What do you think?
Rate this book
Where There's Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up
Elizabeth Smart follows up her #1 New York Times bestseller, My Story—about being held in captivity as a teenager, and how she managed to survive—with a powerful and inspiring book about what it takes to overcome trauma, find the strength to move on, and reclaim one’s life.
Author. Activist. Victim—no more.
In her fearless memoir, My Story—the basis of the Lifetime Original movie I Am Elizabeth Smart—Elizabeth detailed, for the first time, the horror behind the headlines of her abduction by religious fanatic Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. Since then, she’s married, become a mother, and traveled the world as the president of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, sharing her story with the intent of helping others along the way.
Over and over, Elizabeth is asked the same question: How do you find the hope to go on? In this book, Elizabeth returns to the horrific experiences she endured, and the hard-won lessons she learned, to provide answers. She also calls upon others who have dealt with adversity—victims of violence, disease, war, and loss—to explore the pathways toward hope. Through conversations with such well-known voices as Anne Romney, Diane Von Furstenburg, and Mandy Patinkin, to spiritual leaders Archbishop John C. Wester and Elder Richard Hinckley, to her own parents, Elizabeth uncovers an even greater sense of solace and understanding.
Where There’s Hope is the result of Elizabeth’s mission: It is both an up-close-and-personal glimpse into her healing process and a heartfelt how-to guide for readers to make peace with the past and embrace the future.
Author. Activist. Victim—no more.
In her fearless memoir, My Story—the basis of the Lifetime Original movie I Am Elizabeth Smart—Elizabeth detailed, for the first time, the horror behind the headlines of her abduction by religious fanatic Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. Since then, she’s married, become a mother, and traveled the world as the president of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, sharing her story with the intent of helping others along the way.
Over and over, Elizabeth is asked the same question: How do you find the hope to go on? In this book, Elizabeth returns to the horrific experiences she endured, and the hard-won lessons she learned, to provide answers. She also calls upon others who have dealt with adversity—victims of violence, disease, war, and loss—to explore the pathways toward hope. Through conversations with such well-known voices as Anne Romney, Diane Von Furstenburg, and Mandy Patinkin, to spiritual leaders Archbishop John C. Wester and Elder Richard Hinckley, to her own parents, Elizabeth uncovers an even greater sense of solace and understanding.
Where There’s Hope is the result of Elizabeth’s mission: It is both an up-close-and-personal glimpse into her healing process and a heartfelt how-to guide for readers to make peace with the past and embrace the future.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 27, 2018
203 people are currently reading
3742 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Smart
6 books351 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Note: This profile is for Elizabeth^^^Smart.
The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time. Elizabeth was abducted on June 5, 2002, and her captors controlled her by threatening to kill her and her family if she tried to escape. Fortunately, the police safely returned Elizabeth back to her family on March 12, 2003 after being held prisoner for 9 grueling months.
Through this traumatic experience Elizabeth has become an advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs and National legislation. Elizabeth triumphantly testified before her captor and the world about the very private nightmare she suffered during her abduction, which lead to conviction.
The Founder of the “Elizabeth Smart Foundation”, Elizabeth has also helped promote The National AMBER Alert, The Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act and other safety legislation to help prevent abductions.
Elizabeth has chronicled her experiences in the New York Times best-selling book, “My Story.” In addition, she and other abduction survivors worked with the Department of Justice to create a survivors guide, entitled, “You’re Not Alone: The Journey From Abduction to Empowerment.” This guide is meant to encourage children who have gone through similar experiences not to give up but to know that there is hope for a rewarding life.
Elizabeth’s abduction and recovery continues to motivate parents, law enforcement and leaders worldwide to focus on children’s safety. She emphasizes vigilance by “every day” people and the belief that hope always exist to find every missing child.
Elizabeth’s example is a daily demonstration that there really is life after a tragic event. Smart attended Brigham Young University, studying music as a harp performance major. She married her husband Matthew in 2012.
Note: This profile is for Elizabeth^^^Smart.
The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time. Elizabeth was abducted on June 5, 2002, and her captors controlled her by threatening to kill her and her family if she tried to escape. Fortunately, the police safely returned Elizabeth back to her family on March 12, 2003 after being held prisoner for 9 grueling months.
Through this traumatic experience Elizabeth has become an advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs and National legislation. Elizabeth triumphantly testified before her captor and the world about the very private nightmare she suffered during her abduction, which lead to conviction.
The Founder of the “Elizabeth Smart Foundation”, Elizabeth has also helped promote The National AMBER Alert, The Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act and other safety legislation to help prevent abductions.
Elizabeth has chronicled her experiences in the New York Times best-selling book, “My Story.” In addition, she and other abduction survivors worked with the Department of Justice to create a survivors guide, entitled, “You’re Not Alone: The Journey From Abduction to Empowerment.” This guide is meant to encourage children who have gone through similar experiences not to give up but to know that there is hope for a rewarding life.
Elizabeth’s abduction and recovery continues to motivate parents, law enforcement and leaders worldwide to focus on children’s safety. She emphasizes vigilance by “every day” people and the belief that hope always exist to find every missing child.
Elizabeth’s example is a daily demonstration that there really is life after a tragic event. Smart attended Brigham Young University, studying music as a harp performance major. She married her husband Matthew in 2012.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews
May 16, 2024
I read My Story last year and have been meaning to read this as well, finally sat down to do it. I read Elizabeth's first book by myself, but decided to listen to the audio version for this one which is narrated by her (My Story might also be, not sure).
We get snippets here and there of Elizabeth's story, how she dealt with her trauma and the role horses played in it, but the majority of the book is focused on her conducting interviews with people who've also gone through something traumatic, and how their faith (occasionally different from Elizabeth's own) helped them along the way.
It was an insightful and interesting read, albeit not what I was expecting. I do get what she was trying to do here though, showing us that no matter how horrible things get, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to keep pushing and find what's right for you.
I actually really liked that she didn't say therapy is the only answer, because therapy never helped me. I'm not saying it can't help others, but just like Elizabeth, I also need something different to help me through hard times and there's no shame in that.
