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Bringing Elizabeth Home: A Journey of Faith and Hope
At 3:58 in the morning of June 5, 2002, Ed and Lois Smart awoke to the sound of their nine-year-old daughter Mary Katherine’s frightened voice. “She’s gone. Elizabeth is gone.” At first they thought she was having a bad dream about her older sister, but Mary Katherine’s seeming bad dream would quickly become their worst nightmare. Their daughter Elizabeth was gone.
They were not sure why the media picked up on Elizabeth’s story, but after their daughter was kidnapped she became the whole world’s daughter. After nine months of a strange, hard, sometimes rewarding, but mostly painful journey, Elizabeth was miraculously returned to them. Just as millions throughout the world had grieved for her loss, now they celebrated her safe return.
In Bringing Elizabeth Home, Ed and Lois share the pain of every parent’s worst fear: “What would I do if my child was taken from me?” They also share a story of great hope, strong faith, and trust in God. The Smart family had always been devoted to their Mormon faith, but through their terribly painful experience they gained a tremendous inner strength, which became the key to their survival. They write, “Having our daughter back home, in our arms, is nothing short of a miracle. It is the ultimate proof that God answers prayers. Granted, sometimes the answer is not the one we pray for, but still it remains an answer. We feel truly blessed that He answered our prayers the way we had hoped for, although we realize, regretfully, that this is not always the outcome in kidnapping cases. We have met so many families with missing children and we’ve seen how deep their pain goes . . . But what we hope to convey through our journey of faith and hope is that with a strong belief in God, all things are possible. Miracles do happen.”
In the end, the Smarts’ story brings one point poignantly home--nothing is more important in this world than family. Not money. Not work. Not a fancy new car or an expensive, big house. Family, the prayers of so many friends and strangers, and trust in God are what got them through this experience--and having survived, they have no doubt that they can persevere in any situation as long as those three things are in their lives. Though their story is filled with many incredible twists and turns, they never lost focus on what was important: Bringing Elizabeth Home.
They were not sure why the media picked up on Elizabeth’s story, but after their daughter was kidnapped she became the whole world’s daughter. After nine months of a strange, hard, sometimes rewarding, but mostly painful journey, Elizabeth was miraculously returned to them. Just as millions throughout the world had grieved for her loss, now they celebrated her safe return.
In Bringing Elizabeth Home, Ed and Lois share the pain of every parent’s worst fear: “What would I do if my child was taken from me?” They also share a story of great hope, strong faith, and trust in God. The Smart family had always been devoted to their Mormon faith, but through their terribly painful experience they gained a tremendous inner strength, which became the key to their survival. They write, “Having our daughter back home, in our arms, is nothing short of a miracle. It is the ultimate proof that God answers prayers. Granted, sometimes the answer is not the one we pray for, but still it remains an answer. We feel truly blessed that He answered our prayers the way we had hoped for, although we realize, regretfully, that this is not always the outcome in kidnapping cases. We have met so many families with missing children and we’ve seen how deep their pain goes . . . But what we hope to convey through our journey of faith and hope is that with a strong belief in God, all things are possible. Miracles do happen.”
In the end, the Smarts’ story brings one point poignantly home--nothing is more important in this world than family. Not money. Not work. Not a fancy new car or an expensive, big house. Family, the prayers of so many friends and strangers, and trust in God are what got them through this experience--and having survived, they have no doubt that they can persevere in any situation as long as those three things are in their lives. Though their story is filled with many incredible twists and turns, they never lost focus on what was important: Bringing Elizabeth Home.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
40 people are currently reading
1386 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
January 26, 2025
I've read both of Elizabeth's books, as well as In Plain Sight, so I thought it was time to read her parents' story and oh, I was not ready for the tears.
It was such a hard read for me, because I felt Ed & Lois's emotions coming through the screen. I felt all of their pain & frustration that Elizabeth was gone, and that the police didn't seem to be doing enough, pointing fingers at the wrong man, all the attacks on their family etc. It's clear they needed to write this book to get all of that out.
I genuinely felt like Elizabeth was my sister who was missing, as I read this book. It touched me that deeply. So did Ed and Lois's belief in God and His miracles.
