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The Woman Who Lost Her Face: How Charla Nash Survived the World's Most Infamous Chimpanzee Attack
This enhanced eBook edition includes a video introduction from Meredith Vieira and more than 45 minutes of video interviews from NBC News.
“Through Charla I have learned that the will to survive is a powerful force and that human courage knows no bounds.” —NBC’s Meredith Vieira
Viciously attacked by a chimpanzee in 2009, Charla Nash was left so severely disfigured that she no longer had eyes to see the world, hands to feel it or even a face to show it. By her own doctors’ accounts, she never should have survived her injuries.
Charla’s story is one of incredible strength, fierce determination and cutting-edge medicine. NBC News and Meredith Vieira have been covering the story since the life-altering attack, documenting Charla’s unfaltering spirit and the remarkable surgeries that not only kept her alive, but gave her a new face and, ultimately, restored her very humanity.
Featuring candid and exclusive interviews with Charla, her family, her doctors and the chimpanzee’s owner, The Woman Who Lost Her Face is an intimate look at Charla’s life before and after the attack. This in-depth account takes you inside the operating rooms and hospitals where medical history was made and includes new details about the chimpanzee who mauled Charla to the brink of death and the woman who raised the animal as her son. The Woman Who Lost Her Face also features never-before-seen images of Charla and insight from the NBC News producers and reporters who covered the story.
“Through Charla I have learned that the will to survive is a powerful force and that human courage knows no bounds.” —NBC’s Meredith Vieira
Viciously attacked by a chimpanzee in 2009, Charla Nash was left so severely disfigured that she no longer had eyes to see the world, hands to feel it or even a face to show it. By her own doctors’ accounts, she never should have survived her injuries.
Charla’s story is one of incredible strength, fierce determination and cutting-edge medicine. NBC News and Meredith Vieira have been covering the story since the life-altering attack, documenting Charla’s unfaltering spirit and the remarkable surgeries that not only kept her alive, but gave her a new face and, ultimately, restored her very humanity.
Featuring candid and exclusive interviews with Charla, her family, her doctors and the chimpanzee’s owner, The Woman Who Lost Her Face is an intimate look at Charla’s life before and after the attack. This in-depth account takes you inside the operating rooms and hospitals where medical history was made and includes new details about the chimpanzee who mauled Charla to the brink of death and the woman who raised the animal as her son. The Woman Who Lost Her Face also features never-before-seen images of Charla and insight from the NBC News producers and reporters who covered the story.
85 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
196 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 30, 2013
To think that I've been so shallow when I have a "FUGLY" day. This quick read reminds me that its nit what's on the outside but it's the inside that counts. Pretty & beautiful are so subjective anyhow. I mean who decides. It also brings to mind how quickly life can change and also to stay strong and never loose hope. Charlie sounds like the one of the beautiful and strong women that I've heard of, such an inspiration. This is a must read for all of those shallow & materialistic people out there as well as for those that struggle with self image or are going through a tough time. Its a very inspirational story I'm thankful that Charlie let it be told and grateful for the authors and reporters who told it so gracefully.
June 15, 2013
Think you're having a bad day?? Then pick up this quick read.. and realize.. that your troubles are nothing compared to Charla Nash's life. This book is so inspirational. One can't even begin to fathom surviving such an attack that would leave you without your sight, face or hands. The novel is a very quick read.. but, it's message is one.. that will remain with you.. I believe.. for the remainder of your life. I thank the authors for including so many pictures in this book. I know that must have been a difficult decision for both the authors, Charla Nash and her loved ones. An excellent read that I can highly recommend to anyone! (young or old)
October 22, 2019
I rate this 3.5/5.
A shocking, true account of an horrific animal attack that left one woman with life changing injuries.
Charla Nash was attacked by her boss's chimp, losing the majority of her facial features and hands. This short book tells of Charla before the attack, the circumstances behind her boss raising the chimp as a son, transcripts of the 911 call during the attack, and Charla's inspirational recovery. There are pictures throughout.
It really heightens awareness for wild animals to be cared for appropriately and that they should not be pets. Wild animals can never be truly tamed.
Charla's story is harrowing and her determination to come through it is truly inspiring.
A shocking, true account of an horrific animal attack that left one woman with life changing injuries.
Charla Nash was attacked by her boss's chimp, losing the majority of her facial features and hands. This short book tells of Charla before the attack, the circumstances behind her boss raising the chimp as a son, transcripts of the 911 call during the attack, and Charla's inspirational recovery. There are pictures throughout.
It really heightens awareness for wild animals to be cared for appropriately and that they should not be pets. Wild animals can never be truly tamed.
Charla's story is harrowing and her determination to come through it is truly inspiring.
