A Stolen Life

A Memoir

By: Jaycee Dugard

Narrated by: Jaycee Dugard

An instant #1 New York Times bestseller—Jaycee Dugard’s raw and powerful memoir, her own story of being kidnapped in 1991 and held captive for more than eighteen years.

In the summer of June of 1991, I was a normal kid. I did normal things. I had friends and a mother that loved me. I was just like you. Until the day my life was stolen.

For eighteen years I was a prisoner. I was an object for someone to use and abuse. For eighteen years I was not allowed to speak my own name. I became a mother and was forced to be a sister. For eighteen years I survived an impossible situation.

On August 26, 2009, I took my name back. My name is Jaycee Lee Dugard. I don’t think of myself as a victim, I simply survived an intolerable situation. A Stolen Life is my story—in my own words, in my own way, exactly as I remember it.

Gut Wrenching

This audio book narrated by the author, Jaycee Dugard, takes you into a nightmarish world that had me thinking, "This can't be real!" However, it was real, and hearing the story in Jaycee's own voice gave the book much more depth. What I liked most about the writing is that in the early chapters the writing was of a child. As the story unfolds the writing grows with the author. There is much to learn from her experience and the one thing I have learned is that if ever placed in a position where I had to remain hopeful of a loved one returning home one day, I would never give up that hope.
The story had me sick to my stomach at times, cheering for her when she was reunited with her family, and even had a tear or two for her while listening to her story of her struggle to survive.

Good

Oddly, I enjoyed reading the print copy more. I'm glad she read her own book, it's just a bit tough to follow at times since she's reading her own work, and sounds like she's reading, rather than being a voice actor.

Her cadence reminds you this is the voice of the woman who actually lived it, and for me it's too intimate. That's just me and not at all a criticism.

Interesting book from a brave, strong woman.

I liked that Jaycee gave the story from all points and was so brutally honest. Her ability to share in such a way made you feel very close to her and quite sad at the same time. She is a strong woman.

An excellent book about resiliency

What did you love best about A Stolen Life?

Jaycee Dugard tells a riveting story about her 18 years of imprisonment. She is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. For those people who think an iPhone and a 46 in Flat Screen are requirements for life should listen to this, and realize we are a coddled people. She survived in the worst of circumstances, and came out stronger.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jaycee

What about Jaycee Dugard’s performance did you like?

Jaycee not only survived a hell most of us cannot imagine, but was able to clearly communicate what happened to here better than most people who read Audio books for a living.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me cry to realize the failures to find her when Law enforcement had chances.

Inspiring and Humbling

Great book, very descriptive! Really makes you appreciate life and realize everything we take for granted! A bond is formed with the author early on and the reader will feel extreme empathy for her! Incredibly strong woman!