A Stolen Life: A Memoir (2011)

in 1991, Jaycee (born 1980) was a normal 11-year-old kid, doing normal things and living a normal life. everything changed when she was kidnapped, and for 18 years she was a prisoner of the Garridos. she became an object to their abuse and rape. she was not allowed to speak her own name, she became a mother of 2, and was later forced to be their sister. in 2009, after much struggle she finally got her life back, returning as a 29-year-old adult. she survived the impossible situation, living in the backyard of the Garridos, only 2 hours ride from her home, yet so well-hidden even the police officers failed to notice despite their frequent visit to meet up with Phillip Garrido, who was on parole. now, Jaycee lived with her mother, Terry (50), her 2 daughters, Angel (15) and Starlit (11). Phillip Garrido was sent back to prison, sentenced for life; his wife Nancy Garrido sentenced to a minimum of 36 years in prison. she wrote a book, A Stolen Life: A Memoir, and it was published on July 2011.

Jaycee's story about her imprisonment was painful to read. it made the matter worst when Phillip was manipulatively "nice" to her, constantly reminding her that she was helping him with his "problem". the confusion he built up for her, which lasted 18 years, was enough to make one believe what they were told. yet Jaycee returned, surviving not only physically but mentally, stronger than ever. somehow, reading through her book, i felt that her stubbornness actually saved her. it kept her sane, questioning even if not verbally, on what Phillip was doing or making her believe. although she was able to send Philip back into prison, i still find it sad because part of him will always stay with her, especially through the 2 daughters they had together. i was more than happy to read that she now lives a miraculously normal life, and hopefully will be able to read more about her in the coming future.

author: Jaycee Dugard
published: 2011
genre: Autobiography