Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “One Day Closer: A Mother's Quest to Bring Her Kidnapped Daughter Home” as Want to Read:
One Day Closer: A Mother's Quest to Bring Her Kidnapped Daughter Home
by
On the day my daughter Amanda Lindhout was kidnapped in Somalia, my life changed forever. This is the story of how, for 460 days, I fought to save her and bring her home.
“This book is impossible to put down. As inspiring as it is bone-chilling, this is an incredible story of hope and joy, grit and gumption by a determined mother who will stop at nothing to save her d ...more
“This book is impossible to put down. As inspiring as it is bone-chilling, this is an incredible story of hope and joy, grit and gumption by a determined mother who will stop at nothing to save her d ...more
Hardcover, 288 pages
Published
October 17th 2017
by Simon & Schuster Canada
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
One Day Closer,
please sign up.
Be the first to ask a question about One Day Closer
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of One Day Closer: A Mother's Quest to Bring Her Kidnapped Daughter Home

Even though I know the whole story already, I couldn’t put the book down. I had read Amanda’s memoir, A House in The Sky, earlier in the year and Nigel’s, The Price of Life, and I still can’t believe the horrors everyone experienced. I found his memoir easier to understand and follow than The Price of Life. The story is beautifully written with details of the kidnapping, Lorinda’s past and uplifting messages of love. Must read for sure.

I really enjoyed this book, but know that it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. One Day Closer is the story of Amanda Lindhout's kidnapping in Somalia from her mom's point of view, and her role in getting Amanda freed. I'd read Amanda's book maybe last year or earlier, and so was curious to read her mom's book. I found it so interesting to read about how she was trained as a negotiator and was amazed at the extent to which she was actively involved in the negotiations. She did so much! It was am
...more

I've never read A HOUSE IN THE SKY, Amanda Lindhout's memoir of being kidnapped in Somalia, but many people have told me over the years that it's one of the most powerful books they've ever read. Now her mother, Lorinda Stewart, has published her account of being the chief negotiator for her daughter's release, and I found the book incredibly moving. Even without a great deal of knowledge about what Amanda went through, Lorinda's experience is incredibly moving; you're with her as she franticall
...more

This book exceeded my expectations. It was chosen as a book group read and I wasn't sure but read it in 3 days. It is very well written and the author does a good job of communicating her emotions of being the mother of a daughter kidnapped and held in Somalia for 460 days. You get a very good idea of what it was like including what it took to get her daughter back. I really recommend this book.
...more

I enjoyed this book. I read Amanda Lindhout’s “A House in the Sky” years ago, and remember being thoroughly engrossed in her story, and not being able to put it down. I didn’t have the exact experience reading Lorinda’s story, but it was so very interesting to learn of the other story - her arduous journey working to free Amanda. A story of dedication, persistence and love. I am awed by the courage and strength of both of these incredible women.

One Day Closer is the account of Lorinda Stewart to get her daughter Amanda Lindhout home after she was abducted by Somali kidnappers. I read Sara Corbett’s account of Amanda’s story which is an honest telling of a women who willfully put herself and others in harm’s way without regard for consequences. Did she ever earn a living as a journalist? She called herself one and then she went to a place where she thought there would be no competition for stories (deemed too dangerous and unstable by e
...more

I read A House in the Sky a couple of years ago and enjoyed it immensely. It frightened the daylights out of me.
One Day Closer is the mother's point of view of what happened during the time her daughter Amanda Lindquist was held captive in Somalia for 460 days. I am really glad that the mom documented her experience as negotiator for daughter, because a normal person has no clue what goes on in a terrible situation like this. It was a real eye opener.
I found the first 150 pages a bit of a strug ...more
One Day Closer is the mother's point of view of what happened during the time her daughter Amanda Lindquist was held captive in Somalia for 460 days. I am really glad that the mom documented her experience as negotiator for daughter, because a normal person has no clue what goes on in a terrible situation like this. It was a real eye opener.
I found the first 150 pages a bit of a strug ...more

