"Her Story is TRULY INSPIRING..."
I have never read a book as inspiring as Jaycee's memoir. The way she gets into everything is very interesting, and shows a lot about her character. Most people who have gone through things similar to Jaycee would probably have a very hard time talking about it, and reliving the experience. Jaycee is a very strong woman, because not only does she let us know the horror she went through on a daily basis... she also is reminding herself of the eighteen years she will never get back. If you read her story, I PROMISE YOU, you will NEVER look at things the way you do now, ever again. After reading this story, it has really opened my eyes as to how good I have everything. Jaycee is the most inspirational person on the planet, I believe, and I think is one of the strongest women to ever walk the face of the earth.
"It's Very Detailed and Descriptive..."
Throughout A Stolen Life, Jaycee is very detailed and descriptive of what happened to her. Now this can be a good thing, and a bad thing. One of the reasons why you should read this book, is because it never leaves you wondering, after finishing a chapter, what you just read. She gets very into it and personal when she talks about the rapes on a daily basis, and the neglect and abuse she suffered for years. She also talks about giving birth in a shed, in the backyard of Phillip and Nancy Garrido's home. She talks about Phillip's drug addiction, and how he would go crazy while he was on "runs". Although the book often leaves you feeling sad, and even sick to your stomach sometimes... it is a good feeling, when reading a book, not having to sit and think about what just happened, and having to reread the last chapter of a story, in order to understand what is going on. In this story, it is very clear what is happening to Jaycee, and when and how it is happening. It is very hard to read, if you are a "teddy-bear" like me, and have a soft side... but I think it is good for both the mind and soul to read this, and to realize what is out there.
"You Become Attached..."
In the story, Jaycee gets very personal and talks about everything she experienced while living with Phillip and Nancy Garrido. It wasn't until I was about half of the way done with the book, that I officially realized how good I have things. The hardest parts for me to read in the story, were when Jaycee describes the rapes and abuse she went through on a daily basis. It still hasn't even really hit me that there are cruel and sick people out there, like Phillip Garrido, who think that there is nothing wrong with what he did to Jaycee. After reading about all of the torture she went through, I got very attached to Jaycee. As I read, I started to feel like Jaycee was a little sister to me, and it was really hard trying to imagine all of the things she went through. I started to develop a personal relationship with both her, and her story.
"Jaycee is Relatable..."
Okay, so I can almost guarantee that NONE of us have even come close to experiencing the horror that Jaycee Dugard has gone through... HOWEVER; Jaycee and I both relate in many different ways. Despite the fact that she was raped on a daily basis, had two children (her first when she was fourteen-years-old), and lived without any freedom for eighteen years... Jaycee still has the most positive attitude towards everything, including her personal experiences. In the interview I watched on YouTube, she was asked by someone: "Isn't it difficult looking at your daughters, and seeing and knowing that Phillip is a part of them?" She replied, and said something along the lines of "No. I will always love my daughters unconditionally. No matter what. Nothing can break that bond between a mother and her children."
In this way, I am similar to Jaycee because no matter what happens, I like to look at the positive outlook of things. I don't like to waste my time and energy getting upset and mad about silly things, when I could easily just let it go, and live happily. Both Jaycee and I are forgiving, and have huge hearts. We both believe that everyone deserves a second chance, and that no matter what has been done, or how bad the situation is... it can always be fixed with a smile, and a positive mood.
In this way, I am similar to Jaycee because no matter what happens, I like to look at the positive outlook of things. I don't like to waste my time and energy getting upset and mad about silly things, when I could easily just let it go, and live happily. Both Jaycee and I are forgiving, and have huge hearts. We both believe that everyone deserves a second chance, and that no matter what has been done, or how bad the situation is... it can always be fixed with a smile, and a positive mood.
Picture Sources:
Keleher, Katie. Backyard Tragedy- Jaycee Lee Dugard "I'm So Happy To Be Back With My Family!". 2009. Photograph. People Magazine, USA. Web. 15 Oct 2013. <http://jezebel.com/5381363/im-so-happy-to-be-back-with-my-family>
Jaycee Dugard. 2009. Photograph. Barnes & Noble, USA. Web. 15 Oct 2013. <http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stolen-life-jaycee-dugard/1100571658?ean=9781442344990>
Sheilds, Brian. Jaycee Dugard Wants Sanctions Against Federal Prosecutors. 2012. Photograph. Kron4 News, San Francisco, CA. Web. 15 Oct 2013. <http://www.kron4.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=4626>
Sheilds, Brian. Jaycee Dugard FREE After 18 Years. 2009. Photograph. People Magazine, USA. Web. 15 Oct 2013. <http://www.ioffer.com/i/people-magazine-jaycee-dugard-free-after-18-years-162292407>
Jaycee Dugard. 2009. Photograph. Barnes & Noble, USA. Web. 15 Oct 2013. <http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stolen-life-jaycee-dugard/1100571658?ean=9781442344990>
Sheilds, Brian. Jaycee Dugard Wants Sanctions Against Federal Prosecutors. 2012. Photograph. Kron4 News, San Francisco, CA. Web. 15 Oct 2013. <http://www.kron4.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=4626>
Sheilds, Brian. Jaycee Dugard FREE After 18 Years. 2009. Photograph. People Magazine, USA. Web. 15 Oct 2013. <http://www.ioffer.com/i/people-magazine-jaycee-dugard-free-after-18-years-162292407>