I know that side of the book won't be for everyone, and will probably be the main reason some put it down, but for me it was clear their unwavering faith held them together and helped them carry on while their daughter was kidnapped.
This came out right after the abduction, so it doesn't have details about what happened to Elizabeth inside, and it was her story to tell anyway. I'm still so glad they got her back and that she's thriving.
It was such a hard read for me, because I felt Ed & Lois's emotions coming through the screen. I felt all of their pain & frustration that Elizabeth was gone, and that the police didn't seem to be doing enough, pointing fingers at the wrong man, all the attacks on their family etc. It's clear they needed to write this book to get all of that out.
I genuinely felt like Elizabeth was my sister who was missing, as I read this book. It touched me that deeply. So did Ed and Lois's belief in God and His miracles.
I know that side of the book won't be for everyone, and will probably be the main reason some put it down, but for me it was clear their unwavering faith held them together and helped them carry on while their daughter was kidnapped.
This came out right after the abduction, so it doesn't have details about what happened to Elizabeth inside, and it was her story to tell anyway. I'm still so glad they got her back and that she's thriving.
January 1, 2009
The audio book for this was discounted to about 2 dollars and it looked like it could be interesting, and perhaps deep, so I bought it. I have never wanted to burn anything so much in my life. The whole C.D. was complete trash. It is people like this that give religion a bad name. With prolific Christian writers out there such as C.S. Lewis, it's amazing that such trash as this gets read or listened to by anyone. If you want to make yourself sick, or if you have suicidal tendencies and need something to push you over the edge, pick this up.
April 9, 2008
This book gives the family's story from the night Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped, to the painful nine months of not knowing what happened to her, to her amazing return home. Her parents give their own account of the story. What Elizabeth went through during those nine months is not detailed here. Her parents want to leave it up to Elizabeth whether or not she wants to write about her ordeal someday.
May 31, 2008
I'd rate this 3.5 if there were half stars available.
The book got off to kind of a slow start as Ed and Lois Smart went into great detail about their religious beliefs. But that information really was foundational to understanding how they got through their ordeal.
What was eye opening for me, was the terrifying insights on what it's like to have your child kidnapped. On top of the awfulness of not knowing what has happened to your child, there were intense interrogations by the police, interviews with media that sometimes turned accusatory, nut cases who contacted them and even tried to extort money from the family, and a total loss of privacy. Their faith is what helped them endure and gave them a determination to continue on with their lives no matter the outcome.
Fortunately for the Smart family, Elizabeth was recovered.
This book is written from the perspective of the parents, and leaves many questions about what actually happened to Elizabeth unanswered. The parents are very respectful of her needs for privacy and stated in their book that someday, Elizabeth may want to tell her own story. They wisely left that decision to her.
I remember the coverage of this kidnapping, and the numerous times I prayed for Elizabeth -- and the elation I felt when she was found alive. In the last chapter of the book, there is a message that Elizabeth wrote, saying that she is doing well and thanking the people who prayed for her. It made me cry, because I felt like she was talking directly to me.
The book got off to kind of a slow start as Ed and Lois Smart went into great detail about their religious beliefs. But that information really was foundational to understanding how they got through their ordeal.
What was eye opening for me, was the terrifying insights on what it's like to have your child kidnapped. On top of the awfulness of not knowing what has happened to your child, there were intense interrogations by the police, interviews with media that sometimes turned accusatory, nut cases who contacted them and even tried to extort money from the family, and a total loss of privacy. Their faith is what helped them endure and gave them a determination to continue on with their lives no matter the outcome.
Fortunately for the Smart family, Elizabeth was recovered.
This book is written from the perspective of the parents, and leaves many questions about what actually happened to Elizabeth unanswered. The parents are very respectful of her needs for privacy and stated in their book that someday, Elizabeth may want to tell her own story. They wisely left that decision to her.
I remember the coverage of this kidnapping, and the numerous times I prayed for Elizabeth -- and the elation I felt when she was found alive. In the last chapter of the book, there is a message that Elizabeth wrote, saying that she is doing well and thanking the people who prayed for her. It made me cry, because I felt like she was talking directly to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2024
Poorly written, and with a huge bias/agenda (to show God's hand through all of it), without adding much I didn't know about the story.
