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91st out of 314 books
—
437 voters
For Laci: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Justice
by
Sharon Rocha
Laci Rocha Peterson, 8 months pregnant, was last seen by her sister, Amy, in the late afternoon of December 23, 2002. She spoke to her mother, Sharon Rocha, at 8:30 p.m. that night. This would be the last time anyone from her immediate family ever spoke to her.
A search began which lasted an agonizing four months. Sadly, Laci Peterson and her son Conner were found dead on t...more
A search began which lasted an agonizing four months. Sadly, Laci Peterson and her son Conner were found dead on t...more
Paperback, 352 pages
Published
December 5th 2006
by Three Rivers Press
(first published 2005)
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My mind is still in the story, so well told by Laci Peterson's Mother. No doubt most of us will remember this horrific event, how Laci, then 8 months pregnant had disappeared on Christmas Eve,how the town and outlaying areas, became involved in searching for her.
Her husband Scott Peterson had created some b.s. story as to when he last saw her, and the lies kept on building up.
Sharon being Laci's Mother records every detail from December 24th on, how the Rocha family was supportive of Scott, and...more
Her husband Scott Peterson had created some b.s. story as to when he last saw her, and the lies kept on building up.
Sharon being Laci's Mother records every detail from December 24th on, how the Rocha family was supportive of Scott, and...more
Sep 18, 2009
Emily
is currently reading it
I'm right at the end of this book now and have had a hard time putting it down. I'll admit, the first half was a little slow. Sharon (Laci's Mom) described Laci's life in detail, which of course I totally respect. She needed to do it. But it gets REALLY interesting when Laci disappears. At some point in the book, some of the phone calls that police recorded between Laci's Mom and Scott were transcribed. I do think Laci's Mom read into them a little much, but there is some validity to how she int...more
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A deeply moving book. Many different emotions were felt while reading this book; from sadness, to anger, to extreme bewilderment of how someone could have done something so horrific.
From the moment I began to read, I just couldn't put it down. From the moment I heard about Laci going missing and following the story as closely as I could, while I prayed for the best possible outcome, I felt drawn to this story. I felt connected to Laci. I imagine a lot of young women felt this way.
For me, it is...more
From the moment I began to read, I just couldn't put it down. From the moment I heard about Laci going missing and following the story as closely as I could, while I prayed for the best possible outcome, I felt drawn to this story. I felt connected to Laci. I imagine a lot of young women felt this way.
For me, it is...more
Feb 18, 2013
Kimberly Rahi
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Biography or crime lovers
Recommended to Kimberly by:
My own interest
Wow! What a story. I never read much about the Laci Peterson case. It took place when I was fresh out of high school in 2002. I wish now that I had followed it closer. Laci was a beautiful, gifted woman who died needlessly and far too young. With her, she lost her unborn child. Conor (Laci planned to name her baby) never was given the chance to even take a breath upon this earth.
Like most books, I never planned to read this novel. I came across it at my local library book sale. It was in a bo...more
Like most books, I never planned to read this novel. I came across it at my local library book sale. It was in a bo...more
Even if proceeds from this book weren't going to charity (and they are), this book would be worth the read not only because it's very well written but it provides one of the, if not the only, insider account of the Laci Peterson disappearance. Far from being just a missing person, and then a homicide victim, Laci Rocha Peterson comes alive in the pages of her mother's book, from the personal family photos, to Laci's pregnancy journal entries, to Sharon's emotional turmoil at losing her only daug...more
I was reading this book and I loved it! I am the kind of person that I have to read books that are true. If I don't read a book that is true then I will just put it down. This book I could not put it down.
This book is about a girl that went off to college and her mom was scared that she was going to met a guy and quit school just so she could be with him. But she did meet a guy that she loved very much and she kept going to school. Her mom came to see her and she met Scott. Laci's mom said he wa...more
This book is about a girl that went off to college and her mom was scared that she was going to met a guy and quit school just so she could be with him. But she did meet a guy that she loved very much and she kept going to school. Her mom came to see her and she met Scott. Laci's mom said he wa...more
I had to read this book because I followed the case closely from day one. I have read other books based on Scott Petersen and the murders. This is Mrs. Rocha's (Laci's mother's )version of what happened to Laci and all the drama surrounding her then son-in-law.
