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The Lost Girls: The True Story of the Cleveland Abductions and the Incredible Rescue of Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus
New York Times bestselling crime writer John Glatt tells the true story behind the kidnappings and long-overdue rescue of three women found in a Cleveland basement.
The Lost Girls tells the truly amazing story of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight, who were kidnapped, imprisoned, and repeatedly raped and beaten in a Cleveland house for over a decade by Ariel Castro, and their amazing escape in May 2013, which made headlines all over the world. The book has an exclusive interview and photographs of Ariel Castro's secret fiancé, who spent many romantic nights in his house of horror, without realizing he had bound and chained captives just a few feet away. There are also revealing interviews with several Castro family members, musician friends and several neighbors who witnessed the dramatic rescue.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 14, 2015
687 people are currently reading
12610 people want to read
About the author
John Glatt
38 books737 followersEnglish-born John Glatt is the author of Golden Boy Lost and Found, Secrets in the Cellar, Playing with Fire, and many other bestselling books of true crime. He has more than 30 years of experience as an investigative journalist in England and America. Glatt left school at 16 and worked a variety of jobs—including tea boy and messenger—before joining a small weekly newspaper. He freelanced at several English newspapers, then in 1981 moved to New York, where he joined the staff for News Limited and freelanced for publications including Newsweek and the New York Post. His first book, a biography of Bill Graham, was published in 1981, and he published For I Have Sinned, his first book of true crime, in 1998. He has appeared on television and radio programs all over the world, including ABC- 20/20Dateline NBC, Fox News, Current Affair, BBC World, and A&E Biography. He and his wife Gail divide their time between New York City, the Catskill Mountains and London.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/johnglatt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/johnglatt
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 655 reviews
March 16, 2019
Like everyone, I was horrified when this story came to light in 2013. I half listened, half read this book. The audio was well done, but it came to a point that I needed to get to the end more quickly so I read it. It was a difficult read, as in difficult to imagine these young girls surviving what they did. I'll just repeat that: it was difficult TO READ ABOUT. I cannot imagine how they survived. Not just endlessly being raped and sodomized and beaten, but being fed one stale meal a day and constantly being threatened that he would kill them if they did anything he didn't like. He rarely let them bathe or use a real toilet. Daily for ten years he told them they were ugly and unloved. He subjected them to bed bugs and horrible heat in the summer and freezing cold in the winter.
I think we all know what happened with this horrible man, a man incapable of seeing what he really did. Honestly, he believed that women he kept chained and locked up wanted the sex. He was very upset with his treatment in prison, which was like the Four Seasons compared to the degradation and filth he inflicted on these girls.
I really hope these vics have gotten the help they need to live a semblance of a happy life.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
I think we all know what happened with this horrible man, a man incapable of seeing what he really did. Honestly, he believed that women he kept chained and locked up wanted the sex. He was very upset with his treatment in prison, which was like the Four Seasons compared to the degradation and filth he inflicted on these girls.
I really hope these vics have gotten the help they need to live a semblance of a happy life.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
April 27, 2015
I can't give this book anything but 5 stars.
A detailed telling of Ariel Castro and the violence committed against the women he held hostage in his house in Cleveland.
I recently read some of the other books connected to this case and watched some of the television coverage. This book gave an even wider picture of the whole case and more about Ariel Castro's background and the violence he committed throughout his life.
It also gives the perspective of many people connected to the case, including Castro's children, other members of his family, the police, his neighbors, the victim's families, the defense and the prosecution.
Obviously a difficult read but an amazing story of evil and survival. I felt that the author showed much respect towards the women. They are incredible survivors who have shown tremendous courage and strength.
I would recommend this book as well as Michelle Knight's book.
A detailed telling of Ariel Castro and the violence committed against the women he held hostage in his house in Cleveland.
I recently read some of the other books connected to this case and watched some of the television coverage. This book gave an even wider picture of the whole case and more about Ariel Castro's background and the violence he committed throughout his life.
It also gives the perspective of many people connected to the case, including Castro's children, other members of his family, the police, his neighbors, the victim's families, the defense and the prosecution.
Obviously a difficult read but an amazing story of evil and survival. I felt that the author showed much respect towards the women. They are incredible survivors who have shown tremendous courage and strength.
I would recommend this book as well as Michelle Knight's book.
