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.

Survivor

Being from Minnesota, I'd really never thought of Ms. Speier, this book has brought her into my life. She has risen above obstacles that would have stopped the average person. Parts brought me to tears and then lifted me up.

Great novel

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

inspiring

I am truly moved. i will keep Jackie's life in my heart as guide to move forward with mine. Thankyou for sharing.

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!

Worth listening to

Many important life lessons from a brave indomitable woman who has overcome more tragedies than any one person should have to face. Yet, she inevitably puts her energy toward improving the world for the rest of us.

Enjoyed this book

I really enjoyed listening to Jackie Spiers recount her life story. Such a strong, remarkable, accomplished woman. We are fortunate to have had her represent the state of California. She worked so hard to make life better for her constituents while living through so many incredible challenges and losses in her personal life. Thank you Jackie for sharing your story with the world.

Amazing Journey

I found Jackie's personal story heartfelt and hopeful. I read/listened to this book after hearing an NPR interview of her and it did not disappoint. I'm hoping there are other women out there ready to step in and carry on the struggle for equality and the greater good of forgotten/overlooked sectors of our US society.

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.