Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
St. Martin's Press (2013), 320 pages
Description
"For the first time, ten 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, fourteen-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"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
Narrated by the author. Typically, when I see an audiobook is performed by the author, it doesn't bode well for my experience. Very few authors can get away with it. This is a pleasant surprise however. At first Smart starts out sounding too pert for this horrifying account. But as she gains her
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momentum her voice becomes a highly compelling part of the story. Her voice is strong and confident and the moments when she sarcastically refers to her captors or ironic situations are actually funny. She even changes her voice to portray her captors. When you hear her document abuses such as daily rapes and quote the awful words said to her, the miracle is not just that she survived the abuse, but that she had the inner fortitude to rise so very, very high above it. Astonishing and inspiring. Show Less
LibraryThing member Shahnareads
I made the mistake of reading other reviews before I did my own.
They make me angry. Nosey people expecting too much. There is no reason to pick the book apart because she didn't share in the exact details of her torture and rape. Good job humans.
She doesn't owe anyone anything. The fact that she
I see nothing wrong in her writing style. She's not a "professional" author. Never claimed to be, she can write however she wants. She was a kid when this happened, she's going to remember it like a kid.
I think the book was fine. It was written just fine. It's easy to read and understand. What she went through was horrible and I'm glad to know she lives a happy life now. And that's all people should be concerned about. Is that she's happy.
They make me angry. Nosey people expecting too much. There is no reason to pick the book apart because she didn't share in the exact details of her torture and rape. Good job humans.
She doesn't owe anyone anything. The fact that she
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even wrote a book for the public to read is a great leap and very brave. She doesn't need to tell us anything. Were all reading this book because were nosey, some are just more nosey then others I guess. I see nothing wrong in her writing style. She's not a "professional" author. Never claimed to be, she can write however she wants. She was a kid when this happened, she's going to remember it like a kid.
I think the book was fine. It was written just fine. It's easy to read and understand. What she went through was horrible and I'm glad to know she lives a happy life now. And that's all people should be concerned about. Is that she's happy.
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LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
There is very little that is sensational about this memoir, but much that is amazing. Elizabeth Smart details the horror of her nine months of captivity in a very matter-of-fact way and puts into perspective the very real evil of the people who held her prisoner. Her experiences were terrible, but
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she has succeeded in following her mother's advice to not let her captors have even a single more moment of her life. One of the most interesting things is the contrast between Elizabeth's real faith and religious grounding and the fake "religion" of her captors. She could have turned away from God, but instead, she turned to Him and trusted that He was there for her in the midst of everything. Show Less
LibraryThing member Citizenjoyce
This book gives much to think about. A narcissistic religious freak kidnapped Smart from her bed when she was 14. He kept her for 9 months, raping her daily, keeping her filthy and frequently hungry and thirsty. He Preached at her constantly and forced her to drink alcohol, which was against her
Which leads to the second point. Elizabeth Smart is a happy woman, and I think this is also because of her Mormon faith. She knows she's a good person, she knows what her kidnapper did to her does not reflect on her own morality and, as her mother told her, her best revenge against him is to lead a happy life. At the time of writing the book Smart said she'd been alive 309 months, Her kidnapper had made 9 of those months miserable, but for the rest she is completely grateful, and that's a pretty good percentage.
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Mormon upbringing, and to read pretty severe pornography and engage in sex acts that she didn't specify but found horrific. Well, not horrific. I think that's one of the points of the book. Smart is very matter of fact, even sarcastic, about everything that happened to her. She says the word rape with the same intensity she says the word hunger. It was a bad thing that happened to her but did not have a moral effect on her, and that's the basis for the questions. I wonder if Smart's extreme passivity while with her kidnapper stemmed from the fact that she was a good girl completely suffused with a patriarchal religion. The times she had the opportunity to cry for help, she remained silent because she was a good girl. She repeatedly emphasizes the fact that Mitchell said he would kill her and her whole family if she tried to escape, but I wonder if someone with a little less experience of being a good girl would have been so acquiescent.Which leads to the second point. Elizabeth Smart is a happy woman, and I think this is also because of her Mormon faith. She knows she's a good person, she knows what her kidnapper did to her does not reflect on her own morality and, as her mother told her, her best revenge against him is to lead a happy life. At the time of writing the book Smart said she'd been alive 309 months, Her kidnapper had made 9 of those months miserable, but for the rest she is completely grateful, and that's a pretty good percentage.
