My FIRST read of 2014! 
 Wow. I'm not even sure how a person goes about reviewing such a heartfelt memoir objectively, especially one that displays as much strength, courage, and faith as Elizabeth Smart does in her autobiography, My Story -- a book that should definitely be on reading lists EVERYWHERE. Although I thought I knew 'enough' about the story of Elizabeth's kidnapping and abuse, I was really surprised by the intensity of detail that Smart described -- from the moment that she was taken, to the horrific patterns of rape, starvation, and emotional manipulations, to the heartbreaking dispair of seemingly utter helplessness -- up to the total faith that Smart managed to display even in her darkest of days in the midst of her nine month nightmare. 
 I think what is most inspiring and memorable about MY STORY, though, is the optimism, hope, and peace that Elizabeth Smart was able to convey, even in moments when she was sure her body was ready to collapse from thirst, starvation, and abuse. She mentions that of all of the many months of her life, nine were horrific, which leaves the vast majority of her life as beautiful, wonderful, and worthy of utmost praise. She expressed gratitude for what many might see as the smallest of blessings throughout her plight, and she always kept the faithful certainty that God would ultimately deliver protect her and deliver her from this evil in the end. 
 I wasn't at all expecting to love this book as much as I did, but I am entirely impressed that a story so horrific with a villain so monstrous could ultimately end up as a story of graciousness, hope, and love. For this reason, I definitely recommend MY STORY to anyone who loves reading -- or who just loves life in general. 
 Five stars, without a doubt.