June 30, 2008
It is very apparent from the beginning that the family is strongly Mormon and that their beliefs play a big role in this true life tragedy turned joy.
I struggled a bit through the first two chapters because of the strong Mormon overtones, but once the story got rolling about the kidnapping of their daughter I was hooked.
While I don't agree with the Mormon's belief system I was drawn to the fact that mom's faith in God and her daily prayer life were a constant that kept her going.
Dad's honesty about his struggles reassures all of us that we will all question our faith at times. But then mom comes through with that strong walk with God that assures her that things will turn out ok.
You will be touched by the story and the character development. I believe this book will have good lessons for anyone who reads it.
My prayers are with Elizabeth and family and I trust that God's truth will ring true to their family and they will grow into a right relationship with Him.
I struggled a bit through the first two chapters because of the strong Mormon overtones, but once the story got rolling about the kidnapping of their daughter I was hooked.
While I don't agree with the Mormon's belief system I was drawn to the fact that mom's faith in God and her daily prayer life were a constant that kept her going.
Dad's honesty about his struggles reassures all of us that we will all question our faith at times. But then mom comes through with that strong walk with God that assures her that things will turn out ok.
You will be touched by the story and the character development. I believe this book will have good lessons for anyone who reads it.
My prayers are with Elizabeth and family and I trust that God's truth will ring true to their family and they will grow into a right relationship with Him.
July 14, 2011
I was living just outside of Salt Lake City when Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped....and I remember the sadness and disbelief that something like this could happen so close to my safe haven and community....I kept watch on the events of this throughout the year that it happened and I will always remember sitting in my dr's office looking out the window at the mountains just above where her family lived and thinking "I wonder if she is up there in?..." only to come out to my car later that morning and hear that she was found.....UNBELIEVABLE!!! Even more crazy was the fact that she DID live in those mountains for 4 months........it's funny what remember about such things.....this is a great book and it deals with the family's spirituality with their beliefs and how it kept them strong throughout this horrible ordeal. About 2 months after Elizabeth was home...I was with my husband in downtown Salt Lake City and we walked past this group of teen-aged girls and one of them just stood out....and I realized it was Elizabeth Smart....she just glowed and was so beautiful....it was amazing to see this child who lived a miracle........this is a truly wonderous and miraculous story.
September 8, 2015
I was wasting time at the library the other day and came across this. I remember the news about Elizabeth Smart and I remember thinking how awful it was that a person could break into a home (where a person is supposed to be safe) and kidnap a child. Like many people across the USA I watch the news hopeful that she would be found.
Okay, I knew the basic story and the book did reveal a little more of the story. I'm not sure what I expected but I got a little bored with the beginning and the details of how their religion and faith got them through the ordeal. Overall, it wasn't bad but I guess I expected more. I understand their desire for privacy and I pray they get it.
Okay, I knew the basic story and the book did reveal a little more of the story. I'm not sure what I expected but I got a little bored with the beginning and the details of how their religion and faith got them through the ordeal. Overall, it wasn't bad but I guess I expected more. I understand their desire for privacy and I pray they get it.
April 16, 2017
This book is a great complement to Elizabeth's book, My Story. However, if you're interested in the salacious details of the Elizabeth Smart case, neither book will be satisfying. The Smarts have chosen to keep these details private, which is understandable, although apparently angering to my fellow reviewers. The Smarts instead focus on how their religious beliefs helped them during the nine months that Elizabeth was missing and during the time afterwards. I very much respect the Smart family.
What remains exceedingly interesting to me are the discrepancies between the Smarts' accounts and Elizabeth's personal account, which was published much later.