While reading this book, I could not help but feel connected in some way to Mrs. Rocha. When Mrs. Rocha cried, I cried, when she was angry, I was angry, when she mourned, so did I! She wrote this from her heart and soul. The book is one-s...more
While reading this book, I could not help but feel connected in some way to Mrs. Rocha. When Mrs. Rocha cried, I cried, when she was angry, I was angry, when she mourned, so did I! She wrote this from her heart and soul. The book is one-s...more
2 likes · like · see review
Aug 23, 2010
Jeannie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
everyone interested in the Scott Peterson story
Wow! I grew up in Modesto and my uncle cleaned the chimney of Laci Peterson, just 2 months before her murder, so there is a special interest in these stories when they feel closer to home.
I think Sharon did a beautiful job of telling about the special person that Laci was. I feel for her family. I did feel at times that Sharon spent too much time being depressed, but what mother wouldn't. I would think that her family/friends would have suggested immediate counseling. I hope that in writing the...more
I think Sharon did a beautiful job of telling about the special person that Laci was. I feel for her family. I did feel at times that Sharon spent too much time being depressed, but what mother wouldn't. I would think that her family/friends would have suggested immediate counseling. I hope that in writing the...more
If you want to refrain from a good nights sleep for a little while this book is right for you. I couldn't put this book down even though I knew the unfortunate ending. It was like being unable to look away from a terrible accident & the result was me reading until 3 am on a weeknight. Sharon Rocha, Laci's mother, takes us on her heartwrenching journey of the day Laci went missing to Scott's sentencing. What grabs you is she is one of us. Just a regular person that went through hell & you...more
A beautiful touching tribute to her murdered daughter Laci, Sharon Rocha lived through every mother's worst nightmare. Written without gore or details of the murder itself, but rather a clear and concise sharing of information and openness for us as readers to see and enjoy Laci as her family had for twenty-seven-years.
Laci Peterson was a vivacious, upbeat, happy girl who had a smile that the whole world will never forget. On Christmas Eve, 2002 Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, received a phone call...more
Laci Peterson was a vivacious, upbeat, happy girl who had a smile that the whole world will never forget. On Christmas Eve, 2002 Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, received a phone call...more
Laci Peterson… Who has not heard this story and in some way been touched by it? I have been haunted by this story since it first hit media outlets during that Christmas season just a few years ago. I have never been able to understand why a husband would take his pregnant wife’s life in such a violent, senseless manner and then dump her body into the water is if she did not matter. I mean who does that? Laci, was young, beautiful, and vibrant, excitedly awaiting the birth of her first child, a l...more
Loved it! After the harrowing times that her family went through, it's amazing that they're as strong as they are now. It was a wonderful tribute to a lovely young woman.
very well done- you are taken on the whole journey from start to finish with Sharon Rocha and it is really interesting how everything plays out, especially to see how Scott Peterson acted during the whole process. A lot of detail is given about each conversation, each feeling, each new discovery in the case.
I am intrigued and want to read more books about this case- the one thing where Sharon did not go into detail was the forensics and other evidence brought during the trial- she didn't even co...more
I am intrigued and want to read more books about this case- the one thing where Sharon did not go into detail was the forensics and other evidence brought during the trial- she didn't even co...more
1 like · like · see review
One of the best, in-depth and heartfelt books I've ever encountered. I listened to the Audio CD for this as well. It was well organized, and you could really feel what Sharon Rocha was feeling about her daughter. It also was peppered with spiritual contemplation....Sharon wondering if she picked up any clues about Scott's future crime. I also liked the part about Laci's love for lady bugs and how they kept showing up in unusual numbers on the day the trial verdict was read. My deepest sympathies...more
I thought this book was well written, penned by the mother of a daughter who was killed in such a horrible way by her husband and he was very close to the family. The resulting events with the husband's (Scott Peterson) parents, post murder, and how the parents antics are described in this book ,with such control by the author, is amazing. I'm just glad that it was put out there in writing for all to see. It comes across as a very accurate account, not sensationalized at all. So glad that Scott...more
Sharon Rocha, the mother of Laci Peterson, wrote this wrenchingly heart-felt book about the love she has for her daughter and the pain of losing her. We've all seen pictures of the sweet girl with the beautiful smile, but here Sharon shares Laci's spirit with those of us who have gotten to know her a little bit through the media.
