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If nothing else, this book definitely shows the power of hope, gratitude, and the healing power of animals.

In her own words, Jaycee Dugard recounts her life, her abduction, her abuse, and her eventual freedom from the prison of a disgusting backyard and her own fears of the world beyond it.

I read this in one sitting and was fairly enthralled throughout. Dugard has a very distinct way of writing. Very stream of consciousness, almost rambling in some ways...and almost poetic and yet cuttingly concise in others, Dugard detailed her thoughts and emotions in a way that, although unpolished and sometimes childlike, painted a very clear emotional picture of her 18 years in captivity.

In spite of her horrific circumstances, I was overcome with wonder at her joy and gratitude whenever she talked about animals. Through the years in captivity, she was sometimes allowed to keep pets, sometimes for mere weeks, other times for years; but it warmed my heart that she was able to find comfort in the warm and unconditional love of furry and feathered friends. As a huge animal lover, I found solace knowing that she at least had that at times and, of course later, her daughters.

I don't know if I would be able to go through what Dugard went through and come out as grateful and hopeful and positive as Dugard seems to be. I don't know how I would react to being in her shoes. I hope I never find out. But either way, I am glad she and her daughters are free. And I hope her captors rot in prison. And that no one gives them a cat.