The book A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard captures the theme of stolen innocence. The book reveals many events in which Jaycee was kidnapped, raped, and got pregnant with her kidnapper’s children. Before the kidnapping, Jaycee was a young eleven year old girl, who had never even shaved her legs. Her innocence was about as pure as it could be. Jaycee was tased when she was kidnapped, and was kept captive for over twenty years, afraid of calling for help, in fear for her life.

The taser represents Jaycee’s innocence because as soon as she was tased, her life changed completely and her innocence was bound to be lost. She was exposed to many strange things in these years, and her innocence was completely stolen by her kidnapper. She was forced to look at body parts she had never seen, she was left feeling uncomfortable more than ever before, her virginity was taken, and she became a young mother. All of these are natural things in life; however, Jaycee did not get to experience them the natural way.

Force was a great deal in Jaycee’s life. She had no control of her being tased, kidnapped, or the things that happened to her while being held captive. If she didn’t do what she was told, her life was at stake. She was forced into many things, she felt lost and just wanted to go home but couldn’t. She had no idea where she was or how far away from home she was.

Jaycee’s children didn’t know the detailed situation of their mother and father. Jaycee and the children were rarely taken into public, and they felt very isolated. The children grew up in this environment, and knew no differently but Jaycee remembered what life was like before.

Throughout the book, you get the feel for all of Jaycee’s emotions through the years as she takes you through her tragic journey. From her being kidnapped at eleven years old, to being found many years later, the book is a journey in itself.

I would give this book five stars. It is very touching and moving, and it makes you aware of things that go on in our world. I would recommend this book to young adults and adults interested in Jaycee’s story. It is a little scary at times, very intense, interesting, sad, upsetting, and heartbreaking but it is well worth the read.