"A Stolen Life: A Memoir" by Jaycee Dugard

I remember first seeing the news when Jaycee Dugard was found. I instantly kept reading the updates because this was not far from home, and I was also very concerned with all the details as America soon was. I knew this book would have a huge impact on anyone who read it. In the few days it took for me to read this shocking story, I was constantly thinking about it and discussing it with my family because I felt so consumed by Jaycee's life. I smiled and cried and was completely overwhelmed while reading this memoir. Jaycee is a beautiful person inside and out, and this could not be more of a fact after reading her book. She endured completely unimaginable experiences for 18 years, yet she still is strong, full of life, and has a warm and loving heart. She literally lived through hell and still shines with such grace it will leave anyone in awe.

Jaycee's voice in her memoir makes you feel her frustration, how she longed to talk to someone, to feel love, and to see her mom and family once again. The stories she created, the nurture she found to take care of her daughters and pets, her longing to be the best person she could be is truly amazing. Jaycee's compassion is heartbreaking because she lived in the face of pure evil but still never lost sight of the person she wanted to be. The world should know that cruelty takes human form in people like Phillip and Nancy Garrido and others who exist in this world and can learn from Jaycee's memoir. This book will leave you furious because of what Jaycee had to endure, but it will also leave a permanent imprint in your heart. A portion of Jaycee's earnings from the book will also be donated to The J A Y C Foundation Inc. Purchase it here.