My Story

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

a heartbreaker, with a happy ending

A riveting story. So clear, it was like watching a film about what happened.

13 of 13 people found this review helpful

Well Done! Riveting and Emotional

At first I was very skeptical about Elizabeth Smart reading her own book - something just didn't sit right with me about it given the subject. However I was pleasantly surprised and glad I gave this book a chance.

Ms. Smart has achieved a good balance here with such a personal and honest description of her horrendous ordeal. It was certainly difficult to hear at some points, but was ultimately very satisfying. Her touching description of her reunion with her family, and how she decided not to waste any more of her life obsessing over her captors, was just excellent.

I must also admit I was worried, given Ms. Smart's strong Mormon beliefs, that she may emphasize her religion a bit too much for my taste. As someone much less religious than most, and not exactly a giant fan of the LDS church, I was grateful for the absence of proselytizing and mysticism (one reference to the magical appearance of a mid-night cold cup of water notwithstanding).

Certainly I highly recommend this book!

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Uplifting?

Would you listen to My Story again? Why?

Yes, it's so uplifting. Not that what she endured was pleasant, but the way she handled herself and how she ends the book is amazing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Elizabeth!!! She is the strongest woman I have ever heard of. Forgiveness and how beautiful and empowering that can be.

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

FAITH

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

It was very moving, made me laugh AND cry...

Any additional comments?

I recommend it with everything I am.

16 of 17 people found this review helpful

Absolutely chilling; stops a parent's heart

Smart narrates her account of abduction and rape. As a parent you are terrified at every turn, for her to deal with such evil is beyond words. She tells the story in detail, no sugar coating, no hesitations. I give this book a big thumbs up. I just cannot bring myself to write more comments because they would only detract from her telling! Must listen!

36 of 41 people found this review helpful

Thank you Elizabeth

I remember watching national news as Elizabeth was rescued... hoping her family could help her heal, but so afraid she would be forever scarred. I couldn't put this book down, as she with dignity, grace and humor, has opened her heart and the story of her 9 months captivity and the many miracles that allowed her return home. I had read the news and magazines, but much of the information presented was brand new to me... and so many of my questions were answered.

I worried about the audio, as so many writers make awful narrators... but she did fantastic and listening to her voice made me feel as if I know her. I worried that it would be too graphic or violent, but a simple "then he raped me," is as graphic as it gets. I was worried she would be forever scarred... and instead wept with joy as she described her gratitude, healing and the service she gives helping others to heal.

Thank you Elizabeth - this book moved me deeply!

20 of 23 people found this review helpful

Defining Strength, Faith, and Inspiration

Dubbed *one of the kidnapping crimes of the century,* the abduction of 14 yr. old Elizabeth Smart from her family home, dominated the news on June 5, 2002. When 9 months later we heard the amazing report that she had been found, we rejoiced...then we pondered the nightmare. Where had she been? What had she gone through? How did she survive? Would she be okay? With this book, and the assistance of Congressman/author Chris Stewart, Smart goes back over her ordeal, and in her own words answers those questions with brave candor and purpose. A story horrific enough that Stewart said he wondered how, after he listened to the details, he would be able to "make it so that people would read it and walk away with more faith, hope and belief in the goodness in life," as Smart intended. And that is exactly what we do walk away with...plus admiration for this incredible woman.

Smart called her ordeal "nine months of hell," but never even hints at self-pity, or fishes for ours. We learn that she endured an almost daily menu of torture, including daily sexual abuse by the depraved Brian David Mitchell -- aka the self proclaimed prophet Emmanuelle. There are no new titillating facts revealed -- it is about the events as she experienced them. Smart and her family have courageously insisted on presenting the facts, but have consistently refused to discuss in the media details of the abuse. She continues to keep the story focused on the crime, free of salacious details, and true to the perspective of a 14 year old innocent and very scared girl. Hearing her narrate her own story makes this all the more poignant. It is heartbreaking to hear her voice tell of the near rescues as they crumbled...looking through her veil at a young boy and wondering how her first date would have gone. And then, with the voice of an indomitable spirit, she makes a brilliant case for Mitchell's and Barzee's competency, that ultimately destroyed their plot to be found legally mentally incompetent to stand trial for their crimes.

Through all of this darkness, with the exception of sharing a few deservedly low moments, she amazingly keeps a tone of hope, and her light shining. Drawing on her Mormon upbringing, and faith that God had not abandoned her, Elizabeth refused to be beaten or broken, refused to be a victim. Her survival, her appreciation for each day of life, her love for her family, and her dedication to those suffering from similar experiences (the Elizabeth Smart Foundation) is remarkable, and one of the most inspiring stories I've read. Listening to this book changed the way I look at my own challenges. At the end, Lois Smart tenderly, but with force, gives her daughter the most beautiful and empowering advice -- words that only a mother could offer. Through all else, that is what finally brought me to tears.

59 of 70 people found this review helpful

Speechless

Any additional comments?

I know this story really happened, but it is so hard to comprehend that anyone would put someone through this. Additionally, I thank Elizabeth for sharing her experience in an effort to shed light on a culture that sex shames victims which results in depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide. Being the victim of any abuse does not lessen a person's value-ever. Thank you, Elizabeth. This story also leads me to wonder why this outcome was different from that of Charles Mason, David Koresh, Jim Jones, etc. What were the key differences that enabled a young, impressionable child to defy brainwashing and how do we bottle that and teach it to our children; so, they think for themselves with confidence, compassion, and evidence-based analysis/evaluation?