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LibraryThing member mochap
Listening to this memoir in the author's own voice made it that much more powerful. I remain amazed and inspired that anyone could come out of that horrific trauma so grounded and healthy. Really tremendous.
LibraryThing member dd196406
Fascinating autobiography by Elizabeth Smart about her kidnapping and time with her captors. So amazing that she survived her ordeal and seems happy and content in her life after. Amazing story of resilience and faith.
LibraryThing member Unicycledad
This is not a well written book, but I still find myself wanting to give it five stars because it is a brave book to write. I will say also that she turned around some of my perceptions of the case. I read Under the Banner of Heaven and got the impression from that book that her captor was able to
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use Mormon scripture to sort of brainwash her and manipulate. After reading her own account, however, I don't think that was the case. Assuming she is being honest, and there is no real reason to assume otherwise, she was simply terrified out of her poor mind. She never bought into his being some sort of prophet at all, and didn't identify with either of the freaks who took her. As an Ex-Mormon who is not religious, I obviously didn't agree with everything she wrote. But her story is pretty amazing, and I am impressed by her resilience and efforts to help others. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jeanne.Miller
Referring to the audiobook which was recorded by the author, I couldn't get past the second chapter. The book is less an autobiography or true crime drama and more Christian witnessing. Elizabeth underwent what can only be described as a child's worst nightmare but the events are presented in an
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almost dream-like sequence with very little emotion. If you're looking for an uplifting religious experience this book is for you. Show Less
LibraryThing member olegalCA
2 1/2 stars. I would've liked to read more detail on the aftermath and how Elizabeth coped with the memories of her ordeal. Seemed too neat and tidy.
LibraryThing member KR_Patterson
This was really a great book. I feel bad knocking it down a star because I honestly couldn't put it down. But I did because she gets a little repetitive and at times seemingly very defensive, constantly assuring us that she did NOT have Stockholm, etc. I kinda wanted to hold up my hands a few times
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and say "ok ok, chill. " :-) She obviously wanted to make that point :-). But that being said, I was glad to see she was far stronger than I thought. As horrible as it is that this had to happen to anyone, I'm glad she wasn't broken by it. She has too much will to be broken by it. Love that. Show Less
LibraryThing member KR_Patterson
This was really a great book. I feel bad knocking it down a star because I honestly couldn't put it down. But I did because she gets a little repetitive and at times seemingly very defensive, constantly assuring us that she did NOT have Stockholm, etc. I kinda wanted to hold up my hands a few times
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and say "ok ok, chill. " :-) She obviously wanted to make that point :-). But that being said, I was glad to see she was far stronger than I thought. As horrible as it is that this had to happen to anyone, I'm glad she wasn't broken by it. She has too much will to be broken by it. Love that. Show Less
LibraryThing member Canadian_Down_Under
It almost feels cruel not to rate this book well. In fact, I'm sure some of the 5 star ratings here are more because of the terrible ordeal Elizabeth Smart went through rather than the quality of her book.
The main problem with this book is it is unbelievably repetitive. Of course this was what her
I also, like other reviewers, found it a little jarring for her to constantly refer to herself as "a little girl". She was very young, yes, but not many of us would think of a 14-year-old teenager as a little girl. I believe this was done to remind us how vulnerable she was but it had the opposite effect on me. It made me think of tall people crouching down to make themselves appear shorter.
A couple of other things - I found the book to be emotionally distant. I really had no idea how Elizabeth felt through her ordeal. And one last thing - we know Elizabeth lied about what she said when the police officer asked her if she was Elizabeth Smart. What she really said was "If thou sayeth, I sayeth". In the book she says "I am Elizabeth". We'll never know why she changed her story for the book but it made me wonder what else she changed.
I am glad Elizabeth survived her ordeal and seemed to have come out of it amazingly well but this is not a good book. It lacks detail and the repetitiveness makes it fairly boring.
The main problem with this book is it is unbelievably repetitive. Of course this was what her
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ordeal was, as terrible as it was. There are only so many ways you can say - I was scared, he was evil, I was raped, it was hot, I worried about my family - so this was said over and over.I also, like other reviewers, found it a little jarring for her to constantly refer to herself as "a little girl". She was very young, yes, but not many of us would think of a 14-year-old teenager as a little girl. I believe this was done to remind us how vulnerable she was but it had the opposite effect on me. It made me think of tall people crouching down to make themselves appear shorter.