From my review of My Story:
"Elizabeths' parents, in their book Bringing Elizabeth Home: A Journey of Faith and Hope, give a slightly different version of her rescue including a fairly lengthy exchange (over 45 minutes) between the officers and Elizabeth (on the day of her rescue) where she refused to identify herself. She instead responded that her name was Augustine, identified Mitchell & Barzee as her parents, told them that she was 18 years old and even denied that she was Elizabeth Smart when the officers persisted by showing her a missing persons flyer with her picture on it. It was only when they pushed her further that she started crying and hinted indirectly that she may be who they say she was. Her mom Lois, rightly attributes this in the book Bringing Elizabeth Home to Elizabeth feeling confused, guilty, ashamed, conditioned by Mitchell to say all these things, not wanting to flee from her captors and so on - feelings that would not be uncommon for someone in her situation. Somehow, the recent book My Story seems to gloss over these details including any of the raw emotions she felt and her seemingly confused state of mind at the time of her rescue. She instead seems to portray herself as a strong person with a single-minded determination to escape all through her captivity."
What remains exceedingly interesting to me are the discrepancies between the Smarts' accounts and Elizabeth's personal account, which was published much later.
From my review of My Story:
"Elizabeths' parents, in their book Bringing Elizabeth Home: A Journey of Faith and Hope, give a slightly different version of her rescue including a fairly lengthy exchange (over 45 minutes) between the officers and Elizabeth (on the day of her rescue) where she refused to identify herself. She instead responded that her name was Augustine, identified Mitchell & Barzee as her parents, told them that she was 18 years old and even denied that she was Elizabeth Smart when the officers persisted by showing her a missing persons flyer with her picture on it. It was only when they pushed her further that she started crying and hinted indirectly that she may be who they say she was. Her mom Lois, rightly attributes this in the book Bringing Elizabeth Home to Elizabeth feeling confused, guilty, ashamed, conditioned by Mitchell to say all these things, not wanting to flee from her captors and so on - feelings that would not be uncommon for someone in her situation. Somehow, the recent book My Story seems to gloss over these details including any of the raw emotions she felt and her seemingly confused state of mind at the time of her rescue. She instead seems to portray herself as a strong person with a single-minded determination to escape all through her captivity."
March 15, 2013
A nice book detailing how the kidnapping and rescue of Elizabeth Smart played out for the Smart family. Their faith and how it helped them was a key part of their story, and you get a sense that they would like to share that hope, peace, and healing with others.
I would say it wasn't a spectacular book (perhaps the rating is more a three, but the subject matter brings it up). The relationships we have with our families and loved ones, and the deep fears many of us have that these kinds of terrible things do happen made it more interesting. The emotional connection many of us had to the ongoing news story at the time made it all more personal.
I remember watching in awe several times as Ed Smart once again confidently proclaimed on the news that he believed his daughter was alive, and pleaded with people to continue praying for her and watching for her. Every time he said this, I felt that he was probably living on a hope that was only that... a desperate hope, but maybe, possibly his confidence was based on heavenly inspiration. And since there was something so confident and persistent... each time he would ask for prayers on Elizabeth's behalf, I would renew my own prayers for her and for her family... that if she was alive God would help her through her ordeal... and that if she wasn't that her body could be found and her family and loved ones experience closure. Having prayed for her that way several times, it felt so amazing to see her found... one of those unforgettable life moments (Where were you when Pres. Reagan was shot?, Where were you when the Challenger space shuttle blew up? Where were you when you heard that Elizabeth Smart was found?... probably a much more significant memory for residents of Utah). It was truly nothing less than a miracle, and a beautiful thing to see Elizabeth flourish after going through so much... a true testament to the value of faith and hope, and our LDS belief that Christ can help us heal from anything.
I would say it wasn't a spectacular book (perhaps the rating is more a three, but the subject matter brings it up). The relationships we have with our families and loved ones, and the deep fears many of us have that these kinds of terrible things do happen made it more interesting. The emotional connection many of us had to the ongoing news story at the time made it all more personal.
