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My Story

By: Elizabeth Smart, Chris Stewart
Narrated by: Elizabeth Smart
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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

What listeners say about My Story

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Best Book Ever!

Would you listen to My Story again? Why?

This was one of the best books I have ever read (via audio!). Elizabeth Smart tells her story that leaves you inspired and not feeling sorry for her. She has an elegant way of telling her tale without it being too disturbing. Instead of focusing on the really bad things she has a way of explaining her ordeal and focusing on things that you would never imagine, which is what I think makes this story so good. I often go back to some of the chapters .... whether you are Mormon or any other religion, she offers some inspiring words to move forward in life in general!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Elizabeth Smart of course!

Have you listened to any of Elizabeth Smart’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

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

I would have if I had the time!

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A true inspiration

Loved every grueling minute of this incredible story of courage and grace. Elizabeth is inspiring.

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A powerful story

Well done all the way around. I was amazed by it all. Please read this. Strength is Elizabeth Smart!

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Incredible! Her courage and strength is remarkable.

Elizabeth demonstrates the strength of having deep faith and knowledge of self. Obviously she had wonderful parents who gave her the values she writes about in this tale.

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I love you so much Elizabeth

Listening to this book makes me realize my life isn’t so bad. Poor Elizabeth went through hell and compared to the life I live it helps me see things in a better perspective. My life isn’t so bad and listening to this book helps me see that. Elizabeth deserves the best in life. I love her.

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Exposing evil with courage

Even at her young age, Elizabeth’s story shows her character and strength. Well written. Revealing evil. Overcoming severe adversity. You will love Elizabeth more after hearing and/or reading this well laid out book. Thank you for giving hope to so many others .

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What a wonderful story of strength.

I enjoyed hearing her story of survival and faith. What an amazing young woman. She is proof that human resilience is incredible.

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