You may have already recognized the name, but Jaycee Dugard was the woman who was abducted in 1991, and recently found 18 years later. Her name has been all over the news, and this is her memoir of the time she lost.
When I heard of the poise of this woman on a tv special, and heard she had a book out, I thought I might read it. I don't remember hearing much about her story last year, but that isn't strange since we don't have television (just internet and netflix), and I rarely read the news unless Stefan forwards something to me that he thinks I might like.
This book is very hard to write a formal 'review' on, because of the story's nature. This girl went through unimaginable things, and it would seem she wrote this book to reclaim the past that was ripped from her, and to warrant freedom from her kidnappers. This book is devastatingly sad, filled with abuse (sexual and verbal, and even physical abandonment) and pain. It's also filled with courage and the hope that Jaycee had that someday she would get out of this situation, and see her family again, specifically her mother.
Jaycee gave birth to two daughters while she was in the backyard, and throughout the 18 years she was a prisoner there, she made many animal friends whom she cared for, and who brought her joy. I believe the foundation she started may use animal therapy for abuse victims because of how they help(ed) her cope with the past.
I don't know that I would recommend this book to many people. The graphic nature of this book (and the fact that she was a child) may not be suitable for most. I would would also recommend not leaving this book out if you have children who can read.
Of course after all those warnings, do remember how the story turns out, as she has now been reunited with family, and is raising her own children, driving, and living as a free woman. I wish her a full and happy life.
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