I remember watching in awe several times as Ed Smart once again confidently proclaimed on the news that he believed his daughter was alive, and pleaded with people to continue praying for her and watching for her. Every time he said this, I felt that he was probably living on a hope that was only that... a desperate hope, but maybe, possibly his confidence was based on heavenly inspiration. And since there was something so confident and persistent... each time he would ask for prayers on Elizabeth's behalf, I would renew my own prayers for her and for her family... that if she was alive God would help her through her ordeal... and that if she wasn't that her body could be found and her family and loved ones experience closure. Having prayed for her that way several times, it felt so amazing to see her found... one of those unforgettable life moments (Where were you when Pres. Reagan was shot?, Where were you when the Challenger space shuttle blew up? Where were you when you heard that Elizabeth Smart was found?... probably a much more significant memory for residents of Utah). It was truly nothing less than a miracle, and a beautiful thing to see Elizabeth flourish after going through so much... a true testament to the value of faith and hope, and our LDS belief that Christ can help us heal from anything.
January 22, 2014
1.5 stars
I had to read this book as an assignment for my AP English class. This book was a heart warming story, that at times has you wondering what you would do if you were put in Lois and Ed's situation. Although the story is heart warming and inspiring, it also was nothing new.
Of course, everything that was in this book was from Lois or Ed's perspective since they respected Elizabeth's choice at the time not to come forth about the kidnapping and all the details. A lot of this is Lois and Ed "assuming" what happened to Elizabeth that night. There were points in the book that had me wanting to just sit there and flip page by page until I found a page that didn't mention a long description about something that was not relevant to the story.
At points, I felt the story was drifting in a direction other than focusing on Elizabeth and her homecoming. Of course, since Elizabeth was no in anyway associated with the writing on this book, there was no way the parents could get all the details and assumptions right seeing as they weren't Elizabeth and were going by word of mouth.
Overall, I give it 1.5 stars because even though it was a heart warming and amazing story about Elizabeth Smart, but also a gruesome horrifying book because of the struggles her family faced - I felt that it was just a repeat of what we already knew and a nose-dive off of a cliff into another subject that was totally not relevant in the book.
I had to read this book as an assignment for my AP English class. This book was a heart warming story, that at times has you wondering what you would do if you were put in Lois and Ed's situation. Although the story is heart warming and inspiring, it also was nothing new.
Of course, everything that was in this book was from Lois or Ed's perspective since they respected Elizabeth's choice at the time not to come forth about the kidnapping and all the details. A lot of this is Lois and Ed "assuming" what happened to Elizabeth that night. There were points in the book that had me wanting to just sit there and flip page by page until I found a page that didn't mention a long description about something that was not relevant to the story.
At points, I felt the story was drifting in a direction other than focusing on Elizabeth and her homecoming. Of course, since Elizabeth was no in anyway associated with the writing on this book, there was no way the parents could get all the details and assumptions right seeing as they weren't Elizabeth and were going by word of mouth.
Overall, I give it 1.5 stars because even though it was a heart warming and amazing story about Elizabeth Smart, but also a gruesome horrifying book because of the struggles her family faced - I felt that it was just a repeat of what we already knew and a nose-dive off of a cliff into another subject that was totally not relevant in the book.
December 9, 2013
I read Bringing Elizabeth Home, for my American Lit class. I thought this book was very good! It showed the pain that the Smart family struggled with during the nine months that Elizabeths was gone, very accuratly. I think it also showed how their faith kept them together as a family, and how they relied on it during their hard times. This book didn't exactly tell what happened to Elizabeth during her time away, becasue her family didn't think it was their place to tell. The issue in this book was abduction, but i related that to how people can show their resilience. Elizabeth is trying to get back to a normal life. She has recently gotten married, and is continuing to go to therapy. She showed many other examples of resilience, especially when she was able to survive for the sake of her and her family. Elizabeth continues to help people get through their hard times. My overall opinion is, this was an outstanding book, that showed the hardships a family had to face, without blowing things out of proportion. I would recommend this book to anybody who is looking for a book about faith, family, and hardships.
July 4, 2011
Bringing Elizabeth Home is a book that shows the fath, hope, and courage of one family. The family is an average family that endures the abduction of 14 year old Elizabeth.
The Smart family has a strong faith, a faith that helps them endure the longest 9 months f their lives. Typically, I don't read books that are laden with religious references because the way some of these books are written, the authors are trying to convert the reader to this particular religion. Ed and Lois Smart seemlessly weave their religious beliefs into the fabric of the book in such a way as not to sound like zealous missionaries.