She mentioned a book here, one written by her uncle, and I do believe it's the same one I read after reading My Story. I had no idea that she didn't give him permission to write it, and that they didn't get along for years because of it.
I don't know if I would've been as strong as Elizabeth to forgive him for it, because if someone had done that to me...
Anyway, if you're interested in a condensed version of her story, or the stories of other trauma survivors, you can read this without having read her other book. I'd also recommend the Elizabeth Smart: Autobiography documentary, it only has two parts so you can watch them in one go.
We get snippets here and there of Elizabeth's story, how she dealt with her trauma and the role horses played in it, but the majority of the book is focused on her conducting interviews with people who've also gone through something traumatic, and how their faith (occasionally different from Elizabeth's own) helped them along the way.
It was an insightful and interesting read, albeit not what I was expecting. I do get what she was trying to do here though, showing us that no matter how horrible things get, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to keep pushing and find what's right for you.
I actually really liked that she didn't say therapy is the only answer, because therapy never helped me. I'm not saying it can't help others, but just like Elizabeth, I also need something different to help me through hard times and there's no shame in that.
She mentioned a book here, one written by her uncle, and I do believe it's the same one I read after reading My Story. I had no idea that she didn't give him permission to write it, and that they didn't get along for years because of it.
I don't know if I would've been as strong as Elizabeth to forgive him for it, because if someone had done that to me...
Anyway, if you're interested in a condensed version of her story, or the stories of other trauma survivors, you can read this without having read her other book. I'd also recommend the Elizabeth Smart: Autobiography documentary, it only has two parts so you can watch them in one go.
January 19, 2018
Although I did not read Elizabeth Smart's first book, 'My Story,' I received a copy of "Where There's Hope," through a Goodreads giveaway. I don't always read books of this genre, so I was a little hesitant to pick it up. But now I admit, I appreciated much of what she shared, and thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's easy to read and easy to read a few chapters at a time and then ponder on how much attitude has to do with one's outlook on life.
Through her interviews with a wide variety of individuals who have suffered at the hands of others, Ms. Smart shares the different ways each one overcame adversity. Some said after being depressed for awhile, they were then able to move on. Others recognized they were still in control of their destiny more quickly and put past abuses, disabilities, etc. behind them.
Perhaps one of my favorite takeaways is this: Life is meant to be full of struggle. We are meant to be challenged and even when we reach the top of one summit, there will always be another.
It seems that writing this second book was probably cathartic for the author who begins to recognize that she can forgive her captors, as incredibly difficult as that seems. She borrows a quote from Dr. Paul Jenkins: "Snakes are going to be snakes. Forgiveness is about acknowledging that the snake is a snake and if it bites you, you're not going to chase it down. You're going to focus on getting the venom out of your system."
Smart points out, that forgiveness often isn't about the other person. In fact, sometimes in the case of her captors, they couldn't care less if she ever forgave them. But as long as she holds on to her anger and hatred for those people, it keeps her from moving on and all that hatred continues to boil inside of her. She realizes, an essential part of healing is having a goal that pulls one in a positive direction. Smart uses her love for playing the harp to distract her from the nine months of horrors she experienced after being kidnapped, to redirect her energy toward something positive.
This book would make an appropriate gift for someone struggling with any one of life's many challenges.
Through her interviews with a wide variety of individuals who have suffered at the hands of others, Ms. Smart shares the different ways each one overcame adversity. Some said after being depressed for awhile, they were then able to move on. Others recognized they were still in control of their destiny more quickly and put past abuses, disabilities, etc. behind them.
Perhaps one of my favorite takeaways is this: Life is meant to be full of struggle. We are meant to be challenged and even when we reach the top of one summit, there will always be another.
It seems that writing this second book was probably cathartic for the author who begins to recognize that she can forgive her captors, as incredibly difficult as that seems. She borrows a quote from Dr. Paul Jenkins: "Snakes are going to be snakes. Forgiveness is about acknowledging that the snake is a snake and if it bites you, you're not going to chase it down. You're going to focus on getting the venom out of your system."
Smart points out, that forgiveness often isn't about the other person. In fact, sometimes in the case of her captors, they couldn't care less if she ever forgave them. But as long as she holds on to her anger and hatred for those people, it keeps her from moving on and all that hatred continues to boil inside of her. She realizes, an essential part of healing is having a goal that pulls one in a positive direction. Smart uses her love for playing the harp to distract her from the nine months of horrors she experienced after being kidnapped, to redirect her energy toward something positive.
This book would make an appropriate gift for someone struggling with any one of life's many challenges.
November 30, 2017
I received this as an ARC.
This wasn't a bad book, but I don't think it does well what it sets out to do. The book is mainly a series of interviews that Elizabeth Smart conducts, mostly with people who have gone through some horrible event, like an assault, a loss of a loved one, or cancer, to name a few. The chapters each have a theme, like "The Red of Rage", and each chapter ends with a couple of questions to ask yourself (except for chapter 6, "Strength of Spirit". Weird). While most of the stories told are gripping -- Elizabeth Smart's own story among them -- they're more inspirational than instructional.
I'm not saying this isn't worth a read -- if you're looking for tales of people who have made the most out of horrible situations, then this is absolutely for you -- but if you're looking to use this as a self-help tool, it's probably not going to do much for you. For example, you've probably heard that forgiveness is important before, and this doesn't give you any great insight on how to forgive. One suggestion is to set a date to forgive someone, but the how you can actually let go is harder. Much of the lessons are like that: things you've probably heard before, but not very in-depth.
This book is about stories, so if you want to read it, read it for that. There's lots of tragic events described, so you probably won't want to read it all in one sitting, as even though it's a book about overcoming, the bad things that have happened to people can weigh on you, making you depressed or angry at all the horrible things in the world.
This wasn't a bad book, but I don't think it does well what it sets out to do. The book is mainly a series of interviews that Elizabeth Smart conducts, mostly with people who have gone through some horrible event, like an assault, a loss of a loved one, or cancer, to name a few. The chapters each have a theme, like "The Red of Rage", and each chapter ends with a couple of questions to ask yourself (except for chapter 6, "Strength of Spirit". Weird). While most of the stories told are gripping -- Elizabeth Smart's own story among them -- they're more inspirational than instructional.
