A Stolen Life

A Memoir

By: Jaycee Dugard

Narrated by: Jaycee Dugard

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

"In the summer of 1991 I was a normal kid. I did normal things. I had friends and a mother who 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 dont think of myself as a victim. I survived. A Stolen Life is my story in my own words, in my own way, exactly as I remember it."

©2011 Jaycee Dugard (P)2011 Simon & Schuster Audio

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.

Not for everyone

Would you try another book from Jaycee Dugard and/or Jaycee Dugard?

No.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

She needed an editor. I know she's not an author and only has a grade school education. And I get this was a great way to to cope using therapy through writing. I get all that.

What about Jaycee Dugard’s performance did you like?

She was real and never strayed from the truth, her reading her own words from her own life experiences....powerful.

Did A Stolen Life inspire you to do anything?

No.

Any additional comments?

his book is not for everyone and I can see why some schools would ban it from the library due to the graphic content in which she endured.

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.

Tragic story but needed a little editing help

Would you try another book from Jaycee Dugard and/or Jaycee Dugard?

No.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Jaycee Dugard?

No.

Any additional comments?

The story of her kidnapping and years of isolation are horrifying. She goes into some specific details that convey her misery and confusion. She was kidnapped as a child and her thought-patterns are very child-like which I found particularly frustrating. There are many sections of the reading where she talks about her cats and how cute they are. It would have been more riveting to have some outside accounts, either from her parents or law-enforcement to augment the story.

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!

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.

Story of a Brave Girl

I was worried about this book being difficult to read, but Jaycee Dugard as the narrator tells her story in a brave way that helped me cope with the difficult content. I admire her strength and resiliance.

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.

Inspiring

When I first started listening, I was filled with anxiety for Jaycee. As I continued listening and as her story unfolded, I was mesmerized by her ability to survive. Her description of Garrido leads me to believe he was part schizophrenic, part paranoid, part bi-polar. The story makes you wonder about the definition of evil and what it means. She demonstrates amazing courage. Her story makes you want to reach out and help.

Stunning. Shocking. A very Inspiring life story.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. It was a huge event and very insightful to hear about it.

What other book might you compare A Stolen Life to and why?

I can't think of one. This was an unbelievable and very unique event that can't be compared to anything else.

What does Jaycee Dugard bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hearing her voice and the innocence of experiencing and describing the events. It truly pulls at your heart and makes it shockingly real.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was but time wouldn't allow it, so it did take a few days.

Any additional comments?

Jaycee went through what nobody should have to go through. She emerged as a very special and incredibly balanced woman. I am in awe of her. I wish her well and I hope life offers her every opportunity - she certainly deserves it.