A Stolen Life

by Jaycee Dugard
A Stolen Life cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Biography and Memoir
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Format • £9.49
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  • ID: 2619
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781451629194
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2012-07-03
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

A Stolen Life is a powerful and unflinching memoir that delves into the harrowing experience of a young woman who was kidnapped in 1991 and held captive for 18 years. This book is not just a story of survival but also a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and overcome unimaginable hardships. The author's vivid and honest narrative provides a deeply personal account of her ordeal, offering readers a glimpse into the psychological and emotional turmoil she endured. /n/n Beyond the plot, the memoir is notable for its raw and unfiltered perspective, providing a unique insight into the mind of someone who has experienced such extreme trauma. The author's ability to recount her story with such clarity and courage makes this book a compelling read for anyone interested in true stories of resilience and the human condition.

Reviews
Reddit - Recommended Books · 2023-01-01
compelling 4.50

They consider this one of the best memoirs they've read, despite the heartbreaking story. They admire the well-written narrative and the emotional depth it provides.

A Reddit user shares their thoughts on Jaycee Dugard's memoir, calling it one of the best memoirs they've ever read. They acknowledge that the story is heartbreaking but find the writing to be exceptionally well done. The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and the raw honesty of the narrative, which makes it a compelling read. They highlight the resilience and strength of the author, making it a memorable and impactful book. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-written and provides a unique perspective on survival and healing.

Quick quotes

    This book is so well written and is one of the best memoirs I've picked up so far.

    Although a heartbreaking story, there's something about the way it's told that makes it compelling.

    It's a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

The New York Times · 2011-07-17
poignant 4.00

They find the memoir to be an instant bestseller with a compelling story, but note that the author did not lack for material. They appreciate the candidness and the unique perspective it offers.

The New York Times reviewer notes that Jaycee Dugard's memoir is an instant bestseller, which is not surprising given the extraordinary events it recounts. They appreciate the candidness with which Dugard shares her story, from being yanked out of her normal life at the age of 11 to her eventual rescue. The reviewer finds the memoir to be a poignant and brave narrative that offers a unique perspective on survival and resilience. They highlight the emotional impact of the story and the importance of sharing such experiences to raise awareness.

Quick quotes

    It is an instant best seller, and she did not lack for material.

    Hers is a story of her being yanked out of her normal life at the age of 11;

    This is a poignant and brave narrative of what it means to have your life stolen.

The Hollywood Reporter · 2011-07-14
harrowing 4.00

The book provides an unflinching look at the author's harrowing experiences, making it a tough but necessary read. They appreciate the raw honesty and the emotional depth of the narrative.

This memoir is a powerful and unflinching account of Jaycee Dugard's experiences, which is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The reviewer acknowledges the difficulty of the subject matter but emphasizes the importance of reading it to understand the resilience of the human spirit. They highlight the raw honesty and emotional depth of the narrative, which makes it a compelling and impactful read. The intimate details of her kidnapping, sexual abuse, and 18 years spent as a hostage are tough reading, but it's worth the effort.

Quick quotes

    The intimate details of her kidnapping, sexual abuse and 18 years spent as a hostage are tough reading, but it's worth the effort.

    It's a harrowing tale of survival and resilience.

    The book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

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