Lorinda Stewart is the mother of Amanda Lindhout, the Canadian journalist who was kidnapped and held hostage by a group of Somalians for over a year. Stewart worked with Canadian government officials, the RCMP... and she herself was placed into the role of negotiator throughout the ordeal.
Stewart provides a detailed account of her fears, her rage and her tireless efforts to bring her daughter home. Working alongside RCMP officials she came to realize she is stronger and more determined than she ...more
Stewart provides a detailed account of her fears, her rage and her tireless efforts to bring her daughter home. Working alongside RCMP officials she came to realize she is stronger and more determined than she ...more

The only thing that would make this book better would be if it were merged with Amanda’s so that we could follow both sides of the story as they are happening. It has been a few years since I read “A House In The Sky” so my memory failed me a few times.
I also read Amanda’s book when I was pregnant with my first son, therefore not yet a mother myself. While I could then try to imagine the family’s heart break, the feeling that I felt reading Lorinda’s account (now as a mother myself) was incompa ...more
I also read Amanda’s book when I was pregnant with my first son, therefore not yet a mother myself. While I could then try to imagine the family’s heart break, the feeling that I felt reading Lorinda’s account (now as a mother myself) was incompa ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

I can understand the trauma the families went through but struggle to have sympathy at times. Even knowing how dangerous Somalia was, Amanda still traveled to the country to try and start a career as a journalist. Somalia is a country that barely has a government and one that doesn’t have many laws. Nobody deserves to be kidnapped or hurt but that's the possibility when you travel to dangerous countries especially where women are not treated as equal. Amanda loved to travel and was even kidnappe
...more

This week I read #onedaycloser by #lorindastweart whose daughter Amanda was a Canadian journalist kidnapped in Somalia.
I really felt connected with this book as Amanda lived in Calgary and Canmore so the the recount felt real. Despite not being a mother, I found I could really connect with Lorinda’s experience through her writing and felt empathy for her as a mother whose daughter was in danger.
Coolest part of this book? After Amanda is released by the kidnappers who were holding her hostage she ...more
I really felt connected with this book as Amanda lived in Calgary and Canmore so the the recount felt real. Despite not being a mother, I found I could really connect with Lorinda’s experience through her writing and felt empathy for her as a mother whose daughter was in danger.
Coolest part of this book? After Amanda is released by the kidnappers who were holding her hostage she ...more

This is an INCREDIBLE true story about a mother's love and commitment to rescuing her daughter from a kidnapping. So well written and inspiring. I highly recommend you read her daughter's book first "A House in the Sky"- a very well written story about the perseverance of the human spirit and immense courage. By reading Amanda's book first, I had some insight into the main players in her kidnapping and geographical references as well as timeline. Both books are incredibly suspenseful and emotion
...more

This book is an amazing story about the lengths that a mother will go to, to care for her daughter. It was such a page turner right from the beginning. Lorinda Stewart is a fantastic writer and kept my interest from the very first page. As soon as I was done the book, I wanted to go back to page 1 and read it again. The emotions that were felt throughout this ordeal were expressed so graciously and honestly and I really felt like I got to know Amanda and Lorinda personally by reading their story
...more

Having just finished Amanda's book, I was curious to read about the kidnapping from her mother's perspective. Wow, I can only begin to imagine what Lorinda went through, trying to negotiate for her daughter's life, the stresses and strains as each hope fails, the keeping secrets and avoiding the media so the kidnappers wouldn't think they were a rich family and demand a higher ransom.
I can't help feeling that both Lorinda and Amanda were let down by the Canadian Government once they went as far ...more
I can't help feeling that both Lorinda and Amanda were let down by the Canadian Government once they went as far ...more

If you have not yet picked up Lorinda Stewart’s book “One Day Closer”, please do!
When I started it, I could not put it down, even though I was familiar with the event and I knew the outcome, it was a riveting description of the lengths to which this amazing mother went to in order to safely bring her daughter home from captivity in Somalia. Lorinda you are one of the most amazingly strong women We have ever had the privilege of meeting. You are a true inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing ...more
When I started it, I could not put it down, even though I was familiar with the event and I knew the outcome, it was a riveting description of the lengths to which this amazing mother went to in order to safely bring her daughter home from captivity in Somalia. Lorinda you are one of the most amazingly strong women We have ever had the privilege of meeting. You are a true inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing ...more