May 18, 2015
I read Michelle Knight's book and whilst that was a book worth reading, I found this book was better in the sense that it (naturally) gave a wider picture of what transpired. The author provides a history and background of the Castro family and extended family, which is a horror story in itself. (Domestic violence, attempted infanticide, mental illness, prison, etc.) He also covered aspects of the investigation, the vigils and pressure the relatives kept up, the legal defense and the prosecution, etc. And he did all of this in a respectful manner to the three victims. Lurid, tabloidish writing this was not.
July 1, 2021
The case itself is obviously so so horrible, and I can't imagine what these women went through, but the book itself is just..... not that great? It keeps repeating the same information, and it gets boring after a while. I feel bad giving such a negative review on a true case, but since it is not a diary or autobiography I feel like the author could've done a much better job, especially also focusing on what came after the trials, what happened to the girls and their friendships?
February 7, 2016
My rating of this book is primarily an emotional response to the plight of these 3 girls who were kidnapped by one man in Cleveland, Ohio and how they managed their miraculous escape. This is nonfiction and I remember when this story broke. It was all over the news. It was unfathomable that these girls were kept hidden for a whole decade. So much tragedy.
This isn't actually a book that focuses only on the girls. I would love to read their personal story some day. This was more about Ariel Castro, the abductor, and his sick, perverted, and deeply disturbing life. He wrapped himself so tightly in denial. And it is amazing how many times he skirted getting caught.
Unfathomable.
This isn't actually a book that focuses only on the girls. I would love to read their personal story some day. This was more about Ariel Castro, the abductor, and his sick, perverted, and deeply disturbing life. He wrapped himself so tightly in denial. And it is amazing how many times he skirted getting caught.
Unfathomable.
April 22, 2023
I've watched documentaries about this case, and I watched the 3 hour special on ID two or three times, so I'm pretty familiar with what went on, but it was still good to refresh my memory and learn something new. Mainly, the background of the kidnapper which wasn't discussed as much.
This case is still so crazy to me, that no one noticed anything for 10 years...I'm so glad the girls got out of there. I want to read their books too, I know Michelle wrote two and Gina & Amanda wrote one together. So I'll get on that when I can.
This case is still so crazy to me, that no one noticed anything for 10 years...I'm so glad the girls got out of there. I want to read their books too, I know Michelle wrote two and Gina & Amanda wrote one together. So I'll get on that when I can.
March 29, 2023
This was an incredible book about a horrendous true story. I don't know how else to put it. The writing was unbiased and succinct, with evidence of thorough research. This was a deep dive into a monster's head who was, in his mind, just an abused child who grew into a man with "problems."
It was gut-wrenching to read most of the time, and yet I was glued to the pages. And what I loved most was that the victims all came out on the other side to live their lives and spread messages of hope and perseverance.
It was gut-wrenching to read most of the time, and yet I was glued to the pages. And what I loved most was that the victims all came out on the other side to live their lives and spread messages of hope and perseverance.
June 12, 2015
This book gave a very detailed background of Castro... which was interesting and gave some perspective on his proclivities however, I didn't feel like we heard about the victims enough. I wanted to know the story of the victims and I felt like the background the author provided was more like a wikipedia entry. I think that this book was an okay summary but did not offer much new information... you may as well just do a Google search!
October 5, 2015
This was a hard book to listen to. Not because it wasn’t well written, because it was, but because of what these women went through. Ariel Castro was a monster. He abused those women and then said they asked for it and that he treated them well. It’s shocking that people were in the house, stayed over in the house with the three women in there. Having a daughter, this book was even more chilling to listen to. This was a really good audiobook.
March 7, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Mam trochę mieszane uczucia co do tej książki, bo jakieś dosłownie 75% wciągnęło mnie na maksa, uderzyło mocno, choć zazwyczaj nie reaguję na takie książki i musiałam ją sobie dawkować, bo nie dawałam rady słuchać więcej. A jednak momentami jest okropnie i do bólu nudna, zwłaszcza pod koniec. Jest też denerwująca, ale to bardziej kwestia występujących tu osób i ich zachowań, aniżeli samej książki oraz tego, że człowiek czyta tyle fikcji, że ciężko się przestawić.
Trudno uwierzyć, że coś takiego się wydarzyło, a jednocześnie wcale mnie to dziwi. Dużo bardziej dziwią mnie zachowania opisane pod koniec historii, ale ciężko mi określić, czy jest to kwestia sposobu przedstawienia, czy naprawdę tak było, ale odniosłam wrażenie takiego przeogromnego parcia na szkło, pokazania się wszystkim i wszędzie i może jest to nie fair, ale pozostał mi taki niesmak po tym zakończeniu...