A couple of other things - I found the book to be emotionally distant. I really had no idea how Elizabeth felt through her ordeal. And one last thing - we know Elizabeth lied about what she said when the police officer asked her if she was Elizabeth Smart. What she really said was "If thou sayeth, I sayeth". In the book she says "I am Elizabeth". We'll never know why she changed her story for the book but it made me wonder what else she changed.
I am glad Elizabeth survived her ordeal and seemed to have come out of it amazingly well but this is not a good book. It lacks detail and the repetitiveness makes it fairly boring.
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LibraryThing member marshapetry
Not the best written book but it was sure interesting - of course I remember the incident quite well and it's heartbreaking to hear the story. I hope Elisabeth has found a measure of piece; she does quite a good job narrating her own book.
Elizabeth was, and still is (2015), quite young - too young
Elizabeth was, and still is (2015), quite young - too young
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to perhaps process all the things that happened to her f and how she acted. Perhaps she'll learn as she ages that it's completely OK for her to have acted in ways that might be less than superwoman-ish; she had to survive and she did what any young person does in surviving, and those behaviours are not always clean and clear. It's hard to read the harsh criticisms of her for possibly not owning up to some behaviors the seem less that perfect. No matter what she did, she hung in and survived, and hopefully got out early enough to be able to process it. Show Less
LibraryThing member onionprincess
Very difficult but incredible book to read, but shows the depth of Elizabeth's spirit. From tragedy and torture, to wellness and redemption. Bravo, Elizabeth, for having the guts to write this.
LibraryThing member ecataldi
Smart, Elizabeth. My Story. 7 CDs. unabridged. 9 hrs. MacMillan Audio. 2013. ISBN 9781427233424. $29.99.
This haunting and inspiring memoir will have readers horrified at the atrocities that then fourteen year old, Elizabeth Smart had to endure. Having been kidnapped at knife-point from her safe
This haunting and inspiring memoir will have readers horrified at the atrocities that then fourteen year old, Elizabeth Smart had to endure. Having been kidnapped at knife-point from her safe
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Mormon home and then subjected to daily rapes and humiliation from her captors, Smart's story of despair turns amazingly into hope. Her nine months of capture just steeled her resolve in her faith and her commitment to doing the right thing and showing constant gratitude. Elizabeth's story captured the nation's hearts in 2002 and will continue to do so in this heartfelt memoir. Her intimate story sheds light on her captivity and how she was able to rebuild her life after such an altering and scarring event. The audio book has an extra dimension of truth and emotion since it is beautifully narrated by the author, Elizabeth Smart. For fans of inspirational and Christian memoirs. - Erin Cataldi, Franklin College, Franklin, IN. Show Less
LibraryThing member shannon.dolgos
There are really no words to describe how I feel about this book. Elizabeth is so strong and brave to have lived through such a horrific time, and then to relive it by sharing her story with the world. It is well written, and I applaud her for sharing.
I hate that this happened. I hate that this
I hate that this happened. I hate that this
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book was written. I am glad that her tormentors are in prison. I am glad that Elizabeth is strong and brave and happy. Show Less
LibraryThing member LibraryCin
In 2002, Elizabeth Smart was only 14-years old when she was kidnapped from her own bedroom(!!!) in Salt Lake City, Utah. A homeless man who considered himself a prophet kidnapped her and he and his wife held her for nine months before they were caught and she was reunited with her family. Elizabeth
In addition to her own story of what happened over those nine months, Elizabeth tells some of how things were going back home with the search. In fact, for a good chunk of the time, she was kept very close to home, until it got too cold to live in their tent and all three moved to California.
The way the story was told seemed very “simple” to me, maybe to reflect (on purpose or otherwise!) how young she was at the time? There is also a bit or repetition. I certainly remember the story in the news, even here in Canada and always wondered about her. She seems to have come through very well adjusted (despite the daily rape!). She doesn’t go into detail on that. The 4-star rating may also have to do with my interest in the case, generally.
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tells the story of what happened.In addition to her own story of what happened over those nine months, Elizabeth tells some of how things were going back home with the search. In fact, for a good chunk of the time, she was kept very close to home, until it got too cold to live in their tent and all three moved to California.