I'm not saying this isn't worth a read -- if you're looking for tales of people who have made the most out of horrible situations, then this is absolutely for you -- but if you're looking to use this as a self-help tool, it's probably not going to do much for you. For example, you've probably heard that forgiveness is important before, and this doesn't give you any great insight on how to forgive. One suggestion is to set a date to forgive someone, but the how you can actually let go is harder. Much of the lessons are like that: things you've probably heard before, but not very in-depth.
This book is about stories, so if you want to read it, read it for that. There's lots of tragic events described, so you probably won't want to read it all in one sitting, as even though it's a book about overcoming, the bad things that have happened to people can weigh on you, making you depressed or angry at all the horrible things in the world.
April 22, 2018
Where theres hope 4⭐️
If you were broken and torn apart after reading “My Story” then this is the hope and redemption you needed to read. To see her move on and get past her tragedies and try and love and live her best life.
If you were broken and torn apart after reading “My Story” then this is the hope and redemption you needed to read. To see her move on and get past her tragedies and try and love and live her best life.
November 21, 2017
Elizabeth Smart tells of her kidnapping and the hope she had of being found .
Later in the book, she expresses her faith.
I would put faith before hope.
She has conversations with different survivors, to get an insight on what helped them.
Forgiveness is so important, not so much to the perpetrator,but to the victim to help them go forward with their lives. As she stated.
I won this free book from Goodreads First Reads.
Later in the book, she expresses her faith.
I would put faith before hope.
She has conversations with different survivors, to get an insight on what helped them.
Forgiveness is so important, not so much to the perpetrator,but to the victim to help them go forward with their lives. As she stated.
I won this free book from Goodreads First Reads.
January 15, 2022
I struggled with this book. Initially I was excited to read it. A book about hope! Written by a famous kidnapping victim. But, it just felt off...
In each chapter, she talks a bit about her kidnapping experience and the aftermath. She also relates interviewing a specific person (usually one person per chapter) who went through something traumatic (sickness, loss of a child, ect) and their thoughts on healing and moving forward. She shares a handful of their quotes and then gives her own perspective of what wisdom can be pulled from their situation. There are some hard truths shared (like you just have to choose to move on) but ultimately her perspective on this felt odd and somehow off. There is a lot of focus on happiness as the ultimate goal and each individual's ability to choose happiness for themselves.
She states that she doesn't want her identity to be known as a former kidnapping victim. And yet, this is her second book where she talks specifically about her kidnapping experience. And apparently her day job is traveling around giving talks about her experience.
In the preface she states that her faith is very important to her but that all faith is very personal and private, so she doesn't talk about it. Which is weird because she talks about her kidnapping and rape, but treats her religion as taboo. In a book specifically written about hope, it just felt really odd that religious beliefs are treated as taboo.
Of course, there are vague references to her faith later in the book and she refers to herself as a Mormon. Which is odd. Everyone I've met or read from that religion refers to themselves as members of the Latter Day Saints, or LDS. They seem to shy away from the label "Mormon".
Ultimately this book felt like it was written by a secular committee. There are frequent vague references to "faith", but it is never clear what is actually meant by that term. Belief in a particular god or religious creed is treated like a good luck charm - something helpful to the individual that carries it but having no bearing on objective truth or the wider world. So the details of that god or religious creed are irrelevant. And not appropriate conversation in proper society, even one which allows for the discussion of childhood kidnapping and rape.
I think Elizabeth Smart went through a very traumatic experience as a child and I am glad that she survived. However, I think it is too much to ask her to find real wisdom about hope in this book, even as she tries to offer it.
Caveat: I did not finish this book. I haven't put my finger on it exactly, but it just felt off.
In each chapter, she talks a bit about her kidnapping experience and the aftermath. She also relates interviewing a specific person (usually one person per chapter) who went through something traumatic (sickness, loss of a child, ect) and their thoughts on healing and moving forward. She shares a handful of their quotes and then gives her own perspective of what wisdom can be pulled from their situation. There are some hard truths shared (like you just have to choose to move on) but ultimately her perspective on this felt odd and somehow off. There is a lot of focus on happiness as the ultimate goal and each individual's ability to choose happiness for themselves.
She states that she doesn't want her identity to be known as a former kidnapping victim. And yet, this is her second book where she talks specifically about her kidnapping experience. And apparently her day job is traveling around giving talks about her experience.
In the preface she states that her faith is very important to her but that all faith is very personal and private, so she doesn't talk about it. Which is weird because she talks about her kidnapping and rape, but treats her religion as taboo. In a book specifically written about hope, it just felt really odd that religious beliefs are treated as taboo.
Of course, there are vague references to her faith later in the book and she refers to herself as a Mormon. Which is odd. Everyone I've met or read from that religion refers to themselves as members of the Latter Day Saints, or LDS. They seem to shy away from the label "Mormon".
Ultimately this book felt like it was written by a secular committee. There are frequent vague references to "faith", but it is never clear what is actually meant by that term. Belief in a particular god or religious creed is treated like a good luck charm - something helpful to the individual that carries it but having no bearing on objective truth or the wider world. So the details of that god or religious creed are irrelevant. And not appropriate conversation in proper society, even one which allows for the discussion of childhood kidnapping and rape.
I think Elizabeth Smart went through a very traumatic experience as a child and I am glad that she survived. However, I think it is too much to ask her to find real wisdom about hope in this book, even as she tries to offer it.
Caveat: I did not finish this book. I haven't put my finger on it exactly, but it just felt off.