I would recommend this book for anyone who needs an encouraging or inspirational book as they are dealing with life's trials and tribulations. This is a book that shows us that families and individuals are able to survive even the most difficult events in life.
The Smart family has a strong faith, a faith that helps them endure the longest 9 months f their lives. Typically, I don't read books that are laden with religious references because the way some of these books are written, the authors are trying to convert the reader to this particular religion. Ed and Lois Smart seemlessly weave their religious beliefs into the fabric of the book in such a way as not to sound like zealous missionaries.
I would recommend this book for anyone who needs an encouraging or inspirational book as they are dealing with life's trials and tribulations. This is a book that shows us that families and individuals are able to survive even the most difficult events in life.
February 7, 2014
After reading "My Story" by Elizabeth Smart I was curious about the parents perspective. I found this at the library. It was written just a short time after the kidnapping and had a lot of feeling in it. I thought they put the story together a bit choppy but it was interesting to read how things developed from their side. I am thankful that Elizabeth was able to come home and that she has had a happy life thus far. It is a miracle. It made my heart ache for all the children who are abused and taken from those who love them. I wish these terrible things never happened, but they do. And we grow from our trials. The Smarts were full of faith and that helped them get through it all. I think it is wonderful they are doing their best to help other families.
dnf
August 6, 2013The first 20 pages were seriously nothing but God-gushing. I'm mean, absolutely nothing but that. I've got no problem with or against any religion by I certainly didn't pick up the book wanting to know what a perfect, devout, Mormon family they were. In the opening of the book, they flat out say there won't be any details of Elizabeth Smart's kidnapping. I respect that choice of hers but it immediately lessened my desire to read the book. I wanted to learn the full family experience. So. This book just wasn't what I was expecting.
November 10, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. I cried along with them as they went through their emotional journey. I was amazed at their faith through the whole thing. I feel that Elizabeth is such a strong woman to go through all that she did and become who she is today. What an amazing book.
March 30, 2011
This book needed better editing. It was heavy on some pretty intimate stuff that I wouldn't have shared. Even though I share the Smart's faith, I felt pelted with it, and it seemed inappropriate for some reason.
July 28, 2008
This book wasn't anything other than an extended version of all the press conferences they have done. I am glad they found her, but the book seemed to have no point.
May 20, 2015
I read Elizabeth's book and it made me curious to read her family's side.
April 10, 2016
The constant PoV shifts are horribly confusing. You get shifts in PoV from the ghost writer and the parents often within one sentence. Couldn't get past the first 4 chapters
November 22, 2017
So touché!
This help me rebuild my faith and miracle do happen with faith and hope!! Thank you for share this story with me.
This help me rebuild my faith and miracle do happen with faith and hope!! Thank you for share this story with me.
December 29, 2023
Second time reading this….this time with my daughter. Definitely written for a time when we didn’t know as much. It was the parents raw take on everything they went through. With years passed and so many other detailed books available this would no longer be my go to on Elizabeth Smart but it did provide good insight into their views.
March 22, 2018
This book tells the story that other books about the same topic tell so much better. Not terrible, but check out Elizabeth’s own account.
March 13, 2009
I received this book when a friend was clearing out her bookshelves. It sat around for a long time on my to-read list. I finally got around to it. I remember when the abduction occured. Many people were shocked that someone would be so bold as to break into a home, and risk being caught, to kidnap a child. When the case was unfolding my heart was breaking for Mary Katherine. How hard that would be to see your sister being taken and feel so helpless.
The book was good. Since it was written by both Ed and Lois, It was a bit disjointed. The narrative changed back and forth and although it didn't flow smoothly, it was not difficult to follow. I very much liked the fact that I could read about both view points. Mother and Father, one in their concern for their daughter, but very different in how they perceived information and how they dealt with the situation. Rightly so. I liked the fact they shared that when one parents wavers, the other is there to "pick up the slack." What a great way to help one another and lift one another up.
I thought the book was full of hope and faith. I believe that with enough faith all things are possible, Ed and Lois Smart bring this same idea to life sharing a very personal and private time in their lives with anyone who is willing to pick up this book and read. Thanks for sharing your story with the world.