Mam trochę mieszane uczucia co do tej książki, bo jakieś dosłownie 75% wciągnęło mnie na maksa, uderzyło mocno, choć zazwyczaj nie reaguję na takie książki i musiałam ją sobie dawkować, bo nie dawałam rady słuchać więcej. A jednak momentami jest okropnie i do bólu nudna, zwłaszcza pod koniec. Jest też denerwująca, ale to bardziej kwestia występujących tu osób i ich zachowań, aniżeli samej książki oraz tego, że człowiek czyta tyle fikcji, że ciężko się przestawić.
Trudno uwierzyć, że coś takiego się wydarzyło, a jednocześnie wcale mnie to dziwi. Dużo bardziej dziwią mnie zachowania opisane pod koniec historii, ale ciężko mi określić, czy jest to kwestia sposobu przedstawienia, czy naprawdę tak było, ale odniosłam wrażenie takiego przeogromnego parcia na szkło, pokazania się wszystkim i wszędzie i może jest to nie fair, ale pozostał mi taki niesmak po tym zakończeniu...
May 29, 2015
The Lost Girls is the story of Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus, who were kidnapped by Ariel Castro in Cleveland, Ohio, and kept captive in his home for 11 years, 10 years and 9 years, respectively. I had just seen a Lifetime movie about the same events a week before, so I was eager to read this book. It is extremely well-written and well-researched, and reads like a novel. I read it in a little over a day. What Castro did to these girls during their captivity is horrific and almost unbelievable. He didn’t let them bathe, use a toilet (used a bucket and rarely emptied it), starved them, beat them, sexually assaulted them multiple times a day, aborted 5 pregnancies Michelle had, chained them, put them in a hot attic in the summer and in a cold basement in the winter, and often wouldn’t let them even wear clothes. Their mattresses were old, stained and infested with bedbugs. It goes on and on. And the fact that he did it while basically living a “normal” life, living in a neighborhood, and having people over to his house (granted, he never let them go past the living room and it wasn’t often), is incredible. And the abuse his family endured prior to this (his cruelty to his common-law wife was torture), was terrible, too. I only wish his wife had pressed charges so maybe the kidnappings would never have happened at all. I wish he hadn’t hung himself in prison and had “lived” out the remainder of his years in prison. He didn’t even last a month under conditions better than those he subjected his victims too. If you want to read a complete version of the story, I highly recommend this book. The triumph of the human spirit in the face of such adversity is a testament to the bravery and courage and faith of the victims.
August 18, 2022
The first parts of THE LOST GIRLS almost lost me with details about Cleveland and Ariel Castro’s younger years. I was much more interested in his victims and their survival.
John Glatt’s impeccable research is a strong point of the story, but the dispassionate regurgitation of facts in such an emotionally charged story at times didn’t tell the whole story, particularly in his accounts of the survivors in the aftermath of their recovery. Michelle Knight, first kidnapped and apparently abused worst, though on a sliding scale of horrific abuse to torture, I’m not sure the distinction matters much.
I’d have loved more psychological input, especially on Michelle Knight being exploited by Dr Phil. She had the least family support pre kidnapping with a history of trauma.
The narrator for the audiobook was horrible.
John Glatt’s impeccable research is a strong point of the story, but the dispassionate regurgitation of facts in such an emotionally charged story at times didn’t tell the whole story, particularly in his accounts of the survivors in the aftermath of their recovery. Michelle Knight, first kidnapped and apparently abused worst, though on a sliding scale of horrific abuse to torture, I’m not sure the distinction matters much.
I’d have loved more psychological input, especially on Michelle Knight being exploited by Dr Phil. She had the least family support pre kidnapping with a history of trauma.
The narrator for the audiobook was horrible.
Read
September 1, 2015If I had read this book before I had read the one written by Michelle Knight I would have loved this book much more I think.
Now because I already knew a lot about the case it was just good.
I think if you had not yet read any book about the Cleveland Abductions I would suggest read this one first and then one of the 3 girls.
Amanda and Gina also wrote a book together.
Now because I already knew a lot about the case it was just good.
I think if you had not yet read any book about the Cleveland Abductions I would suggest read this one first and then one of the 3 girls.
Amanda and Gina also wrote a book together.