July 19, 2022
I struggled with writing a review of this book because it is aimed at the general public as an audience. My struggle was with how a person who had been victimized or traumatized might perceive the book. I received it from GoodReads for an honest opinion. I found the book to be similar to a "cozy"mystery. Good for some purposes, enjoyable, and missing the deeper involvement and details of a James Patterson/Clive Cussler. Elizabeth Smart interweaves supportive statements, examples and instances from her own life, with conversations from other people who have dealt with trauma. She mentions self care, the importance of support systems, of family, of "letting go" as forgiveness ( yet... sadly, she seems not to have forgiven her uncle who dealt with the media. That stuck out so vividly, disrupting the continuity, how did telling it continue/enhance any message given) , and living with purpose. Perhaps the most concise and valuable statements in the book are "Was today worth living over again? What am I going to do differently tomorrow? What am I doing to live on purpose?" However, I question that she negates the role of psychotherapy when she alludes to it two times. "Positive therapy" as mentioned has it's place. However for those without support systems, for those who don't know HOW to take care of self, for those who have been beaten into believing they are worthless , a huge element of specificity is lacking. I truly wish she would at least have added an addendum for other books. I truly wish she wouldn't have brushed off and diminished the role of a caring, effective psychotherapist who specializes in abuse for those whose innocence has been killed. I'm not saying that EVERYONE needs psychotherapy, but there are those who it is so valuable, so necessary even if it has not been "as bad as some others". All in all, the book reminds me of those little "Seven Steps" books. Superficial, a good easy read that motivates, that appeals to the emotions the general public, but doesn't tell how to take those Seven Steps when you're going up on a down escalator.
December 4, 2017
I received this book as an advanced readers edition. This is a very powerful read to understand how different people from different background and tragedies find Hope and Healing after the situation. This book is one that I will definitely recommend to others. Life is too short. We all have the power to rise above and stronger than what has tired to pull us down. Understanding Hope and Healing is the key to our lives. Thank you for the strength to write such a powerful book.
July 4, 2025
Although Elizabeth does tell some small parts of her ordeal again in this book, they are only used to strengthen an idea she is trying to convey from the interviews she had which are the main subject of this book. The interviews share some great insights from various people who have faced some trial or another in life some have beat the odds, some are more in the thick of it, but all have incredible outlooks that inspire and uplift.
My only real complaint is that sometimes Elizabeth tries to downplay her own fame and influence a little too vigorously, causing her to come off as a fake at those times. I don't think she does that on purpose, just that. like most of us. I don't think she fully understands her own power and strengths.
Still, I am glad I have this book and listened to it now. I hope she may even write another with still more insights.
My only real complaint is that sometimes Elizabeth tries to downplay her own fame and influence a little too vigorously, causing her to come off as a fake at those times. I don't think she does that on purpose, just that. like most of us. I don't think she fully understands her own power and strengths.
Still, I am glad I have this book and listened to it now. I hope she may even write another with still more insights.
March 8, 2019
(Audio)
I look up to Elizabeth Smart so much. What she has done with a horrifying experience is something to be admired.
Through her journey of public speaking, writing her book, and just living she is asked often “How do you go on!” She has taken the time to interview so many people with all varying degrees of adversity and asked them how they go on and stay hopeful. Each persons story and advice is different and the way they go on is very Inspiring. There is no one way to get over tragedy, loss, disease, heartbreak...you name it. Something someone says may speak to you and others not so much. I found each story and experience shared Inspiring. None of us are getting out of life without adversity. We are never alone in adversity. Everyone has their own unique journey.
I look up to Elizabeth Smart so much. What she has done with a horrifying experience is something to be admired.
Through her journey of public speaking, writing her book, and just living she is asked often “How do you go on!” She has taken the time to interview so many people with all varying degrees of adversity and asked them how they go on and stay hopeful. Each persons story and advice is different and the way they go on is very Inspiring. There is no one way to get over tragedy, loss, disease, heartbreak...you name it. Something someone says may speak to you and others not so much. I found each story and experience shared Inspiring. None of us are getting out of life without adversity. We are never alone in adversity. Everyone has their own unique journey.
February 11, 2018
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Here is my review:
Elizabeth Smart is one amazing young lady and I really admire her. How do you go through what she went through and come out okay in the end? How do you take a situation that was bad and turn it into something that changes people's lives for the good? How do you have hope that things will get better?
In this book, Elizabeth interviews different people who have had a variety of struggles and hardships and asks them how they healed and moved on. Throughout, Elizabeth talks about her own experiences with healing and how her family and faith helped her through those dark days. As I was reading it, I even got teary-eyed at a few parts.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing your story and helping others who suffer find a way to their own path to healing.
Elizabeth Smart is one amazing young lady and I really admire her. How do you go through what she went through and come out okay in the end? How do you take a situation that was bad and turn it into something that changes people's lives for the good? How do you have hope that things will get better?
In this book, Elizabeth interviews different people who have had a variety of struggles and hardships and asks them how they healed and moved on. Throughout, Elizabeth talks about her own experiences with healing and how her family and faith helped her through those dark days. As I was reading it, I even got teary-eyed at a few parts.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing your story and helping others who suffer find a way to their own path to healing.
September 1, 2018
I've always felt a connection to Elizabeth Smart, probably because we're both from the Salt Lake City area, and because I sat right behind her in a sacrament meeting the year after her kidnapping ordeal (not exactly a claim to fame, but I remember watching her with her siblings and rejoicing that she seemed so normal). Anyway, I read her book partly out of this silly allegiance I feel toward her.
Where There's Hope is part memoir, part interview with a variety of people who have faced trauma and found healing in a variety of ways. I liked the way Elizabeth wove their stories with her own, and the good life lessons she brought to the forefront. Most of what she said was familiar to me, though one new take-away message was that attitude and mood are not the same thing. You can be in a bad mood, and still have an overall good attitude toward life. When facing trials it's okay to feel angry or depressed for a time, and still be approaching things with positivity in a broader context.
3.5 stars. Thanks, Elizabeth, for letting me get to know you a little better, and for introducing me to a cast of other inspiring people.
Where There's Hope is part memoir, part interview with a variety of people who have faced trauma and found healing in a variety of ways. I liked the way Elizabeth wove their stories with her own, and the good life lessons she brought to the forefront. Most of what she said was familiar to me, though one new take-away message was that attitude and mood are not the same thing. You can be in a bad mood, and still have an overall good attitude toward life. When facing trials it's okay to feel angry or depressed for a time, and still be approaching things with positivity in a broader context.
3.5 stars. Thanks, Elizabeth, for letting me get to know you a little better, and for introducing me to a cast of other inspiring people.