September 26, 2020
No Matter the Obstacles
This is a very fast read,about the lady,who was attacked in 2009 by her friend's pet chimp.
He was fully grown,14 yrs.old and
He attacked with no warning.He completely destroyed her face,both eyes and both hands.
She has been in the hospital or rehabilitation centers,for most of the last yrs.of her life.
She is very strong emotionally and fiercely independent and lives for her daughter Brianna.
After you read her awe-inspiring story,you will feel pretty foolish crying over a hang nail.
This is a very fast read,about the lady,who was attacked in 2009 by her friend's pet chimp.
He was fully grown,14 yrs.old and
He attacked with no warning.He completely destroyed her face,both eyes and both hands.
She has been in the hospital or rehabilitation centers,for most of the last yrs.of her life.
She is very strong emotionally and fiercely independent and lives for her daughter Brianna.
After you read her awe-inspiring story,you will feel pretty foolish crying over a hang nail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2021
Awe inspiring
Charla Nash is one tough lady! To undergo an attack as she did and survive, she must have a backbone of pure steel. I am glad I got to read this book!!
Charla Nash is one tough lady! To undergo an attack as she did and survive, she must have a backbone of pure steel. I am glad I got to read this book!!
June 30, 2021
3 stars & 3/10 hearts. This was a very interesting read. I did not find it bothering, though I am a sensitive reader; but some of the images did kind of bother me and I didn’t like looking at them. I was impressed by how well written it is. It’s not too descriptive/graphic (in my opinion; I’m not bothered by mentions of blood & wounds). I admire Charla for her perseverance & I hope she is doing better now than she was when this book was written.
A Favourite Quote: “I got to know her family—brothers, Mike and Steve, and daughter, Briana—who stayed always close by her side. It was their love that carried her through the darkest days.”
~~~~~~~~~
2021 review: I was impressed that though the writing style wasn’t very strong, it was still pretty well done. I found a typo though. The story was repetitive at times but that doesn’t bug me. What stood out to me was Charla’s mental strength and the following quote.... Backstory: Charla is discussing Travis (the chimp) & Sandra, the woman whom she worked for and who owned Travis. She wasn’t too nice to Charla and it’s basically her fault about the attack.
Charla said she can’t dwell on any of it. “There’s no time for anything in the past. It’ll only make me unhealthier. You just can’t heal. You know?”
As someone who struggles with mental health, moving on, and letting things go, this spoke to me. 💙
A Favourite Quote: “I got to know her family—brothers, Mike and Steve, and daughter, Briana—who stayed always close by her side. It was their love that carried her through the darkest days.”
~~~~~~~~~
2021 review: I was impressed that though the writing style wasn’t very strong, it was still pretty well done. I found a typo though. The story was repetitive at times but that doesn’t bug me. What stood out to me was Charla’s mental strength and the following quote.... Backstory: Charla is discussing Travis (the chimp) & Sandra, the woman whom she worked for and who owned Travis. She wasn’t too nice to Charla and it’s basically her fault about the attack.
Charla said she can’t dwell on any of it. “There’s no time for anything in the past. It’ll only make me unhealthier. You just can’t heal. You know?”
As someone who struggles with mental health, moving on, and letting things go, this spoke to me. 💙
December 28, 2017
Amazing how she survived!
I got this book free and it was one I'd had on my kindle for quite a while. It's still free and well worth reading. I decided to start it late one night and, as it's only about 100 pages, just had to keep reading and nearly finished it in one go-even though it was 1.20am. Such horrifying injuries, it's amazing how she survived the attack.
Just a tip for anyone who reads this book: I found I had two editions of this. I read the text-only edition first and there is also an enhanced edition with a few video cameos-I watched all the clips back in that after reading the other one. They're all fairly short, just 1-2 minutes-it's very interesting to see both editions. I wouldn't have enjoyed reading it and keep breaking off to watch the clips so it was better for me to see all these after. The audio and video edition won't work on all devices-but did on my ipad-I think it also will on computer and some Kindle Fires-it didn't on my Kindle Fire HDX though.
I got this book free and it was one I'd had on my kindle for quite a while. It's still free and well worth reading. I decided to start it late one night and, as it's only about 100 pages, just had to keep reading and nearly finished it in one go-even though it was 1.20am. Such horrifying injuries, it's amazing how she survived the attack.
Just a tip for anyone who reads this book: I found I had two editions of this. I read the text-only edition first and there is also an enhanced edition with a few video cameos-I watched all the clips back in that after reading the other one. They're all fairly short, just 1-2 minutes-it's very interesting to see both editions. I wouldn't have enjoyed reading it and keep breaking off to watch the clips so it was better for me to see all these after. The audio and video edition won't work on all devices-but did on my ipad-I think it also will on computer and some Kindle Fires-it didn't on my Kindle Fire HDX though.