December 29, 2024
It isn't too different from the documentaries/movies about Ariel Castro. Maybe just the part about Stockholm syndrome and seeing more from Castro than from the victims.
May 29, 2015
I had previously read Michelle Knight's book, so I knew a lot of the story from her persepective. However, this title gives a wider scope to the story; you learn more about Ariel Castro and his upbringing, about his relationship with Nilda Figueroa and his children, about the searches and vigils for the three women, as well as other instances of things relating to the house on Seymour Avenue. I had no idea that people had actually seen the women in Ariel's backyard or that at one time or another, they had been seen through a window. All of these missed opportunities for the authorities to have located these women sooner. (They would make an attempt to go to the house, but when there was no answer, the police would leave and no further follow-up would be done.) Learning about what happened with his daughters was quite eye-opening. It was a bit ambiguous about Fernando Colon; did he or didn't he? Ariel Castro had a way of controlling people and make them do what he wanted. How he was never in jail sooner for the abuse of his "wife" is beyond me. Based on the information in this book, the Cleveland police really need to review their procedures.
I will admit, a lot of the duplicate names were confusing. His mom and girlfriend had the same first name, he had a band friend with the last name DeJesus who was no relation to Gina, the name Colon came up a couple of times (no relations).. there were other names too that were duplicated and I got mixed up on the people more than once. I guess that area of Cleveland is tight-knit with families staying near one another so a lot of the names are the same?
That being said, it was an engrossing read and I will be reading the Amanda Berry/Gina DeJesus book soon to get yet another side to this horrific story.
I will admit, a lot of the duplicate names were confusing. His mom and girlfriend had the same first name, he had a band friend with the last name DeJesus who was no relation to Gina, the name Colon came up a couple of times (no relations).. there were other names too that were duplicated and I got mixed up on the people more than once. I guess that area of Cleveland is tight-knit with families staying near one another so a lot of the names are the same?
That being said, it was an engrossing read and I will be reading the Amanda Berry/Gina DeJesus book soon to get yet another side to this horrific story.
October 27, 2018
3,55/5
The story itself was really heartbreaking and upsetting.I couldn’t give it a rating, that’s why the 3 stars are only for the way Glatt wrote the story. It’s obvious that research was made but this really needed some editing .A lot of repetition was going on, on occasions I felt that nobody read this with attention before sending it to printing.
The story itself was really heartbreaking and upsetting.I couldn’t give it a rating, that’s why the 3 stars are only for the way Glatt wrote the story. It’s obvious that research was made but this really needed some editing .A lot of repetition was going on, on occasions I felt that nobody read this with attention before sending it to printing.
February 11, 2022
A bit dry, often repetitive as true crime books often are. It suits my mood just now as I am recovering from Covid and feel pretty shitty. The dull narration helps me drift off to sleep.
Read
January 15, 2016One of the most shocking crimes in recent memory is the Cleveland kidnappings. Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus were all abducted in broad daylight by a man named Ariel Castro who beat them, raped them and tortured them every day for over ten years. Now, the three women are speaking out and sharing their stories of hope and survival.
alt Michelle Knight was the first of Castro's victims and the first to publish her account of these terrifying events. In her autobiography, FINDING ME: a decade of darkness, a life reclaimed, a memoir of the Cleveland kidnappings, Knight reveals not only the hideous details of eleven years in captivity, but also the story of her life before Ariel Castro-- the birth of her son, the fight for his custody (which was lost because of her mother's abusive boyfriend), and her estrangement from her family. It was her son, Joey, who inspired her and kept her hope alive through everything that Castro did to her. Her positivity, even in the face of the most unimaginable torture, is inspiring-- as is the way she has chosen to live her life after being set free.
alt John Glatt captures both the internal horrors and the external search for the girls in THE LOST GIRLS: the true story of the Cleveland Abductions and the incredible rescue of Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina De Jesus. While Glatt's reporting of what happened inside the house on Seymour Avenue is not nearly as moving or detailed as the victims' accounts (for obvious reasons), his research into what was going on in Cleveland and with Ariel Castro during that time period is both fascinating and horrifying. Realizing how many times the police had cause to investigate Castro and could have potentially rescued these women, yet failed to do so, made me absolutely sick.
By far the most intriguing rendition, though, was the co-written HOPE: a memoir of survival in Cleveland. Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus' memoir is a highly detailed, well-written and compelling day to day recounting of the years they spent as prisoners. It reads like a journal, which helps to really pull the reader into the story-- much more so than either of the previous two books. Berry's voice dominates here. You cannot help but marvel at the strength it took to successfully give her daughter as normal a life as possible. My only qualm with this rendition of events is that it heavily neglects Michelle Knight's presence. Even DeJesus, who was kept in the same room with Knight, rarely mentions her. It almost feels like an intentional slight, which one hopes isn't the case given what these three incredible women went through together. (Jeny W.-- Reader's Services
alt Michelle Knight was the first of Castro's victims and the first to publish her account of these terrifying events. In her autobiography, FINDING ME: a decade of darkness, a life reclaimed, a memoir of the Cleveland kidnappings, Knight reveals not only the hideous details of eleven years in captivity, but also the story of her life before Ariel Castro-- the birth of her son, the fight for his custody (which was lost because of her mother's abusive boyfriend), and her estrangement from her family. It was her son, Joey, who inspired her and kept her hope alive through everything that Castro did to her. Her positivity, even in the face of the most unimaginable torture, is inspiring-- as is the way she has chosen to live her life after being set free.
alt John Glatt captures both the internal horrors and the external search for the girls in THE LOST GIRLS: the true story of the Cleveland Abductions and the incredible rescue of Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina De Jesus. While Glatt's reporting of what happened inside the house on Seymour Avenue is not nearly as moving or detailed as the victims' accounts (for obvious reasons), his research into what was going on in Cleveland and with Ariel Castro during that time period is both fascinating and horrifying. Realizing how many times the police had cause to investigate Castro and could have potentially rescued these women, yet failed to do so, made me absolutely sick.
By far the most intriguing rendition, though, was the co-written HOPE: a memoir of survival in Cleveland. Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus' memoir is a highly detailed, well-written and compelling day to day recounting of the years they spent as prisoners. It reads like a journal, which helps to really pull the reader into the story-- much more so than either of the previous two books. Berry's voice dominates here. You cannot help but marvel at the strength it took to successfully give her daughter as normal a life as possible. My only qualm with this rendition of events is that it heavily neglects Michelle Knight's presence. Even DeJesus, who was kept in the same room with Knight, rarely mentions her. It almost feels like an intentional slight, which one hopes isn't the case given what these three incredible women went through together. (Jeny W.-- Reader's Services
May 3, 2015
I have to admit. I have become obsessed with this story. I think it is because of the determination the women showed in the face of such horror. I read Michelle Knight's book last year, and intend to read Hope by Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus. This book provided additional insight into Ariel Castro's life and tried to shine some light on to how he could have committed the horrible crimes that he did. I was surprised to realize that he had a girlfriend for three of the years that Michelle Knight was in the house and she never had any idea. She reported that he always treated her well. This guy clearly led a double life.
August 16, 2015
this was a fast read. i don't know if i can say i "enjoyed" reading this book because of the horrible subject matter but i was equally horrified and fascinated by what happened to those girls at the hands of ariel castro and for ten years!!!!
i am so glad that all 3 girls are home and safe and i hope they are living happy lives.
i'm not a religious person but god bless them.
also i was pretty disappointed that ariel killed himself in jail. for some reason, i don't remember that detail from the news but what a coward.
i am so glad that all 3 girls are home and safe and i hope they are living happy lives.
i'm not a religious person but god bless them.
also i was pretty disappointed that ariel killed himself in jail. for some reason, i don't remember that detail from the news but what a coward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2021
I didn't have a problem with the writing at all. The book did a great job of describing the events that took place as well as background information on Ariel Castro. I didn't know much about this before reading it so reading the book from start to finish was no problem. I can see how this book might be a bit boring if you already know a lot about it, but for me it was an intriguing read.
May 25, 2018
It is incredible that these girls escaped, and I admire them for their bravery. I found the book quite repetitive, like they were looking for ways to make it longer. It got to be boring and I would have to skim to get to other information.
October 6, 2018
A lot of information in this book, that has to do with the lives of the victims before and after the abduction, and their captors life. More information on the search and what went down during their captivity.
April 4, 2022
This is an interesting and horrible book. Mostly because of the subject matter.
It was too crammed full of information for me to really absorb much and went back and forth often enough that I was getting lost frequently.
It was too crammed full of information for me to really absorb much and went back and forth often enough that I was getting lost frequently.
January 2, 2019
Painfully detailed. It would have benefited from more commentary by the author, who seems to simply state the facts behind the case. Very well researched though.
December 31, 2021
⭐3,5/5⭐
December 16, 2018
The Lost Girls: The True Story of the Cleveland Abductions and the Incredible Rescue of Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus
Written by John Glatt
Genre – True Crime
Rating – 4/5 Stars
Currently Available
The headlines that are still fresh in my mind are nothing in comparison to the memories and scars three young women endured at the hands of Ariel Castro. This is a true story, there is no sugar coating, these young ladies suffered in the most gruesome ways. Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus were all abducted in their teenage years. While young ladies their age are starting their lives, these three were imprisoned, chained, beaten, and raped. Amanda Berry was impregnated, forced to birth under Ariel’s roof, and raise their child in terror, filth, and silence. They were hidden from the world for more than a decade. Ariel Castro’s friends and family had been to that house and had no idea of the horrors that took place in that house. And by a miracle, in 2013, these girls were freed and have lived to tell their story. This is their story!
Ariel Castro pled guilty to 937 charges – including kidnapping, rape and murder. He was sentenced with life in prison plus 1,000 years. Shortly after he was found dead in his cell, cause of death was suicide.
If you enjoy true crimes, I highly recommend this one! This dark chapter in history is retold by New York Times Bestselling Author - John Glatt.
Written by John Glatt
Genre – True Crime
Rating – 4/5 Stars
Currently Available
The headlines that are still fresh in my mind are nothing in comparison to the memories and scars three young women endured at the hands of Ariel Castro. This is a true story, there is no sugar coating, these young ladies suffered in the most gruesome ways. Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus were all abducted in their teenage years. While young ladies their age are starting their lives, these three were imprisoned, chained, beaten, and raped. Amanda Berry was impregnated, forced to birth under Ariel’s roof, and raise their child in terror, filth, and silence. They were hidden from the world for more than a decade. Ariel Castro’s friends and family had been to that house and had no idea of the horrors that took place in that house. And by a miracle, in 2013, these girls were freed and have lived to tell their story. This is their story!
Ariel Castro pled guilty to 937 charges – including kidnapping, rape and murder. He was sentenced with life in prison plus 1,000 years. Shortly after he was found dead in his cell, cause of death was suicide.
If you enjoy true crimes, I highly recommend this one! This dark chapter in history is retold by New York Times Bestselling Author - John Glatt.
August 16, 2016
First and foremost, John Glatt is truly my favorite author! His writing is guaranteed to engage one while reading his books. You will never be disappointed in a John Glatt book!
I have followed this case since the girls were found and was always amazed at the strength, courage and stamina they displayed in survival. I commend them and have the highest of respect for them. The author gave an amazing chronological account of what happened for those 11 years. Not only with the girls captivity but those events that surrounded Ariel Castro and family, which were helpful in knowing so one could begin to understand the twisted mind of this man.
What these girls endured, no person should have to endure. Even in prison AC was treated much better than he ever treated these girls. Exceptional story written exceptionally well. Kudos to those that helped to get those girls out of there.
I have followed this case since the girls were found and was always amazed at the strength, courage and stamina they displayed in survival. I commend them and have the highest of respect for them. The author gave an amazing chronological account of what happened for those 11 years. Not only with the girls captivity but those events that surrounded Ariel Castro and family, which were helpful in knowing so one could begin to understand the twisted mind of this man.
What these girls endured, no person should have to endure. Even in prison AC was treated much better than he ever treated these girls. Exceptional story written exceptionally well. Kudos to those that helped to get those girls out of there.
May 15, 2015
I was thoroughly interested in the story of the "Cleveland Kidnappings". John Glatt did an amazing job creating a vivid image of all the scenes; I could see the environment, the girls themselves, and every action that was going on. Although the story was amazing, I did not like the format and organization of the book. John Glatt kept flipping back and forth between Ariel Castro and his life to one of the girls. He would talk about Ariel's music life, then start describing him abusing the girls. The book overall was hard to follow and confusing. It took a while to comprehend what was happening.
July 8, 2015
Horrifying, hideous, unthinkable acts of violence and perversion were endured for 9-10 years by three lost girls. Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina Dejesus were kidnapped and imprisoned by Ariel Castro, a sadistic, violent, secretive man with delusions of making his own family. What those girls went through is unspeakable, especially Michelle Knight as Castro took his frustrations out on her the most.
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