The way the story was told seemed very “simple” to me, maybe to reflect (on purpose or otherwise!) how young she was at the time? There is also a bit or repetition. I certainly remember the story in the news, even here in Canada and always wondered about her. She seems to have come through very well adjusted (despite the daily rape!). She doesn’t go into detail on that. The 4-star rating may also have to do with my interest in the case, generally.
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LibraryThing member sraelling
A survivor, courageous and faithful young woman. She is living proof that miracles happen.
LibraryThing member Joanna.Conrad
It was the content that caused me to stop reading, but the low rating is for writing quality. I have trouble attributing these words to Smart herself, and suspect the ghost writer was aiming at the assumed reading abilities of Nancy Grace's audience. I picked it up knowing I might not finish it,
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and I credit Smart for getting through and sharing such a terrible experience. But I didn't expect that use of the word "derelict" would make me wonder where she pulled the big word from, out of the blue like that. I'm sure this is her story, but I doubt they are her words. Her ghost writer has done her a disservice. Show Less
LibraryThing member gaillamontagne
This is the frightening story of the abduction and abuse of 14 year old Elizabeth told and narrated in her own words. Her courage and tenacity, faith and love for her God and family kept her sane and alive through 9 months of sexual and emotional abuse, starvation, isolation, as well as hard labor
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and horrible living conditions. Her rescue and return to her family is moving and joyous. Show Less
LibraryThing member margaretfield
Writing is not great but book speaks volumes about owning your own story
LibraryThing member MHanover10
I remember when Elizabeth was taken. It was horrific at the time and horrific again to listen to Elizabeth read her book about what happened to her. What a strong individual Elizabeth has become and I'm so glad she is living her life with joy and happiness so she doesn't give anymore power to her
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captors. I know she says no one knows what she went through, that the fear can paralyze you but I still wonder why she didn't yell her name when the police officer confronted them at the library and was quiet when they were caught. I understand she didn't want to cause her family harm, but it's too bad she didn't have faith that the police would keep her safe. I do know because of listening to this book, I'm going to look a little closer at people as I walk by and see if they are sending signals with their eyes or body language. And I hope Elizabeth's story helps children who do happen to get taken to have strength to survive. Show Less
LibraryThing member mjspear
Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her bedroom and held captive in rural camps around Utah for 9 months. Her kidnapper was a self-proclaimed itinerant prophet who chose Elizabeth as his second wife. Short on details and long on frustrating passificism (e.g., I prayed for a miracle) the book does not
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succeed as a thriller. Rather, It is a tribute to her faith and perseverance. Show Less
LibraryThing member kslade
Very detailed account of kidnapping and recovery. I read her story in the papers and saw things on TV but this gets into her feelings. Very good.
LibraryThing member amerynth
I had the pleasure of interviewing Elizabeth Smart a few years ago for a local newspaper when she visited the area to give a few talks. I was amazed by her poise and demeanor when faced with ridiculous questions that frequently begin with "Why didn't you..." She was was an abducted, brutalized,
The book tells the story of Elizabeth's kidnapping, torture and eventual homecoming. I thought it did a good job of portraying the facts of the case and how Elizabeth managed to survive -- mainly through her belief in God, memories of her family and an internal reservoir of strength.
I didn't necessarily like the way the book was written... it really attempted to put an emphasis on her being a little girl (and I get why the book is written in the way it is, but it's a bit jarring.) The book also lacked that spark that Elizabeth possesses when she speaks (I've covered lots of guest speakers over the years and few of their speeches have really stuck with me like Elizabeth's did.) Overall, this book is a fine read if you want to know more about what happened to Elizabeth during her nine months of captivity.
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terrorized teenager who focused on surviving. Her recovery from all that she endured is remarkable. After hearing her speak, I decided to pick up "My Story."The book tells the story of Elizabeth's kidnapping, torture and eventual homecoming. I thought it did a good job of portraying the facts of the case and how Elizabeth managed to survive -- mainly through her belief in God, memories of her family and an internal reservoir of strength.
I didn't necessarily like the way the book was written... it really attempted to put an emphasis on her being a little girl (and I get why the book is written in the way it is, but it's a bit jarring.) The book also lacked that spark that Elizabeth possesses when she speaks (I've covered lots of guest speakers over the years and few of their speeches have really stuck with me like Elizabeth's did.) Overall, this book is a fine read if you want to know more about what happened to Elizabeth during her nine months of captivity.
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Language
Original publication date
2013
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