this book was read by the author. It made connecting with her so much easier. Elizabeth Smart's story was an horrible account. However, she tells it worth sensitivity and even humor. I found it incredibly inspirational.

A Story of Faith and Self-Perseverance

What made the experience of listening to My Story the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed Elizabeth Smart reading her story.

What other book might you compare My Story to and why?

Not sure I could compare this story to another. This story horrific and therefore unique in nature.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending. Smart's conviction is so inspiring.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Faith is stronger than hate.

Any additional comments?

This is an absolutely heartbreaking story, and yet Elizabeth's ability to heal herself is invaluable to others who have been in similar situations or heartbreak.

Unbelievable!

I found this book to be very interesting and captivating. Honestly I have to say that I will always have Elizabeth’s ordeal in the back of my mind when I see someone in robes and veil. I could only vaguely remember this incident when I read it but believe me, it will now never be far from my mind when I hear about people starving, rape of children or any of the issues that she had to go through. While I know it is hard to believe by some people how she could have been so close to escape a few times but didn’t take advantage of it, what they may forget is she was only 14 years old and it wasn’t like she was a woman of the world so I get it. We can learn from this woman’s story and I am so glad that this man will never get to experience freedom again! It is too bad that the woman did not get a longer term and hopefully the time she serves will be a lesson to her.

well read

If you could sum up My Story in three words, what would they be?

courage, courage, courage

What about Elizabeth Smart’s performance did you like?

She showed her emotions.

Any additional comments?

Elizabeth Smart was so compelling. She did a great job reading the book.