Excellent!!!! Having read Amanda Lindhout's account (House in the Sky) of her experience as a hostage for 460 days in Somalia, it was very interesting to read her Mother's recollection of this traumatic event for her perspective. I could barely put the book down. It is not only well written, but the author's sincerity, love, compassion and honesty shines through every page. Both stories are of very strong, courageous women who have suffered, survived and now share a message of love, forgiveness
...more

This excellent companion memoir to A House in the Sky is well-worth reading.
As awful as Amanda Lindhout's experience clearly was, her mother's story is just as compelling and heart-wrenching. I was especially horrified to read about how terribly the Canadian government handled the situation - through shuffling Stewart's support network for seemingly no reason and eventually shutting it down over cost concerns to outright lying to Amanda's parents and arguably putting her life at risk.
Worth pick ...more
As awful as Amanda Lindhout's experience clearly was, her mother's story is just as compelling and heart-wrenching. I was especially horrified to read about how terribly the Canadian government handled the situation - through shuffling Stewart's support network for seemingly no reason and eventually shutting it down over cost concerns to outright lying to Amanda's parents and arguably putting her life at risk.
Worth pick ...more

This was a heart-wrenching, incredible true story written by a strong and amazingly courageous woman! I could not put it down. Lorinda writes from the heart not only of her horrendous experience in negotiating with kidnappers for her daughter's life and freedom, but also of her relationships with her family and friends. She is articulate, honest, forgiving and extremely insightful! I highly recommend this book!
...more

First off my favorite book is A house in the Sky so I knew that I had to read this book.
I really liked seeing how everything was from the mothers perspective. A mothers love is so precious and even though I knew what happened with the original story I still found myself counting down the days. The mother stopped at nothing until her daughter was home even when others seemed to give up on her. Highly recommend!!
I really liked seeing how everything was from the mothers perspective. A mothers love is so precious and even though I knew what happened with the original story I still found myself counting down the days. The mother stopped at nothing until her daughter was home even when others seemed to give up on her. Highly recommend!!

When I read Amanda’s book I couldn’t stop thinking about it so I had to read her mom’s. She went through emotional turmoil and I found the story heart wrenching. I understand why the government can’t pay ransoms but it was frustrating to read about them more or less abandoning this family when they didn’t make progress and Lorinda’s disappointment upon realizing what more she could have done had she not put complete faith into the Canadian government. Overall, an incredibly inspiring story

I found the first 150 pages a struggle to get through, but I found the remainder of the book a page turner. I thought Lorinda did a good job presenting an objective view of her past, and how she handled the situation. The epilogue was quite "real" and honest. An incredible story and a painful journey for a family to go through.
...more

Just amazing. The patience, love and persistence this mother had...wow, we should all be so lucky in the mother department! I loved this author's daughter's book (A House in the Sky)...one of my favourites actually, so it was incredible to read her mother's experience of the same account. Incredible.
...more

A few years ago, I met Amanda at a book signing for Housed in the Sky and was stunned to hear of her ordeal in captivity and how even afterward, she approached the world with forgiveness. It was very interesting to read her mother's book and learn what families of kidnapping victims go through. I am amazed by the strength of these 2 women. Excellent read, highly recommend.
...more

A touching real-life recount of a mother's love and the steps she will go to to ensure the safe return of her daughter. This book is a great choice for anyone who lives Amanda Lindhout's A House In the Sky. Highly recommended.
...more

One Day Closer was part of Simon and Schuster’s giveaway and was of interest to me after reading A House in the Sky. The book was absorbing even knowing the outcome and it provided details that complemented A House in the Sky rather than providing a similar perspective. The chapter on healing had lessons that could be helpful to many of us. I appreciated Lorinda Stewart’s candour when she wrote about her life, family and friends, and recommend reading the book.

This book completed the trilogy of Amanda and Nigel's books. Written by Amanda's mother I wasn't sure what to expect or if I'd learn anything new. I did. The power of a mother's love and the weakness of governments once the glitter of a story turns dull.
...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Related Articles
Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” So, this January, as we celebrate Martin Luther King...
62 likes · 17 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »