Instead of studying for finals this weekend which would have been the smart thing to do, I purchased Elizabeth Smart's book, "My Story." Andrew had to talk me into purchasing it because it was kind of pricey, and I didn't have the patience to wait for this book on hold at the library. I have been wanting to read it for quite some time. The book was definitely worth every penny. I could hardly put it down until I finished.
I have vivid memories of hearing about Elizabeth Smart being kidnapped growing up. She was taken in 2002 and I was 9 years old at the time. I was terrified that I might be taken too. In fact, one night I woke up because I heard noises. I thought for sure someone was there to take me and I was beyond scared. It took me over an hour to get up the courage to even get out of bed and go to my parents room. What if the kidnapper heard me? My parents were very anti letting us kids come into their room/bed at night (can you blame them?) and I was afraid they would be mad at me. They ended up giving me a pillow and I slept on their floor that night.
Ironically enough, Elizabeth Smart happened to be found at the Wal-Mart right near my house, so this story was very close to home for me. I had no idea how much Elizabeth Smart went through until reading this book. It is so sad to hear what she had to experience, but it was also amazing to see that miracles she still found in her through in the midst of it all. Her positivity through it all is inspiring. This is one of my favorite quotes from the book: "As of this writing, I am twenty-five years old. I have been alive for 307 months. Nine of those months were pretty terrible. But 298 of those months have been very good. I have been happy. I have been very blessed. Who knows how many more months I have to live? But even if I die tomorrow, nine out of 307 seems like pretty good odds." (pg. 302)
Read it, you won't regret it.
Just to clarify. 'I could hardly put it down,' is a huge understatement.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very good book! Very sad, but her strength is incredibly inspirational.
ReplyDeletewhen i went to my institute class this week - one of the few brethren who attend is a quiet soft spoken former bishop and he is also reading this book. His comment was that never in his life has he felt so angry at someone and if that abductor were in the room right now he would not feel any qualms about punching him ..... he was a little surprised at the feelings of anger that it brought out in him.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe someone could be that horrible! Have you read it? It's hard to hear what she suffered, but amazing to see how she persevered!
DeleteMy mom said she loved this book too. My brother served his mission with Sister Smart and continued to stay friends upon coming home from his mission. He had nothing but wonderful things to say about her.
ReplyDeleteToo bad we don't live close because I would totally let you borrow it! It's a good read. I would love to go to a fireside or something given by her.
Delete