Undaunted

Surviving Jonestown, Summoning Courage, and Fighting Back

By: Jackie Speier

Narrated by: Jackie Speier

Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

An inspiring and powerful memoir of surviving the Jonestown massacre and becoming a fearless voice against injustice and inequality by California congresswoman Jackie Speier.

Jackie Speier was twenty-eight when she joined Congressman Leo Ryan’s delegation to rescue defectors from cult leader Jim Jones’s Peoples Temple in Jonestown, Guyana. Ryan was killed on the airstrip tarmac. Jackie was shot five times at point-blank range. While recovering from what would become one of the most harrowing tragedies in recent history, Jackie had to choose: Would she become a victim or a fighter? The choice to survive against unfathomable odds empowered her with a resolve to become a vocal proponent for human rights.

From the formative nightmare that radically molded her perspective and instincts to the devastating personal and professional challenges that would follow, Undaunted reveals the perseverance of a determined force in American politics. Deeply rooted in Jackie’s experiences as a widow, a mother, a congresswoman, and a fighter, hers is a story of true resilience, one that will inspire other women to draw strength from adversity in order to do what is right - no matter the challenges ahead.

©2018 Jackie Speier (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

loved it

Being born in '84 I had never heard of Jonestown. Jackie's life is really quite remarkable and how the tragedies of her life play out in such a way that it almost feels like Divine intervention. I have immense respect for her after reading this. It was fun to hear her voice but she is not the most fluid narrator. But I found it easy to follow and listen to.

Outstanding

I’m blown away by Jackie’s courage and grit. She has become one of my heroes! I can’t help but think how much better our country would be with her as President.

Let me ask you: Have you ever been shot?

3.5 stars — Jackie Speier is one of the most interesting people in Congress. A survivor of a mass shooting and infamous mass murder (Jonestown), a woman who has dealt with tragic loss and talked publicly about her abortion and her experiences with childhood sexual assault and workplace sexual harassment. She's an underrated badass. (In one exchange noted in the book: Speieir, backing assault weapon restrictions, is asked by a male Assembly colleague if she's ever actually shot a gun; Speier retorts, "Let me ask you: Have you ever been shot?") It's not a literary memoir. But if you treat it for what it is — an opportunity to better get to know a fascinating public servant, in her own words — it was worth the read.

Ordinary Woman, Extraordinary Circumstances

I had no idea what to expect from this book but I was intrigued by the title and description. Jackie Speier could have let her circumstances and experiences overcome her but instead she turned the tables and used tragedy and trauma to spur her on to fight for the voiceless in the political arena. I wish I had a book like this in high school or even as a college freshman to inspire me to pursue bigger dreams. To help me believe that an awkward girl from modest economic circumstances really can change the world.

Living a Determined Life

Excellent read; Speier shares her life's story with detail and insight -- a life with too many tragedies and so much determination.

Great novel

loved listening to this novel especially with Jackie's voice.
Will read another soon. Thanks

Jackie Speier is truly Undaunted

Jackie Speier is sort of a real life Forest Gump, except she was there for all the crap in life, not the glory. And yet, she remains, Undaunted. Read by the author, this book tells of a life of overcoming devastating losses. When asked once if she had ever fired an automatic weapon her reply was to admit she had not, but to then ask in return, "Have you ever been hit by the bullets fired from an automatic weapon? Because I have." A staffer of Congressman Ryan she survived the Jonestown murders to go to serve her state and her country as a representative from California in the US Congress.

Undaunted

OMG!! So glad the writer was encouraged to write this book. What stories of strength. Thank you for the courage to be the advocate, mom, sister, daughter, great friend, we all needed. I saw myself clapping then weeping, groaning then sobbing. Wow!
Thank you for writing this book. I highly recommend it. The book puts so many things in perspective of what truly is important.
Ma’am, one day I hope to shake your hand and humbly say, THANK YOU.👏🏾💞

So Inspiring

I was hesitant on whether I would listen to this to the end. I have to say, I could not stop listening. I’ve always admired Jackie Speier, now my admiration for her is greater than ever. She has worked so hard to overcome so many tragedies and adversity’s in her life. I wished she would run for President! She is as tough as nails and kind hearted to no end. Congratulations Jackie on all of your accomplishments!

Frank, Inspiring, & Brave

Thank you Jackie Speier for sharing your incredible story. The life lessons are priceless. This book scratched the surface of your professional journeys. We have so much more to learn from you so please: Tell us more. PS It’s ok to have a little emotion, girl. I look forward to your next book!

Undaunted

Undaunted by the author I remember this and to be able to get the real story from the author about the way things really happened back then you really understand what happened in Jonestown very well written..

Couldn't put it down

I'm terrible for starting a book and never finishing it. Its quite rare for me to find a real page turner. This not being a usual book that j would go for I got a real surprise and thoroughly enjoyed it. I shared all the tears and laughs she spilled into this memoir. Jackie is fascinating inspiring and lovely to listen to. I hope her tenacity and courage rubs off on me.