March 29, 2017
An incredible story of survival.
I remember when this happened. I was horrified for Charla. Instead of being bitter about what had happened, she was still kind. Her personality, grace and charm still was there. If she can go through that, maybe those of us who have had life changing experiences, can learn something from her. I certainly did.
I remember when this happened. I was horrified for Charla. Instead of being bitter about what had happened, she was still kind. Her personality, grace and charm still was there. If she can go through that, maybe those of us who have had life changing experiences, can learn something from her. I certainly did.
December 9, 2014
Charla Nash
This is an awesome story about an.amazing women...We all could learn from her strength God bless her and her family...
This is an awesome story about an.amazing women...We all could learn from her strength God bless her and her family...
August 14, 2015
So poorly done. This inspiring woman deserves to have her story told by someone who is willing to put some time into the telling. :(
June 16, 2025
If you take anything from a story such as this, let it be this comment made by Stephanie Segal. "When you are dealing with a challenge in your life, think of Charla. If she can endure what she has, you too can survive and thrive against the odds, no matter how big or small."
I honestly don't think I would have had Charla's fortitude, if that had happened to me. To go through everything she did and still remain the person she was before, is hard to imagine. She really is an inspiration.
They have not said whether or not the Nash family were successful in their lawsuits, but I sure hope they were because Charla's medical bills would be in the millions given America's deplorable healthcare system.
I honestly don't think I would have had Charla's fortitude, if that had happened to me. To go through everything she did and still remain the person she was before, is hard to imagine. She really is an inspiration.
They have not said whether or not the Nash family were successful in their lawsuits, but I sure hope they were because Charla's medical bills would be in the millions given America's deplorable healthcare system.
June 3, 2020
An Amazing Woman
I have thought about Charla a million times since her accident. I think partly because as an RN, I could see what lay ahead for her if she even survived. Male Chimpanzees are incredibly strong and can tear a person apart if they so desire. Travis was 14 years old and full of raging hormones when the attack happened. But Charla had helped raise this chimp since infantcy, so why did he try to kill her? What was her life like after the attack? This short book gives a brief look into Charla's life pre and post attack. It is well written and includes some photos.
I have thought about Charla a million times since her accident. I think partly because as an RN, I could see what lay ahead for her if she even survived. Male Chimpanzees are incredibly strong and can tear a person apart if they so desire. Travis was 14 years old and full of raging hormones when the attack happened. But Charla had helped raise this chimp since infantcy, so why did he try to kill her? What was her life like after the attack? This short book gives a brief look into Charla's life pre and post attack. It is well written and includes some photos.
February 10, 2025
The story of Charla Nash is a sad, terrible tragedy. This "book" though, was not what I expected. I thought this was going to be a memoir or a biography of Charla Nash and the tragic accident that shaped the rest of her life. This was a glorified news article that read like a term paper written by a high schooler.
There was a ton of research done and interviews conducted but I've read more interesting term papers on the black footed African penguin than this. I'm pretty sure I paid for the kindle version of this book and even though it would have only been a couple dollars, I'm mad I even spent that.
There was a ton of research done and interviews conducted but I've read more interesting term papers on the black footed African penguin than this. I'm pretty sure I paid for the kindle version of this book and even though it would have only been a couple dollars, I'm mad I even spent that.
September 12, 2022
Compelling story
This woman is incredible to have gone through so much trauma and the faith she had. I have no words. So many things went wrong with this chimp. He was taken from its' mother, treated like a child/son, overfed, given medication and lost one of it's owners from cancer. He became an angry chimp and there were so many red flags here. Never should've adopted it. It's a wild animal! I feel badly for Charla and what she had to endure. She is one courageous woman! God bless her.
This woman is incredible to have gone through so much trauma and the faith she had. I have no words. So many things went wrong with this chimp. He was taken from its' mother, treated like a child/son, overfed, given medication and lost one of it's owners from cancer. He became an angry chimp and there were so many red flags here. Never should've adopted it. It's a wild animal! I feel badly for Charla and what she had to endure. She is one courageous woman! God bless her.
August 17, 2018
Understated
I chose this book with some trepidation but was pleasantly surprised to find d that it wasn't macabre or depressing. Charms Nash is one extremely special person with a constitution to match. HER daught Brian's also deserves mention because of what she has seen her mother endure and how she has managed to get on with her life. Thank you for the kind and thoughtful way this book has been written and published.
I chose this book with some trepidation but was pleasantly surprised to find d that it wasn't macabre or depressing. Charms Nash is one extremely special person with a constitution to match. HER daught Brian's also deserves mention because of what she has seen her mother endure and how she has managed to get on with her life. Thank you for the kind and thoughtful way this book has been written and published.
