Scan barcode
A review by heatherems
My Story by Chris Stewart, Elizabeth Smart
3.0
A remarkable story in many ways, Elizabeth Smart is an admirable woman. Her strength as an abused, kidnapped child is amazing to hear of.
That she has been able to move beyond that event is a testament to her faith, her strong and loving family and community, and her formidable will.
As a speaker, she is compassionate and articulate, filled with a passion for helping stolen children. Elizabeth Smart gets 5+ stars in my eyes.
The three star rating is due to the actual writing and language of the story. While the ghost writer seems to have events chronicled in the correct order, his style of writing is often redundant and childish. (Yes, I know the story is from the viewpoint of a child.) The use of phrases like "pretty much" and "boring", for example, occur so often that one begins skimming along until the repetition ends. The writing keeps us emotionally distanced from Elizabeth and her captors. Perhaps this was intentional, but I found it strange to feel as if I were reading a newspaper account of Elizabeth's hardships when I was reading her authorized biography. I do appreciate that the book didn't go into graphic detail about the sexual abuse, keeping those terms more general.
I remember when Elizabeth was taken, as well as the celebration that occurred when she was recovered. I wish her well in her journey.
That she has been able to move beyond that event is a testament to her faith, her strong and loving family and community, and her formidable will.
As a speaker, she is compassionate and articulate, filled with a passion for helping stolen children. Elizabeth Smart gets 5+ stars in my eyes.
The three star rating is due to the actual writing and language of the story. While the ghost writer seems to have events chronicled in the correct order, his style of writing is often redundant and childish. (Yes, I know the story is from the viewpoint of a child.) The use of phrases like "pretty much" and "boring", for example, occur so often that one begins skimming along until the repetition ends. The writing keeps us emotionally distanced from Elizabeth and her captors. Perhaps this was intentional, but I found it strange to feel as if I were reading a newspaper account of Elizabeth's hardships when I was reading her authorized biography. I do appreciate that the book didn't go into graphic detail about the sexual abuse, keeping those terms more general.
I remember when Elizabeth was taken, as well as the celebration that occurred when she was recovered. I wish her well in her journey.