Scan barcode
peaknit's review
4.0
This young woman tells a very powerful story, I marvel at her strength following an unprecedented trauma. I didn't like listening to her reading style, but I kept telling myself she is not a professional narrator, instead she is a pretty amazing "ordinary" person. She is proof of the power of resiliency, grace and gratitude. I think Ms. Smart's belief in God and faith was so clear and enduring. Her parents did an incredible job raising such a strong child, which allowed her to survive.
all_things_books21's review
5.0
This is not my typical review as this isn’t your typical book. I’m sure many of you know who this is along with her story, however for those who don’t know, Elizabeth Smart is a strong and brave woman who survived being kidnapped as a young teenager. This book is from her own words and shares her experiences while being kidnapped. It wasn’t the easiest reading My Story, given the topic, however the way that Elizabeth broke down the book was amazing. Each chapter is dedicated to a particular topic, that helps tell her story. While I already knew a lot about the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, this book made it more real as it is from her.
I’m definitely glad that I read this book, to learn how she stayed so strong and how she survived. If you want to learn more about the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, I definitely recommend this book.
I’m definitely glad that I read this book, to learn how she stayed so strong and how she survived. If you want to learn more about the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, I definitely recommend this book.
jenbsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I live in Utah, so while the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping made national news, it was close to home. I remember I was picking up my oldest from kindergarten when I heard on the news that she had been found. I've been vaguely aware of her life (public speaking, a mission, marriage, this book). I was in a thrift store when I saw the book, and grabbed it, and then checked out the audio and kindle copy (both readily available). I saw mixed reviews, so went in a little unsure of what to expect.
Overall ... not judging the experience, but the writing and presentation, it was just okay. I had several frustrations with the book:
Dialog: There was a lot of dialog. In a book presented as non-fiction, this is an issue for me. In other non-fiction books, there is usually an author's note stating that anything in quotes is taken from documented references. A clarification of what had been recorded (in writing/audio) and what was from memory/interviews, that memories could conflict. Here, it just seemed to be presented as fact, but while I'm sure the author has a general memory of things, I doubt she remembers all these conversations word for word. I'm sure this is meant to be understood, but it just came across as inauthentic. I'm honestly trying to remember dialog in other memoirs and biographies, if there was as much undocumented dialog as there was here.
Defensive Explaining: I'm sure the author and her family have had a lot of "why didn't ...??" questions asked, and I know I have had some cross my mind. This took it to the other extreme though, explaining and rationalizing (Why didn't Mary Katherine tell her parents sooner? Why didn't Elizabeth attempt to escape?) While I can see why it was included, there was so much of it.
Religion: Religion plays a big part, as BDM took Elizabeth as part of his "religious" zeal, feeling himself a prophet. While it's admirable that Elizabeth could keep her own faith ... I'll admit to feeling struggles with it all, God's plan, a loving God, miracles ... she sees a cup of water as a sign. If you are looking, you will see things, be able to explain away things, if that's what you want to believe.
Narration: Elizabeth narrated her own story. I do prefer that in memoirs (and author's notes in novels) ... and I've heard Elizabeth is an eloquent speaker. Here, it came across a little forced. Attempting to do some "voices" like a professional narration, without the same skill. Some odd inflection, almost laughter/lightness ... I didn't really feel emotion (which is understandable, needing to try to stay separated still). I probably wouldn't do any better reading my own (unexciting) life history, but I am used to wonderful narrators in audiobooks most of the time.
As with many of the new physical copies ... no Table of Contents. I do not understand this lack? 40 chapters with headings (in kindle/audio ... helpful in looking over and remembering what was in the different sections. To know where one is in the book, reference between formats). Prologue and Epilogue.
For a factual accounting of the events ... I wonder if I would appreciate a straight, 3rd person factual retelling (with Elizabeth quotes), more distanced, straight-forward. I'm not sorry I took the time to listen.
No proFanity. Rape mentioned many times, but nothing described in detail. Pornography/Drinking.
Overall ... not judging the experience, but the writing and presentation, it was just okay. I had several frustrations with the book:
Dialog: There was a lot of dialog. In a book presented as non-fiction, this is an issue for me. In other non-fiction books, there is usually an author's note stating that anything in quotes is taken from documented references. A clarification of what had been recorded (in writing/audio) and what was from memory/interviews, that memories could conflict. Here, it just seemed to be presented as fact, but while I'm sure the author has a general memory of things, I doubt she remembers all these conversations word for word. I'm sure this is meant to be understood, but it just came across as inauthentic. I'm honestly trying to remember dialog in other memoirs and biographies, if there was as much undocumented dialog as there was here.
Defensive Explaining: I'm sure the author and her family have had a lot of "why didn't ...??" questions asked, and I know I have had some cross my mind. This took it to the other extreme though, explaining and rationalizing (Why didn't Mary Katherine tell her parents sooner? Why didn't Elizabeth attempt to escape?) While I can see why it was included, there was so much of it.
Religion: Religion plays a big part, as BDM took Elizabeth as part of his "religious" zeal, feeling himself a prophet. While it's admirable that Elizabeth could keep her own faith ... I'll admit to feeling struggles with it all, God's plan, a loving God, miracles ... she sees a cup of water as a sign. If you are looking, you will see things, be able to explain away things, if that's what you want to believe.
Narration: Elizabeth narrated her own story. I do prefer that in memoirs (and author's notes in novels) ... and I've heard Elizabeth is an eloquent speaker. Here, it came across a little forced. Attempting to do some "voices" like a professional narration, without the same skill. Some odd inflection, almost laughter/lightness ... I didn't really feel emotion (which is understandable, needing to try to stay separated still). I probably wouldn't do any better reading my own (unexciting) life history, but I am used to wonderful narrators in audiobooks most of the time.
As with many of the new physical copies ... no Table of Contents. I do not understand this lack? 40 chapters with headings (in kindle/audio ... helpful in looking over and remembering what was in the different sections. To know where one is in the book, reference between formats). Prologue and Epilogue.
For a factual accounting of the events ... I wonder if I would appreciate a straight, 3rd person factual retelling (with Elizabeth quotes), more distanced, straight-forward. I'm not sorry I took the time to listen.
No proFanity. Rape mentioned many times, but nothing described in detail. Pornography/Drinking.
swampbooks's review
3.0
Elizabeth Smart’s resilience will never not amaze me. She faced death at the hands of her own personal devil and managed to come out of with the goal to just be happy. She is a wildly impressive woman.
While I appreciate that she took the time and energy to write about the worst time of her life, I do wish that her publishers or editors or someone made more of an effort to improve the quality of this book. She is an educated woman, but the writing level was of that of child. It was written well after she became a college graduate so I was a bit taken aback. It’s hard to believe that this was the same woman who speaks so eloquently in every interview.
While I appreciate that she took the time and energy to write about the worst time of her life, I do wish that her publishers or editors or someone made more of an effort to improve the quality of this book. She is an educated woman, but the writing level was of that of child. It was written well after she became a college graduate so I was a bit taken aback. It’s hard to believe that this was the same woman who speaks so eloquently in every interview.
nschellhas's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
meghan_w's review
5.0
I love the message this story provides. Amiss trials and problems there is no reason we can't be happy and grateful. Elizabeth Smart is one of my heroines for sure!
marieintheraw's review
3.0
This rating seems a little harsh, but I honestly was hoping to learn more about her life post this traumatic event. Especially since I know that she's done motivational speaking since then. This focuses, however, mostly on her faith and the event. The latter of which was more compelling than the former to me.