Freedom: My Book of Firsts

Reading this book was a roller coaster experience for me. At times, I joyfully celebrated her freedom with her, the reunion wiith her family, her delightful new experiences. It's an upbeat book, but a few times when she briefly mentioned necessary and painful therapy sessions, I felt furious with Phillip Garrido. Then I joyfully celebrated another one of her first experiences with her.Imagine being kidnapped as a a child and then rescued 18 years later. The prison door opens, and you walk out into your new found freedom. Jaycee takes us on this journey with her as she shares her first experiences, the challenges, fears and thrills. Along the way, she inspires us.

My admiration for anyone who triumphs over hardships is tenfold. In Ms. Dugard's circumstances, it goes much higher. She amazed me in her first book, and I enjoyed following her through first adventures and experiences after having lived in horrible conditions for eighteen years. Her spirit and love for life are infectious. Jaycee has a wonderful sense of humor and a beautiful way in how she goes about living her life. Her family and friends' support is golden. I so feel for her mother and what she must have gone through all those years. I also learned that the term Stockholm Syndrome should be banned from our vocabulary and psychology textbooks. Jaycee is a survivor and did what she must in order to survive the long duration of captivity she had to endure at the hands of a crazed couple.

This is Jaycee Dugard's second book. I was inspired to read it after seeing her interview and seeing her laugh and smile and realizing what an amazing person she is. Jaycee has written the book by herself so it's not a literary masterpiece but it tells her story of recovery after 18 years of captivity in a personal way that made me celebrate every first she has made. She and her family had such a huge recovery to make when she was freed. Little things, like cooking meals, going to a grocery store and even taking a walk by herself were all firsts to her. I respect how open she is about her own experiences while protecting her daughters' privacy. I remember those posters that went up when she was abducted so I love reading that not only is she back but she is going to enjoy her life.

I enjoyed the update on her life and found her many achievements & experiences of the last 7ish years immensely satisfying. Jaycee today truly reflects the efforts of those closest to her who have assisted in her transformation to the confident, intelligent, self-aware & inspiring woman she has become. Thankfully the right people/professionals most able to help her move through & process the trauma of 18 yrs in captivity & 2 kids by a sex-offender, child rapist, got to her early after her release & are still with her today (as friends, colleagues & mentors). Jaycee makes it quite clear that they're approach to her healing were the difference in allowing her to become the person she is today. I would recommend this book to anyone genuinely interested in Jaycee's story & experiences post the initial shock of being discovered & her continuing development as an individual. It allowed me some closure in many respects as I feel now she can just get on with the next stage of her life (as an individual), her professional life with her foundation & as an author & reaching that point where she's been free longer than the time she was kept against her will. I can imagine her even becoming a grandmother at some stage in the (no too distant) future! Buy the book & be happy for her. What a remarkable woman!

Was nice to read a follow up story. You always hear of the Kidnap and escape. But never hear how they do after being free. Seems like she surrounded herself and kids with the right people. I have read a story of a Austrian girl who life was treated very different. Years of testifying in court and people in the Press making up stories. Even while in captive they accused her Mom of killing her and was hounded for 7 years till she escaped.

Jaycee I want to say you inspire me . I have read both your books . We don't always get kidnapped but sometimes we are prisoners of our own family . My wonderful loving best friend and husband has been wanting me to tell my story for years . Because of you I may . In your book you say people mistake you for the other girls that was taken . I feel connected to you we are the almost same age both Taurus love purple and animals. And been threw hell. I wish I could talk to you . Awesome read !!!!

Much like her first book about her story, this book has brought so much growth to my own journey.This book is a constant reminder of how strong we can be despite the horrible things we may encounter in life..So much love and gratitude to Ms Dugard for sharing even these struggles. I'm sure like others going through there own it will help them in so many ways as it has done for me.

I read the first book, and I cried and prayed for Jaycee - so I was glad to see a second book - and even though I can't even imagine the terror she suffered - and admire her strength - this second book - I had a hard time trying to finish it - it just did not hold my attention- but I am glad I purchased it - and wish her a continued road to recovery.

There was real impact from the first book she wrote about her abduction and captivity, really moving. This book is utterly mundane, I tried to like it because of what she has been through, I gave it 3 stars, that's being very generous. She doesn't think its a good idea to express anger about being raped etc, but she gets furious when the vet has to put one of her cats down, anger coming out sideways. all in all its not much of a read.

I'm so happy for Jaycee and proud of what she has overcome. She's so right about her love for animals. They get you through the toughest times.

Truely beautiful and inspiring she makes me laugh she makes me cry, feel strong and never feel like a victim she makes me want to be a better person and this book helps me to see how i can be Jaycee Dugard thankyou

very inspiring. makes me to face adversity head on.

Fantastic book great read