The fact that Scott's actions before/during/after the murder were reprehensible is an understatement, but the behavior of his parents towards Laci's family is (almost)...more
The fact that Scott's actions before/during/after the murder were reprehensible is an understatement, but the behavior of his parents towards Laci's family is (almost)...more
Mar 01, 2011
Sandy
added it
This was the story of Laci Rocha Peterson written by her mother, Sharon Rocha. Laci was 7 1/2 months pregnant with her son, Connor, when they were murdered by Laci's husband Scott Peterson. It is a heartbreaking tale of the years between Laci's death and Scott finally being sent to prison. Sharon was inspired to write the book by a desire to help others who find themselves in the same situation; to detail how the love of family, friends, and community helped her survive the ordeal, and to convey...more
I loved this book. I feel terrible saying this considering the unbelievable anguish this woman went through losing her daughter and unborn grandson. It amazes me that she was able to share her personal and heartbreaking story with everyone. I remember when Laci first went missing and immediately thought her husband was guilty of doing something to her. The way he acted in this book just confirms, at least to me, that he was 100% guilty for murdering his beautiful wife and their innocent baby boy...more
I watched Laci's pretty face flash on TV with a "missing pregnant woman" caption as I lay in my hospital bed holding my newborn daughter in December 2002. It's a moving story, especially from my frame of reference.
Sharon's stories made Laci more human, and Scott Peterson even less-so. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the SOB is guilty.
While Sharon's pictures aren't entirely complete, I understand and respect her reluctance to fully satisfy the public's appetite.
What a waste of so man...more
Sharon's stories made Laci more human, and Scott Peterson even less-so. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the SOB is guilty.
While Sharon's pictures aren't entirely complete, I understand and respect her reluctance to fully satisfy the public's appetite.
What a waste of so man...more
Jun 23, 2009
Eva Leger
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
women
Recommended to Eva by:
followed Laci's story on the news and was interested
Shelves:
autos-bios-memoirs,
b-non-fiction
I read this not too long after it came out and was mesmerized by this womans strength. I had no problem spending my money on this since the money was going to charity and I ended up reading a fantastic book.
I later shared this with numerous people because I liked it so much. Anyone who likes memoirs, most mothers out there, anyone who followed what happened to Laci closely, will probably get a lot from this book.
I'm glad Sharon wrote it- Laci would have wanted her to I'm sure.
Don't miss it- i...more
I later shared this with numerous people because I liked it so much. Anyone who likes memoirs, most mothers out there, anyone who followed what happened to Laci closely, will probably get a lot from this book.
I'm glad Sharon wrote it- Laci would have wanted her to I'm sure.
Don't miss it- i...more
Aug 13, 2012
Daisy*•.♥.•*
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
memoir-biography,
true-crime
This was one of the most touching stories I have ever read. Sharon is very honest in her writing. There are really no words to express how devestatingly sad this book was to read. It was truly gut- wrentching. What the Rocha family endured was very devestating. I have read numerous books on the Laci Peterson case and by far this one was the saddest of all. The story was told like only Laci's mother could tell it.