January 23, 2021
Wow,what's story,I didn't stop reading until finally finished it I don't remember to hear the story neither on tv or news
After you read the life-real story in my case I have a brainstorm of questions and the things we can enjoy and can do without the help of others,basic things as eat,dress, see tv etc WOW what's amazing real story,I recommend the book and it not only of easy reading the photos help to visualize the story continue the reading
After you read the life-real story in my case I have a brainstorm of questions and the things we can enjoy and can do without the help of others,basic things as eat,dress, see tv etc WOW what's amazing real story,I recommend the book and it not only of easy reading the photos help to visualize the story continue the reading
March 29, 2022
Charla Nash was attacked by her employer's pet chimpanzee. Her hands were severely mauled, resulting in her losing one entirely, with only the thumb remaining on one. The owner, Sandra, attempted to save Charla by beating the chimpanzee with a shovel and stabbing him. When the police arrived, they shot him, later finding him dead inside the home. Chandra was giving a face transplant and managed to survive. This book was barely over a hundred pages, and was free on Kindle. I did not find it terribly informative or entertaining. I learned more about this topic from googling it afterwards.
November 30, 2019
Wow! What a very good book!! Inspiring!!
I’m so amazed how Charla’s story is truly a miracle! To be so independent and then suddenly have your life changed in an instant, and to having to depend on others. Her courage is so strong, her will to survive for her daughter, and to go through all the pain is so worth it. Loved this story!
I’m so amazed how Charla’s story is truly a miracle! To be so independent and then suddenly have your life changed in an instant, and to having to depend on others. Her courage is so strong, her will to survive for her daughter, and to go through all the pain is so worth it. Loved this story!
January 25, 2020
Charla's story is simply "Wow" - unforgetable.
I can't think of any other way to put it but to use Stephanie Siegel's word, "Wow!" Just wow. I followed this story when it happened. This book tells so much more than was available to most folks at the time. Charla's spirit and heart is just amazing. She is an inspiration. 💜
I can't think of any other way to put it but to use Stephanie Siegel's word, "Wow!" Just wow. I followed this story when it happened. This book tells so much more than was available to most folks at the time. Charla's spirit and heart is just amazing. She is an inspiration. 💜
January 24, 2019
I really really enjoyed reading about Charla Nash.she is an inspiration to everyone.
I would recommend reading this book.it's start as such a tragic story.Charla is so brave.I really admire her I glad charla has an happy ending
I would recommend reading this book.it's start as such a tragic story.Charla is so brave.I really admire her I glad charla has an happy ending
June 21, 2020
Overcoming an extremely tragic event.
I enjoy reading stories about personal struggles and triumphs. This story is all that and more. Charla is amazing and I respect and admire her perseverance.
I enjoy reading stories about personal struggles and triumphs. This story is all that and more. Charla is amazing and I respect and admire her perseverance.
January 24, 2021
Such an inspiration!
Charla is such an amazing person. I couldn't imagine all the pain she has been through. Both mentally and physically. I need to remember her on the days I think are bad. This is a great book and a quick read!
Charla is such an amazing person. I couldn't imagine all the pain she has been through. Both mentally and physically. I need to remember her on the days I think are bad. This is a great book and a quick read!
February 7, 2024
Wow
I do not know how this woman survived this, especially the pain I am sure she had to deal with. It is totally amazing to me. I don't think I would be able to if it had been me. Keep up the strength and work, Charla-you are a miracle!
I do not know how this woman survived this, especially the pain I am sure she had to deal with. It is totally amazing to me. I don't think I would be able to if it had been me. Keep up the strength and work, Charla-you are a miracle!
December 21, 2017
Unfortunately my phone couldn't play the video clips, so I think my experience has been a bit restricted by that. However, this was a quick read about a tragic accident and a recovery.
November 11, 2019
Short and painful. We should be thankful for the least gift that we have. Touching, smelling and seeing are gifts that we don't even recognize them daily.
June 22, 2020
Fascinating
An interesting and horrifying story of survival after an animal attack. Good if you like stories about those who beat the odds
An interesting and horrifying story of survival after an animal attack. Good if you like stories about those who beat the odds
May 21, 2021
Remarkable
It is amazing what this woman experienced . Many people might not have had the will power or will to fight.
It is amazing what this woman experienced . Many people might not have had the will power or will to fight.
January 7, 2022
i love horror
Read
February 24, 2022Great story, but it was written like an NBC promo
February 24, 2022
Brave woman
I hope I never complain about small problems again. God bless her and her family and all the medical staff that saved her life.
I hope I never complain about small problems again. God bless her and her family and all the medical staff that saved her life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews