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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
inspiring
fast-paced
I enjoyed the first book a little more. Still an ok read
This woman is unbelievably positive and writes a lot like a middle schooler. She unironically writes out LOL and HAHA, is as a person extremely corny, and loves animals more than anyone I have ever met in my life.
Like, it's tempting to go 'oh this book just needed a better editor.' I think a lot of people come to read survivor accounts expecting some kind of moving, deep literature that offers powerful insights and cracks the code on the mystery of human suffering. Not everyone who endures trauma, though, goes on to channel their pain into a post-WWI-style modernist classic work. And I think in many cases, it's better for the health not to be that person.
Ms. Dugard focuses on her beloved animals, small goals, and the enjoyable mundane because that's what life is. That's what it's made of, and that's how she's moving on, even if it doesn't satisfy the public's thirst for deep, morbid ruminations.
Like, it's tempting to go 'oh this book just needed a better editor.' I think a lot of people come to read survivor accounts expecting some kind of moving, deep literature that offers powerful insights and cracks the code on the mystery of human suffering. Not everyone who endures trauma, though, goes on to channel their pain into a post-WWI-style modernist classic work. And I think in many cases, it's better for the health not to be that person.
Ms. Dugard focuses on her beloved animals, small goals, and the enjoyable mundane because that's what life is. That's what it's made of, and that's how she's moving on, even if it doesn't satisfy the public's thirst for deep, morbid ruminations.
As many other reviewers have said, this reads more like a diary than a book. I realize the subtitle is "my book of firsts" but I was really hoping for more insight as to how she was adjusting. It's still amazing to think that she was imprisoned for so long with two kids. I am glad I read this, though.
Before, I get in to this review, I would highly suggest reading the author's first book "A Stolen Life" that discusses her kidnapping and 18 subsequent years of living in a backyard and having two children during this time - her resilience and outlook is pretty profound. It helps put this book in perspective and the author discussing her firsts after captivity: being pulled over, hangover, award achievements. She was held captive between the ages of 11 to 29 - a pretty formative time, so she missed an incredible amount of firsts, but maintains this optimism and really young/fresh perspective at life and it is lovely to hear. Also, liked that the audiobook was read by the author.
A lighthearted and much needed follow up to her first memoir. Glad to see the restoration and healing work done in her own life and the beauty of how she is extending it to others through her Foundation.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
I enjoyed this follow up after her abduction. Jaycee has been through so much but her outlook on life is inspiring.