May 17, 2018
This is a difficult book for me to rate. This happened in my neck of the woods, so I feel emotionally tied to the whole story. I admire her strength and that of her parents.
I like the idea behind this book. The author included some inspirational stories from different people who have suffered tragedy in their lives. There were some quotable quotes in this. It had an overall "feel good" feeling when it talked about strength, faith and forgiveness.
However, overall, I'm just not sure this book (the audio version) was entirely successful. I listened to the audio and I don't recommend it. I think reading the pages would have been better. I'm usually a big fan of authors reading their own autobiographies, but this one didn't work for me. For being laden with emotional stories, there wasn't any emotion in her voice. It was all done so pleasantly and stoically. While I can admire both of those qualities, I don't think it worked for the audio. If this was just any ole book, I'd rate it 3 stars. But I think I can overlook my audio dislike to give this 4 stars.
I like the idea behind this book. The author included some inspirational stories from different people who have suffered tragedy in their lives. There were some quotable quotes in this. It had an overall "feel good" feeling when it talked about strength, faith and forgiveness.
However, overall, I'm just not sure this book (the audio version) was entirely successful. I listened to the audio and I don't recommend it. I think reading the pages would have been better. I'm usually a big fan of authors reading their own autobiographies, but this one didn't work for me. For being laden with emotional stories, there wasn't any emotion in her voice. It was all done so pleasantly and stoically. While I can admire both of those qualities, I don't think it worked for the audio. If this was just any ole book, I'd rate it 3 stars. But I think I can overlook my audio dislike to give this 4 stars.
November 23, 2017
What an uplifting book!! No matter what we go through as humans, this book goes to show us exactly how resilient we can choose to be. It's all about our choices splashed with forgiveness, endurance, our tribe that supports us, our faith, and so much more. The examples of others listed in this book will have you thinking, "wow, I didn't/don't have it so bad" in comparison. It definitely will put perspective on where you are in life, where you want to go, and are you living life to the fullest today and everyday? I was an ARC winner of this book, and was grateful I had the opportunity to do so. Thoroughly enjoyable and hard to put down! Definitely a book to put the perspective into life, especially at the holidays. Passing on and sharing!
January 12, 2018
Elizabeth Smart is an amazing woman. This is a true story. As a child, she was abducted and brutally tortured and sexually assaulted during the nine months before she was rescued. In her book, Where There's Hope, Elizabeth interviews other survivors who have gone through different challenging experiences looking to discover how they coped and what got them to where they are now. Throughout the interviews, Elizabeth interjects more about the horrors she had to endure. She believes her faith and love of her family carried her through her ordeal. She is curious what her interviewees relied on to help them survive.
This is a well written book that flows seamlessly from one interview to another.
I'm so appreciative that I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
This is a well written book that flows seamlessly from one interview to another.
I'm so appreciative that I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
April 12, 2018
I read and loved her first book, My Story, so I picked this up as soon as it came out. It might even be better than the first book. She interviews other victims of tragedy or people who inspired her and asks them how they got through their personal hell or what makes their lives so worth living. The book is incredibly positive and hopeful. Its overall message is overwhelmingly motivating, that life is good, that terrible things can happen and that there can be hope and healing and goodness yet to come. I flew through it and would recommend it to anyone.
June 20, 2018
This book was completely different from what I expected. Probably one of the best books I’ve ever read. Pulling from her own horrific past, Elizabeth Smart interviews others who have gone through the most difficult trials and pulls together stories of hope and healing, bringing to light the very best of human nature and that we all have the ability to dig down deep and make of our lives what we choose, despite the worst that may happen. This book is filled with beautiful stories and huge doses of hope and peace.
April 15, 2023
4.5, actually. I loved this book. It told the story of her capture again, but in the best positive light possible because it talked of the healing process. It also added more about her parents' experience, and also other people, most I had heard of and their traumatic experiences. I was greatly impressed by the uplifting point of it all. Lots of great quotes, too. The only weakness of the story was there's not really an end... she even admits that. Still, I'd benefit from an all in all, so I could refer back to one place.
September 14, 2018
Smart is the polar opposite of me: she's quiet and shy, Mormon and deeply religious. (I might add she's young and gorgeous too but that's another story.) Yet I was drawn to her story and I'm really glad I read it. It was truly inspirational and will stick with me for a long time to come. This the second book she's written, but the first one I've read. In it she interviews a random collection of people, both famous and obscure who have suffered a great loss of one type or another. Her questions to them involve their strategies for coping and advancing through life in the face of severe trauma or disablement. She also weaves through the interviews important parts of her own horrible victimization as applicable.
She tells such interesting and marvelous stories about people from all over the world and every walk of life. When I struggle with my own limitations I am reminded of the woman whose hands were cut off in Africa after she saw her family killed before her eyes, and I am encouraged to deal with my little problems. She also had an interesting take on her religion. Clearly she relies greatly on her faith but she doesn't try to shove it down the reader's throat. She is clearly a beautiful person as well as an excellent writer.
She tells such interesting and marvelous stories about people from all over the world and every walk of life. When I struggle with my own limitations I am reminded of the woman whose hands were cut off in Africa after she saw her family killed before her eyes, and I am encouraged to deal with my little problems. She also had an interesting take on her religion. Clearly she relies greatly on her faith but she doesn't try to shove it down the reader's throat. She is clearly a beautiful person as well as an excellent writer.
May 7, 2018
I read Elizabeth Smart's first book and enjoyed it. This one tells a little more of her story interwoven with other people's stories. There's a lot of hurt and healing expressed in this book. There's hope too. It's a very uplifting book. I am most impressed by the personal connections Smart makes with each person and what she learns from them. She's able to apply their stories to her own life past and present and expresses that very well. Smart comes across as both experienced, but also young with clearly a lot more of life to live.
The story she shares that touched me the most is Chris Williams' story, which I've also heard elsewhere. I am very happy she includes how to learn more about each person. I have added several books about and by some of her interviewees to my Goodreads to-read list.