The book was good. Since it was written by both Ed and Lois, It was a bit disjointed. The narrative changed back and forth and although it didn't flow smoothly, it was not difficult to follow. I very much liked the fact that I could read about both view points. Mother and Father, one in their concern for their daughter, but very different in how they perceived information and how they dealt with the situation. Rightly so. I liked the fact they shared that when one parents wavers, the other is there to "pick up the slack." What a great way to help one another and lift one another up.
I thought the book was full of hope and faith. I believe that with enough faith all things are possible, Ed and Lois Smart bring this same idea to life sharing a very personal and private time in their lives with anyone who is willing to pick up this book and read. Thanks for sharing your story with the world.
August 2, 2013
I listened to this because Elizabeth's story is coming out and I wanted to familiarize myself with the events. I thought it was well written. Her parents are AMAZINGLY strong and put an AMAZING amount of trust in the Lord. If this were to happen to one of my children I would curl up into a ball and die..truly!! For non-LDS people their faith may seem extreme or radical, but it is the way we are taught and I know that they used that strength to help bring Elizabeth home and to be able to actually function and to not let their other kids suffer more than they already were.
Some of the details were a little drawn out like the Megan's Law stuff but I can see why they put it in there because they feel it is one of the miracles that have come from this experience. It kind of seems like a glorified sacrament meeting talk, but I did enjoy it and found myself going through the same emotions that I did when all these events actually happened. I knew they found her but was bawling when they described the reunion.
The readers voices didn't seem to match the faces of Ed and Lois Smart but they still did a good job being calm and soothing while telling this harrowing tale. I look forward to reading Elizabeth's story when it comes out.
Some of the details were a little drawn out like the Megan's Law stuff but I can see why they put it in there because they feel it is one of the miracles that have come from this experience. It kind of seems like a glorified sacrament meeting talk, but I did enjoy it and found myself going through the same emotions that I did when all these events actually happened. I knew they found her but was bawling when they described the reunion.
The readers voices didn't seem to match the faces of Ed and Lois Smart but they still did a good job being calm and soothing while telling this harrowing tale. I look forward to reading Elizabeth's story when it comes out.
February 21, 2014
After reading Elizabeth Smart's recently published My Story, I wanted to know more and found this perspective of the kidnapping from the point of view of her loving and concerned parents a good companion book. I also belong to the Mormon church but like many who live here in Utah, I was skeptical this fantastic story wasn't an "inside job" but the honesty of the writing convinced me otherwise. I'm not married and will probably never be a mother in this life but I believed the grief of Lois and Ed was real and they truly did all they could to get their daughter back.
I had an experience similar to Elizabeth's many years ago when an intruder woke me up in my off campus college apartment threatening to rape me but I screamed, woke up my roommate in the other bed and he bolted. We may never understand why Elizabeth never fought back or screamed that night but I'm glad she is currently working to raise awareness of rape, child abuse and kidnapping prevention. She is very lucky to have such a loving and supportive family. I admire that they continue to fight for victims and they have my support in the passing of HB286 here in Utah to create a prevention training program in schools to raise awareness of these issues because they affect all of us.
I had an experience similar to Elizabeth's many years ago when an intruder woke me up in my off campus college apartment threatening to rape me but I screamed, woke up my roommate in the other bed and he bolted. We may never understand why Elizabeth never fought back or screamed that night but I'm glad she is currently working to raise awareness of rape, child abuse and kidnapping prevention. She is very lucky to have such a loving and supportive family. I admire that they continue to fight for victims and they have my support in the passing of HB286 here in Utah to create a prevention training program in schools to raise awareness of these issues because they affect all of us.
July 26, 2009
I'm sure there are people who think the Smart Family were trying to make money off of what happened to their little girl by putting this book out but I thought they made it pretty clear that they felt almost an obligation to let all the people who helped them know how grateful they were. If it weren't for the media, Elizabeth wouldn't have been known around the world like she was and who knows when she would have been found. I think this book was a way of thanking those people by letting them know that Elizabeth is doing well now.
