My Story

Elizabeth Smart · Chris Stewart

Oct 2013 · Sold by St. Martin's Press

About this eBook

The harrowing true story of abduction and survival from the courageous young woman who lived it—now the subject of a Lifetime original movie, I Am Elizabeth Smart.

In this memoir, Elizabeth Smart reveals how she survived and the secret to forging a new life in the wake of a brutal crime. On June 5, 2002, fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Smart, the daughter of a close-knit Mormon family, was taken from her home in the middle of the night by religious fanatic Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. Elizabeth was kept chained, dressed in disguise, repeatedly raped, and told she and her family would be killed if she tried to escape. After her rescue on March 12, 2003, she rejoined her family and worked to pick up the pieces of her life.

With My Story, Elizabeth tells of the constant fear she endured every hour, her courageous determination to maintain hope, and how she devised a plan to manipulate her captors and convinced them to return to Utah, where she was rescued minutes after arriving. Smart explains how her faith helped her stay sane in the midst of a nightmare and how she found the strength to confront her captors at their trial and see that justice was served.

In the years after her rescue, Smart transformed from victim to advocate, traveling the country and working to educate, inspire and foster change. She has created a foundation to help prevent crimes against children and is a frequent public speaker. She and her husband, Matthew Gilmour, now have two children.

Ratings and reviews

Smart glosses over major events and leaves the reader wanting to know more. She does not get into any detail about her abuse, her state of mind after rescue and simply speaks to her feelings only during her captivity. Writing is good, but this is not a tell-all book like she claims it is. Jaycee Dugards book is a tell all.

The book is a quick read and at times expounds upon mundane details. That being said, her story is remarkable. Her undying faith in God, determination to survive, and to express gratitude are impressive. Her Mormon upbringing and exceptionally supportive family undoubtedly provided the foundation that she needed to not only survive her horrific ordeal, but to thrive afterwards. Ms Smart's message is clear - we need to live our lives, never allowing painful events prevent us from enjoying the gifts of today.

The princess was taken hostage because she comes from a wealthy family. Those less fortunate never get to tell their story, let alone in a book or movie; but SuperLiz enters the ring and has privilege to milk her supposed abduction for all she's worth.

About the author

ELIZABETH SMART is an American activist and president of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. She first gained widespread attention at age fourteen when she was kidnapped from her home and rescued nine months later. Smart's #1 New York Times bestselling memoir My Story describes her experience, and her follow-up, Where There's Hope, is an inspiring guide to healing after trauma.

Chris Stewart is a former U. S. Air Force pilot assigned to fly the SR-71 Blackbird and B-1 bomber. He is the author of successful and acclaimed thrillers including Shattered Bone, The Kill Box, and The Third Consequence. He lives in Farmington, Utah.