I like this book, but I don't really love it. Why? Maybe because it seems to skim too much on the surface of some of these people's stories. Maybe because each person's story could be more powerful on its own, yet Smart always brings it back to herself which makes it seem a little self centered and a little less powerful. I know it's her book, so that's okay. I just would have liked to read more in depth about some of the people she interview's lives and experiences. At the same time, I understand her approach and I think it's well done and makes sense for who she is. She's clearly representing herself as much or more than those she interviews and that's appropriate.
The story she shares that touched me the most is Chris Williams' story, which I've also heard elsewhere. I am very happy she includes how to learn more about each person. I have added several books about and by some of her interviewees to my Goodreads to-read list.
I like this book, but I don't really love it. Why? Maybe because it seems to skim too much on the surface of some of these people's stories. Maybe because each person's story could be more powerful on its own, yet Smart always brings it back to herself which makes it seem a little self centered and a little less powerful. I know it's her book, so that's okay. I just would have liked to read more in depth about some of the people she interview's lives and experiences. At the same time, I understand her approach and I think it's well done and makes sense for who she is. She's clearly representing herself as much or more than those she interviews and that's appropriate.
June 29, 2018
Meh. I should probably just stop reading her stuff (which is easy to say since she's only published two books and I've now read them both), because I'm never overly impressed by it.
Once again, the stories shared here are inspiring; the writing less so.
In fairness to Elizabeth, I think there were actually two lines in this book that made me chuckle, which is two more times than her first book, and her writing is MARKEDLY improved, but it still has a ways to go. Let's be honest, if she happens to put out another book 10 years down the road, I'll probably give it a read, but I'm not waiting on baited breath.
Once again, the stories shared here are inspiring; the writing less so.
In fairness to Elizabeth, I think there were actually two lines in this book that made me chuckle, which is two more times than her first book, and her writing is MARKEDLY improved, but it still has a ways to go. Let's be honest, if she happens to put out another book 10 years down the road, I'll probably give it a read, but I'm not waiting on baited breath.
July 10, 2022
My rating 4.3
I read this book because it was a book club selection, but enjoyed it more than I expected. Elizabeth interviews and shares experiences of several people who have faced horrific circumstances in their lives as well as her own experience of being kidnapped and violently raped at the age of 14. Her message is one of hope and resilience and thinking about the qualities of those who survive well. I found many encouraging words for those struggling with challenges and for that reason purchased a copy of the book for my sister whose husband currently has brain cancer. I felt like it is a book that will have special significance in different parts for different times in your life. I highly recommend this book.
Summary: Elizabeth Smart follows up her #1 New York Times bestseller (October 2013), My Story—about being held in captivity as a teenager, and how she managed to survive—with a powerful and inspiring book about what it takes to overcome trauma, find the strength to move on, and reclaim one’s life.
Author. Activist. Victim—no more.
In her fearless memoir, My Story—the basis of the Lifetime Original movie I Am Elizabeth Smart—Elizabeth detailed, for the first time, the horror behind the headlines of her abduction by religious fanatic Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. Since then, she’s married, become a mother, and travelled the world as the president of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, sharing her story with the intent of helping others along the way.
Over and over, Elizabeth is asked the same question: How do you find the hope to go on? In this book, Elizabeth returns to the horrific experiences she endured, and the hard-won lessons she learned, to provide answers. She also calls upon others who have dealt with adversity—victims of violence, disease, war, and loss—to explore the pathways toward hope. Through conversations with such well-known voices as Anne Romney, Diane von Furstenburg, and Mandy Patinkin to spiritual leaders Archbishop John C. Wester and Elder Richard Hinckley to her own parents, Elizabeth uncovers an even greater sense of solace and understanding. Where There’s Hope is the result of Elizabeth’s mission: It is both an up-close-and-personal glimpse into her healing process and a heartfelt how-to guide for readers to make peace with the past and embrace the future.
From the book:
“I was not willing to accept that my fate was to live unhappily ever after. Everything—my family, my home, my chance to go to school—had been given back to me, and I didn’t want to miss a second chance of living my own life.” —Elizabeth Smart
“There are two types of survivors: the ones who did not die, and the ones who live. There will be those who will always remember and be the victim, and ones who just won’t. You have to go on, you have to learn, and you have to heal.” —Diane von Furstenberg
Read less
I read this book because it was a book club selection, but enjoyed it more than I expected. Elizabeth interviews and shares experiences of several people who have faced horrific circumstances in their lives as well as her own experience of being kidnapped and violently raped at the age of 14. Her message is one of hope and resilience and thinking about the qualities of those who survive well. I found many encouraging words for those struggling with challenges and for that reason purchased a copy of the book for my sister whose husband currently has brain cancer. I felt like it is a book that will have special significance in different parts for different times in your life. I highly recommend this book.
Summary: Elizabeth Smart follows up her #1 New York Times bestseller (October 2013), My Story—about being held in captivity as a teenager, and how she managed to survive—with a powerful and inspiring book about what it takes to overcome trauma, find the strength to move on, and reclaim one’s life.
Author. Activist. Victim—no more.
In her fearless memoir, My Story—the basis of the Lifetime Original movie I Am Elizabeth Smart—Elizabeth detailed, for the first time, the horror behind the headlines of her abduction by religious fanatic Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. Since then, she’s married, become a mother, and travelled the world as the president of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, sharing her story with the intent of helping others along the way.
Over and over, Elizabeth is asked the same question: How do you find the hope to go on? In this book, Elizabeth returns to the horrific experiences she endured, and the hard-won lessons she learned, to provide answers. She also calls upon others who have dealt with adversity—victims of violence, disease, war, and loss—to explore the pathways toward hope. Through conversations with such well-known voices as Anne Romney, Diane von Furstenburg, and Mandy Patinkin to spiritual leaders Archbishop John C. Wester and Elder Richard Hinckley to her own parents, Elizabeth uncovers an even greater sense of solace and understanding. Where There’s Hope is the result of Elizabeth’s mission: It is both an up-close-and-personal glimpse into her healing process and a heartfelt how-to guide for readers to make peace with the past and embrace the future.