My favorite part of the book was when the mom talked about when people would tell her things like, "I know what you are going through." And how hard it was for her to listen to that. That phrase is my very biggest pet peeve! No one ever knows what someone else it going through. It demeans someone when you say that to them. It always makes me feel like that person is saying to me that it really isn't as bad as I'm making it out to be because that other person has been through it and they are fine. Ok....I'll get off my soapbox now....won't let it happen again....:) Anyways, good book.
My favorite part of the book was when the mom talked about when people would tell her things like, "I know what you are going through." And how hard it was for her to listen to that. That phrase is my very biggest pet peeve! No one ever knows what someone else it going through. It demeans someone when you say that to them. It always makes me feel like that person is saying to me that it really isn't as bad as I'm making it out to be because that other person has been through it and they are fine. Ok....I'll get off my soapbox now....won't let it happen again....:) Anyways, good book.
June 7, 2011
Lois and Ed Smart are woken up one night by their daughter Mary Katherine who tells them that a masked man has kidnapped their older daughter Elizabeth. So begins a nightmarish 9 months for the Smart family. When Elizabeth is eventually found, damaged but alive, it is as if a miracle has occurred. This book is her parents' story of their journey through this time of darkness. It is a remarkable tale of survival both in terms of her parents and Elizabeth herself. The Smarts are very devout Mormons and they do continually talk about their faith throughout the book. While this could be annoying to non-believers, its actually not. It is afterall what has carried them through this time and is to be respected. I finished this book thinking firstly, what evil there is out there (the captors of Elisabeth Fritsl and Jaycee Duggan come to mind) and how amazing that Elizabeth Smart has the strength of character to continue to strive to live a "wonderful life" (her words during her statement to her captors during their trial) despite all that she endured at the age of 14. An interesting read.
February 5, 2014
I initially picked this book because I was hoping to read the newer one, but I thought this would be a good precursor for it. Overall, I thought the book was good, and provided some interesting information about the case and what the family went through while Elizabeth was gone (this book really doesn't involve anything that happened to Elizabeth while she was gone, just what the family was going through).
I thought the stress and grief of both Ed and Lois Smart was palpable while reading the book, explaining what they went through. They were even accused because "everyone is a suspect" initially.
I was impressed with their humility after finding and having Elizabeth returned: they said they felt so blessed and that Elizabeth even said she is "the luckiest girl in the world", and Lois said she is "the luckiest mother in the world"; similarily, they "proclaimed loudly and proudly, ' God lives! He answers prayers'" (194). They even said how an atheist followed the entire case and realized there is a God who loves and looks out for everyone.
Overall good account, and I look forward to reading the new one.
I thought the stress and grief of both Ed and Lois Smart was palpable while reading the book, explaining what they went through. They were even accused because "everyone is a suspect" initially.
I was impressed with their humility after finding and having Elizabeth returned: they said they felt so blessed and that Elizabeth even said she is "the luckiest girl in the world", and Lois said she is "the luckiest mother in the world"; similarily, they "proclaimed loudly and proudly, ' God lives! He answers prayers'" (194). They even said how an atheist followed the entire case and realized there is a God who loves and looks out for everyone.
Overall good account, and I look forward to reading the new one.
April 2, 2012
Not really what I expected.
I followed this story when it was in the media... I had hoped there would be more of the story of what happened... but oh well.
First thing I will say is I am not a member of any LDS church, but I do have many relatives (my in laws) who are. I knew this family was very much into the church, so was prepared for this int he story. I did feel that this was a bit too religious. I think that it was important to this family to have the religious and spiritual background, but I think it cold have been written a bit differently and still gotten the story across without being overly religious.
I think this book will have a more limited reader list because of this.
I followed this story when it was in the media... I had hoped there would be more of the story of what happened... but oh well.
First thing I will say is I am not a member of any LDS church, but I do have many relatives (my in laws) who are. I knew this family was very much into the church, so was prepared for this int he story. I did feel that this was a bit too religious. I think that it was important to this family to have the religious and spiritual background, but I think it cold have been written a bit differently and still gotten the story across without being overly religious.
I think this book will have a more limited reader list because of this.
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