It’s a life I can hardly fathom: being held captive from the age of 11 to 29 in a walled-off compound behind a modest house in the Bay Area. Giving birth to the children of your captor, a man almost 30 years your senior. Teaching yourself to read with old paperbacks, read over and over again.
Maybe such a life is unfathomable, but it’s not unimaginable — at least not for long. Jaycee Dugard, the now-31-year-old woman who grew up in tents behind Phillip and Nancy Garrido’s house in Antioch, California after they abducted her in 1991, has written a memoir. It will be released on July 12th.
My first reaction to this news, which her publisher, Simon & Schuster, announced on Monday, was a mixture of intrigue and cynicism. Does everyone have to write a memoir these days ? I thought. But then I read the final line of the Times‘ blurb about the book: she wrote it without the help of a ghostwriter.
My cynicism melted away and I was simply intrigued.
I’m very curious about this — not only about her story, but how she tells it.
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My wife was reading Jaycee’s book and I picked it up with shallow curiosity. After a brief look at it, I found it fascinating and inspirational. While she did not overly dwell on the unimaginable pain she endured for 18 years, she clearly make her point.
Her ability to survive and now to help others is an inspiration. Her life reminds me of how Helen Keller met and conquered her challenges.
I haven’t read Miss Dugard’s book, but rather a preview of it on my reader. I applaud this young lady’s perseverance and courage as well as her ability to write a book about all she endured at the hands of those two monsters who were her captives. I wish her well and hope and pray life for her now and forever holds only the most wonderful experiences. She is certainly an inspiration for us all. Jaycee, may God bless and keep you all the days of your life!
I just finished Jaycee’s book. I too got the first chapter free on my reader. After finishing the first two pages I ordered the book. I was horrified by what she went through at the hands, and twisted mind, of Phillip Garrido. As I read I kept thinking how adult her writing was.
Get her book. She is truly remarkable. Jaycee, you and your family are in my prayers. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I will forever think of you and your Mom whenever I see the moon.
God bless and take care.
Jaycee, I really admire you for the person that you have become. You overcame soo many things & yes I believe the angels were with you or you could not have come thru like you have. I got your audio book & enjoyed hearing you read. I can appreciate how much you want your privacy. I feel most people are good & want the best for you. I just can’t help wanting to know you. In some small ways I feel like I do know you. Ive seen your picture for so many years & wished that I could just find you. You are going to be OK. God Bless You and Your Girls.
Sondra Engel, White Oak, Texas.
Jaycee, I just finished your book. What courage and strength you had at such a young age. I’m so glad you wrote this to give others the will-power to never give up on that love on.
You must of had a guardian angel looking out for you. You endured so much as a child that should of never happened. You remained strong! Now today you and you’re girls celebrate with you’re family. Celebrate and Rejoice Jaycee because You have Won and That Can’t Be Taken Away!
Barbara
Jaycee, you truly are an inspiration. I just finished reading you book and I have to say it has had me sad since I started it. I have 2 children of my own and it males me so scared that they are in the same world as sick people like that monster. You are so strong. A couple comments up a woman said that she can’t help wanting to know you. I have imagined meeting you and I see myself just giving you the biggest huh ever. You Jaycee Dugard are a perfect example of why people shouldn’t lose hope. Even if it is not something as horrible as what happened to you having hope can make people strong like you. You are a beautiful person inside and out. Your daughters are probably so proud of you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Iread Jaycee’s book and my heart went out to her..it was like I was living what she went thru…and all I could think about was my 11yr old daughter. and I went to pieces….and all I saw was RED….I WANTED TO KILL HIM MYSELF…BEFORE I READ THIS BOOK, I SAID TO A CO-WORKER THATI COULD BELIEVE THAT A PERSON COULD BE KIDNAPPED FOR 18 AND NOT BE ABLE TO GET AWAY…BUT AFTER READING THE BOOK AND SEEING HOW HE MANIPULATED….EVERYTHING CHANGED…AND I APOLOGIZE FOR THINKING THAT..JAYCEE IS A VERY STRONG WILLED YOUNG LADY AND I APPLAUD HER
A friend at work was talking about the book on Sunday, I wasn’t able to stop thinking about it so I went out and bought it this afternoon. I just finished reading it in less than a day because you can’t put it down. It’s amazing how strong she is and how she’s working to help others. I believe everyone should read this book and maybe it will bring and end to abductions, rape and abuse. My heart and prays goes out to her, her daughters and family.
Jaycee , I must say your are strong! I wish nothing but the best for you and your girls!
Jaycee, how remarkable a person you are and what a lovely, beautiful, adult you’ve become!!! I applaud you!!! My best wishes for you, your Mom, and daughters!! Your aunt and sis also!!! If you guys are ever in MD, I’ll cook dinner for all of you~ So happy you’re home and safe where you belong!!! Loved your book, I just finished it this evening. Take care Jaycee, you are also a teriffic writer!
Fondly,
Karen Schneider
Dear Jaycee:
I am a 64 year old man and most likely have never read a book cover to cover (don’t like to read, fall a sleep) BUT I READ YOURS TWICE! I see it in my family, a son is a son until he takes a wife…a daughter is a daughter for the rest of her life. Your bond with your MOM is so natural and in your case so amaising. Where you go from here I do not know but I do feel you have so many friends and family who suport you and love you for who you are and your children now have a loving (normal) family. My wife purchased your book through Kindle to suport you. I am glad she did! As a father, I can see a mother’s emotions and I can only see your MOM’s emotions for yeays and the pain she went through- and never gave up hope of finding her “baby” Jaycee! Welcome home! You are the best. Your MOM!..can not describ what a strong person she is.. a MOM and a parent..Always, for ever.
Our love to
your family
from our family,
Les & Chris
Just finished her book! What a neat and couraging person she has turned out too be!! I look up to her for her strength! Wish her nothing but the best in her new future.
Well it is now Nov of 2013 and I just finished your book. Along with everyone else commenting here I am amazed at what you endured. I found myself thinking back to what I was doing in my own life at the different times and dates you would list in your book. I feel sad when I think of where you were and no one had a clue and our lives went on as normal. I felt as if I was with you for a little while as I read your story. As life continues I know you will sometime cross my mind and I will wonder how your doing. I pray God’s blessing on you and your family as you continue on the next part of your journey in life… Take Care, Sharon