From the book:
“I was not willing to accept that my fate was to live unhappily ever after. Everything—my family, my home, my chance to go to school—had been given back to me, and I didn’t want to miss a second chance of living my own life.” —Elizabeth Smart
“There are two types of survivors: the ones who did not die, and the ones who live. There will be those who will always remember and be the victim, and ones who just won’t. You have to go on, you have to learn, and you have to heal.” —Diane von Furstenberg
Read less
May 30, 2018
I loved the way this book is written. The author wrote about her own experience, but that’s not really what the book is about. This book is about many different people, in many different circumstances and how each and every one of them found the hope they needed to be able to go on.
Hope is one of those abstract concepts. I mean…we all know kind of what it means. Hope is defined as a feeling of trust or expectation that a thing is going to happen. But sometimes, I think hope becomes a little bit different, it becomes almost an impetus, a force that helps us be able to get up from a hard situation and keep going anyway. That’s the kind of hope the author was really talking about in this one.
I loved something that the author said a couple of times in this one. She talks about being able to forgive, because if we can’t forgive we can’t really have hope. But something she said was that her mom told her that the “best punishment she could ever give to those that had hurt her was to be happy.” That’s really true for all of us. It isn’t going to hurt anyone who hurts us in any way for us to hang on to our hurts, but it will hurt us. We all need to learn to be happy with everything we’ve been given, whether it was in the past or in the present. That’s probably something that I personally needed, but it’s something that really stood out to me as I read this one.
When my husband and I bought this book, we was able to meet the author. She was gracious and sweet. I’m grateful that I got the chance to meet her.
Hope is one of those abstract concepts. I mean…we all know kind of what it means. Hope is defined as a feeling of trust or expectation that a thing is going to happen. But sometimes, I think hope becomes a little bit different, it becomes almost an impetus, a force that helps us be able to get up from a hard situation and keep going anyway. That’s the kind of hope the author was really talking about in this one.
I loved something that the author said a couple of times in this one. She talks about being able to forgive, because if we can’t forgive we can’t really have hope. But something she said was that her mom told her that the “best punishment she could ever give to those that had hurt her was to be happy.” That’s really true for all of us. It isn’t going to hurt anyone who hurts us in any way for us to hang on to our hurts, but it will hurt us. We all need to learn to be happy with everything we’ve been given, whether it was in the past or in the present. That’s probably something that I personally needed, but it’s something that really stood out to me as I read this one.
When my husband and I bought this book, we was able to meet the author. She was gracious and sweet. I’m grateful that I got the chance to meet her.
April 8, 2018
I vaguely remember the media coverage surrounding Elizabeth Smart's disappearance and subsequent rescue. She's only a year older than I am, and I didn't really pay attention to news until I got to high school at least. I remember her disappearance and her eventual rescue, but I didn't know any of the details. When I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway, I decided it'd be better to have more of an understanding of her ordeal. I listened to My Story on audiobook and found it moving and uplifting.
The subject of Where There's Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up is fairly self-explanatory. What I appreciated most about the book, though, is that it's not just Smart's story of moving on from her ordeal. In each chapter, she interviews one or two people who have been through or are currently dealing with difficult circumstances, and she doesn't shy away from those whose stories are far different than her own. In this way, it's not Smart telling the reader there's only one way to move on and that's her way. Instead, she presents other peoples' stories and examples in ways that allow the reader to see there are many roads to recovery. I also found the book to be well structured. Smart uses the interviews as well as her own experiences to highlight the themes of each chapter, among them hope, loss, faith, forgiveness, and more.
The one quibble I had is that during one chapter, a mother who lost her daughter to suicide after not being weaned off properly advises alternatives to antidepressants such as exercise and being in nature. The truth is just that everyone needs a different combination of healing options. While certain people do react poorly to antidepressants, they're extremely helpful for other people. I just think it's a tricky topic and Smart could've spent a bit more time on it.
Nonfiction, especially titles in the self-help category, tends to be subjective in a different way than fiction, so I find that I can't really judge this book or recommend it in the way I do novels. The only thing I can say is that if you are even a little bit intrigued, it's probably worth picking up.
Overall, I really enjoyed this reading experience. I dogeared a lot of pages and quotes to return to. I'm probably going to pass this on to my mom because I think she'd appreciate it, too. One of the marks of a really good book, for me, is if it keeps me thinking afterward, and this one certainly has.
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway without the obligation to review.
The subject of Where There's Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up is fairly self-explanatory. What I appreciated most about the book, though, is that it's not just Smart's story of moving on from her ordeal. In each chapter, she interviews one or two people who have been through or are currently dealing with difficult circumstances, and she doesn't shy away from those whose stories are far different than her own. In this way, it's not Smart telling the reader there's only one way to move on and that's her way. Instead, she presents other peoples' stories and examples in ways that allow the reader to see there are many roads to recovery. I also found the book to be well structured. Smart uses the interviews as well as her own experiences to highlight the themes of each chapter, among them hope, loss, faith, forgiveness, and more.
The one quibble I had is that during one chapter, a mother who lost her daughter to suicide after not being weaned off properly advises alternatives to antidepressants such as exercise and being in nature. The truth is just that everyone needs a different combination of healing options. While certain people do react poorly to antidepressants, they're extremely helpful for other people. I just think it's a tricky topic and Smart could've spent a bit more time on it.
Nonfiction, especially titles in the self-help category, tends to be subjective in a different way than fiction, so I find that I can't really judge this book or recommend it in the way I do novels. The only thing I can say is that if you are even a little bit intrigued, it's probably worth picking up.
Overall, I really enjoyed this reading experience. I dogeared a lot of pages and quotes to return to. I'm probably going to pass this on to my mom because I think she'd appreciate it, too. One of the marks of a really good book, for me, is if it keeps me thinking afterward, and this one certainly has.
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway without the obligation to review.
May 11, 2018
Where There's Hope was a wonderful surprise. In this book, Elizabeth Smart sets out to interview all kinds of inspiring (I don't like the word but it's the only fitting one) people who've been through various tragedies and hardships and have managed to keep going and even turn their pain into doing good things for other people in this world.
While doing that, she also revisits her own story and adds little glimpses of what her life as an activist and public person is those days.