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

She is one smart Elizabeth

I have to say I admire the girl more than I imagined I would. She is strong and smart. And it doesn't hurt that she plays the harp (so do I). I can't even imagine the horror of the things she went through. The physical abuse was horrific, but the mental abuse was even worse.

I also admire her family. Her parents handled the situation about as well as it could be handled. I'm proud of them for never giving up, when the rest of us were sure she was dead. It gives me courage to read their stories and see how people can be strong in the face of devastating circumstances. It makes my troubles look small by comparison.

I'm not usually a fan of authors reading their own books, and I am sure Elizabeth would be the first to say she is not a professional narrator. Still, there was something honest and convincing in the way she read. When she emphasized a word or phrase, I knew it was authentic, and not a reader's interpretation of the author's intent. I like that a lot. It reminds me of another incredibly strong girl, Jaycie Dugard, who also read her own story.

Here's to you, Elizabeth. You did what you had to do, and you survived to tell about it--and you did it with style.

20 of 24 people found this review helpful

Interesting story but the narration was not great.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would have used a different narrator. This is Elizabeth's story, but her accent, tone, and overall narration is not very good. She tries to convey her feelings of disgust and emotional hurt, but her tone is a bit clunky. It was a bit difficult to listen to her accent too. It sounded like English isn't her first language, or that she is over enunciating.

Would you be willing to try another one of Elizabeth Smart’s performances?

I wouldn't be interested in listening to another one of Elizabeth's performances. I feel like I might have enjoyed this book better if I had actually read it instead of listening to the audiobook because of Elizabeth's performance.

Was My Story worth the listening time?

My Story was worth the listen, but not worth a repeat listen.

Any additional comments?

My Story is an interesting read, especially with the insight what the child who is abducted thinks. Whenever I heard about Elizabeth Smart in the news, people always asked "Why didn't she do this, or that to get away? How stupid was she to let someone keep her captive only five miles from her house?" Her book helps to show how a child thinks and can be manipulated in these circumstances. It is also quite admirable to read about her courage and resilience. My struggle was with her writing style and narration. If you are looking for a faith-based memoir, this would be a good one to consider since that is something that is very important to her and she does touch on through out the book.

Considering how captivating her story is, the book wasn't written very well and fell short of what I was hoping for. Her writing style reminds me of a smart middle-school-aged child, prone to hyperbole. I wanted to like this book more but I struggled to finish it.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Powerful

Where does My Story rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Powerful and at times hard to hear as its a true story

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

Jaycee sugars book

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

Truth. Raw honesty

If you could give My Story a new subtitle, what would it be?

Stolen teenage year

Any additional comments?

Terribly sad and very scary. Glad it ended how it did

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Outstanding and moving

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

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys true accounts and stories of real survival.

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

A Stolen Life, Jaycee Lee Dugard
3096 Days, Natascha Kampusch
I Choose to Live, Sabine Dardenne
Similar powerful accounts of kidnap survival

Any additional comments?

Elizabeth wrote and read her own story, her own account of the ordeal she suffered as a kidnapped child. The way she dealt with each horrific day is remarkable, but the most incredible thing, is how she moves forward after she has been rescued. It is a story of real survival and people could learn a lot from her attitude about how to get past this and live the rest of her life. I am humbled that she chose to tell her story and I am delighted that she did.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Dreadful Narration

This is a fine story but ruined by a very irritating narration. It is read in a tone something akin to really bad acting. Had it been read by someone else I probably would have enjoyed it more.

Such a positive, inspiring young lady

Would you listen to My Story again? Why?

Yes, I would listen again when I need to be reminded about how lucky I am.

What did you like best about this story?

It made me so positive. I did research Elizabeth Smart before I listened to the book as I was not sure if I would be able to cope with the horror of what she went through but really wanted to hear her story. Elizabeth does not go into graphic detail but does tell the story exactly as it happened. She discusses religion a lot and her faith, her strong faith got her through and although I am not at all religious I can't fault any of the principles that she follows in her life. She is a beautiful person. I was worried I may be left depressed after listening but I was left feeling positive, grateful for my own circumstances and moving forward I will think twice before moaning or feeling sorry for myself ever again! I am so happy that Elizabeth has such a wonderful family, husband and future ahead of her. She deserves every happiness in the world.

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

No I haven't

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Various parts, when she described the abuse, when she was so close to being rescued on numerous occasions, when she was reunited with her her parents and of course her positive return to normal life.

Any additional comments?

What happened to Elizabeth is the stuff of nightmares, every child's worst fear, every parents worst nightmare. I don't think anything much worse could have happened to her, she went through hell. I just hope she continues to be happy and forgets the horror that those wicked creatures put her through.

The lady doth protest too much methinks.

Would you try another book written by Elizabeth Smart and Chris Stewart or narrated by Elizabeth Smart?

No

What didn’t you like about Elizabeth Smart’s performance?

She kept going back over and over and over again saying why she didn't escape, or why she went without a fight,and while you can understand that she would want to make the point it got to the stage where i thought she was just trying to fill the book up and got bored.

What character would you cut from My Story?

None

0 of 2 people found this review helpful