One of the things that I read in this book that surprised me was how Scotts' parent...more
One of the things that I read in this book that surprised me was how Scotts' parent...more
I started this book today and then realized I had already read it! I don't know why I didn't remember that, I read all the books about Laci when they came out. I was very disturbed by her disappearance and the events that followed. Living so close to where her whole family lives reminds me often of their loss. I've cried so often for Laci and her son, I didn't know them, I can't imagine the pain her friends and family feel. I decided to keep reading even though I could probably retell the course...more
This is the story of a mother's loss, of unspeakable pain and the phone call that changed her life forever.
When the highly publicized event of seven month pregnant Laci Peterson's Christmas Eve disappearance hit the media, attention was riveted on this tragic event. As the story unfolded, Laci's husband became the prime suspect.
In painful, raw emotion, Sharon Rocha documents her initial reactions and then takes us through the trail and conviction of her son in law.
This is a sad and compelling bo...more
When the highly publicized event of seven month pregnant Laci Peterson's Christmas Eve disappearance hit the media, attention was riveted on this tragic event. As the story unfolded, Laci's husband became the prime suspect.
In painful, raw emotion, Sharon Rocha documents her initial reactions and then takes us through the trail and conviction of her son in law.
This is a sad and compelling bo...more
Oct 28, 2007
Dayna
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
only people very interested in the Laci Peterson case
In short: This book finally gave me peace about Laci's murder.
Sharon talks about Laci's childhood and her relationships up until her death. Sharon's love for Laci is so strong that you hurt *with her* as she tells about how much she loved Scott...and her mother's intuition about Scott's strange behavior in the hours and days following her dissapearance.
Although Sharon insists that Laci told her everything and that they were as close as could be, there are undisputed things that Laci did not sh...more
Sharon talks about Laci's childhood and her relationships up until her death. Sharon's love for Laci is so strong that you hurt *with her* as she tells about how much she loved Scott...and her mother's intuition about Scott's strange behavior in the hours and days following her dissapearance.
Although Sharon insists that Laci told her everything and that they were as close as could be, there are undisputed things that Laci did not sh...more
A heart breaking story from a mother's perspective about a great loss at the hands of the one person who should have been the protector of his family. But at the same time, it is a heart warming story of a mother's love. It was so well written and descriptive that I felt everything she felt and went through what she did. The worst thing that no one should ever have to endure, and survive, as a parent. I mourned with her at the time it was unfolding in the media and while reading the book.
For Laci was an amazing book. I followed the Laci Peterson Trial, mostly because I was pregnant around the same time she was. (My original due date was exactly one month before hers). It was heartbreaking, but in Sharon Rocha's memoir, I was able to see Laci just as her mother saw her. Rocha shows the reader that her daughter was not just some face on a missing person's poster, but a real live human being with feelings and first loves and a heart of gold. This is a winner in my book.
Sharon Rocha writes about her daughter, Laci Peterson, who was murdered by her husband, Scott, when she was seven months pregnant. It's a heartbreaking story and it's obvious as you read the book that Sharon had a close-knit relationship with her daughter Laci. Despite her ordeal, Sharon went on to help pass a law that makes it a crime to harm a fetus during an attack on a pregnant woman. I'm glad that something positive came out of all of it.
God Bless you,Sharon Rocha. I will not even attempt to understand the devastation and loss of faith that you were forced to experiance. I will tell you that I am touched by your compassion and your restraint. You can tell when you wrote this book that it was written for Laci and Connor.I want to Thank You for writing with your heart and sharing it with all of us that were not able to meet Laci for ourselves.
May god bless and keep your family.
May god bless and keep your family.
This was the first book that I read about this case, I followed it back when it was happening and I was so thrilled with the death penalty sentence that was thrown at Scott, He is a horrible person. Seeing all of this happen through Laci's mother's world put a whole new spin on things for me. I felt her pain and this book stayed with me for a long time. My heart still breaks for this family even after all these years. Great book, tragic story.
I was not sure if I would like this book. I did not want to contribute to the sensationalism of the case but I had a feeling that it would be a good book since it was coming from the mother's side of the story. I was not disappointed. I learned more about the case and it helped me understand more of the facts...not just what the media reported. It was a touching story and I am glad I took the time to read this book.
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