I am not at all a spiritual person, and while Elizabeth's faith is of course present all over the book, she never tries to impose it on the reader and she's super careful to be respectful of everyone. I really liked that a lot. And even as an atheist who doesn't even like (understatement if I ever wrote one) self-help books, I found Where There's Hope to be truly helpful and uplifting.
I also want to add how much I appreciated the chapter about LGBT rights (which, to be honest, I REALLY wasn't expecting in this book) and again how truly respectful Elizabeth Smart was on that topic all book long.
While doing that, she also revisits her own story and adds little glimpses of what her life as an activist and public person is those days.
I am not at all a spiritual person, and while Elizabeth's faith is of course present all over the book, she never tries to impose it on the reader and she's super careful to be respectful of everyone. I really liked that a lot. And even as an atheist who doesn't even like (understatement if I ever wrote one) self-help books, I found Where There's Hope to be truly helpful and uplifting.
I also want to add how much I appreciated the chapter about LGBT rights (which, to be honest, I REALLY wasn't expecting in this book) and again how truly respectful Elizabeth Smart was on that topic all book long.
April 10, 2018
I am glad I purchased and read this book. I don’t typically read books of this type/genre. My sisters were visiting me from out of town and we went to hear Elizabeth Smart at a book signing at a local Independent book store I support. We all enjoyed it and bought her book. I have not read her first book, a memoir, with which she had help writing. She wrote this book on her own. She did a very good speaking job in spite of the fact she says she is an introvert.
Her book is about how to find hope in this world when you have gone through tragedy or adversity of all kinds. She does this by interviewing people who have experienced violence, health issues, war, suicide of a family member, accidents and more. I found this book to be an informative easy read. Each chapter is about a different subject, hope, Faith, loss, forgiveness, living with a purpose and more. You can read a chapter at a time and come back to the book later.
Her book is about how to find hope in this world when you have gone through tragedy or adversity of all kinds. She does this by interviewing people who have experienced violence, health issues, war, suicide of a family member, accidents and more. I found this book to be an informative easy read. Each chapter is about a different subject, hope, Faith, loss, forgiveness, living with a purpose and more. You can read a chapter at a time and come back to the book later.
August 20, 2018
Where There's Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up 🍒🍒🍒🍒
By Elizabeth Smart
2018
St Martin's
Elizabeth Smart shares her emotional and positive outlook on hope. By interspersing conversations with many well known leaders and voices, with her own examples of the abilities, motivations and personal growth it takes to heal.
My favorite stories were Bre Lasley (formed Fight Like Girls foundation), Rebecca Covey (formed Bridled Up Hope foundation), Diane von Fustenberg, Angeline Jackson and Mike Schlappi.
However you define faith, it is a very personal thing and one of the most important steps to healing.....learning to have faith.....
"If my mission and my religion have taught me anything, it's that faith isn't just what you believe in, it's how you live, how you love, and how you move forward."
Elizabeth found her faith through music, parents and family, horseback riding and her faith.
Recommended.
By Elizabeth Smart
2018
St Martin's
Elizabeth Smart shares her emotional and positive outlook on hope. By interspersing conversations with many well known leaders and voices, with her own examples of the abilities, motivations and personal growth it takes to heal.
My favorite stories were Bre Lasley (formed Fight Like Girls foundation), Rebecca Covey (formed Bridled Up Hope foundation), Diane von Fustenberg, Angeline Jackson and Mike Schlappi.
However you define faith, it is a very personal thing and one of the most important steps to healing.....learning to have faith.....
"If my mission and my religion have taught me anything, it's that faith isn't just what you believe in, it's how you live, how you love, and how you move forward."
Elizabeth found her faith through music, parents and family, horseback riding and her faith.
Recommended.
April 4, 2018
I admire Elizabeth Smart for all she does. This book is an easy read and pretty good. She talks to a diverse group of people and her writing style is so casual it makes me laugh, in a good way.
For a moment she touches on a LDS acquaintance who came out as gay, didn't find much support from his community, and ended up dying in, her words, an accident or suicide. Given the very high rate of suicide among the LGTBQIA community in Utah, it would have been really cool of her to actually talk about this, but she skips it. Which is disappointing and too bad because she calls out a number of other people for their really bad behavior, including an uncle and Nancy Grace. Maybe she will shine the light on the practices of her own church in the next book.
For a moment she touches on a LDS acquaintance who came out as gay, didn't find much support from his community, and ended up dying in, her words, an accident or suicide. Given the very high rate of suicide among the LGTBQIA community in Utah, it would have been really cool of her to actually talk about this, but she skips it. Which is disappointing and too bad because she calls out a number of other people for their really bad behavior, including an uncle and Nancy Grace. Maybe she will shine the light on the practices of her own church in the next book.
August 31, 2020
I'm a fan of Elizabeth Smart and I think what she did with this book is beautiful. I appreciate her sharing her experiences and what she learned from them so that we could learn from them, too. And I appreciate the willingness of everyone she interviewed to share their stories and answer the tough questions. Elizabeth and all the others in this book are a testament to the tremendous growth that can come from tragedy. I'm reminded of a riveting quote from Elder Jeffery R. Holland, who serves as an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,"Man's extremity is God's opportunity." As painful as it is in our extremity, God can absolutely use it as an opportunity if we turn to Him.
February 26, 2020
This book is a series of interviews that Elizabeth conducts with other survivors, each offers messages of hope. Most of those interviewed have undergone major adversity and trials but the message they offer is hope to all. The chapters focus on hope, faith, loss, living with a purpose and forgiveness. I found the book lacked depth so almost gave 4 stars but the overall message of healing, moving forward and never giving up made it a solid 5.
"What am I doing to live on purpose?"
"Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating everything it is." -Mandy Hill
"You will always have value and nothing can change that." -Elizabeth Smart
It is so easy to fill up our life with stuff, it is hard to take the time to just be.
"What am I doing to live on purpose?"
"Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating everything it is." -Mandy Hill
"You will always have value and nothing can change that." -Elizabeth Smart
It is so easy to fill up our life with stuff, it is hard to take the time to just be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews