Found: Triumph Over Fear With Grace and Gratitude: The Michelle Corrao Story

by Michelle Corrao, Emily Sutherland (Primary Contributor)

She never aspired to be the subject of the Top Story on the evening news, but Michelle Corrao’s abduction was the final crime in a string of assaults on women in Central Indiana in 1996. A confident, professional woman, violently assaulted and hidden in the trunk of her own car, Michelle was found by an off-duty police officer and given a second chance at life. More than twenty years after the assault, she shares her story within Found , a gripping autobiography detailing her unexpected journey from the worst moments of her life to moments when she truly believed life couldn’t get any better. Throughout Found , Michelle vulnerably documents her story as a source of hope for other survivors and their families, and as a compelling resource for anyone who longs to live more trauma informed. Her compassion, gratitude, and empathy light the way for all who want to make the world a safer, kinder place.

Genres: Nonfiction

178 pages, Paperback

Published February 9, 2021

Reviews

[Laurie Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling True Story

With heart-wrenching honesty, Michelle Corrao describes how her life changed forever on September 12, 1996, the night three strangers abducted her from the front steps of her new home, brutally assaulted her, and locked her in the trunk of her car. As she prayed fervently for her life, Fort Wayne Detective Arthur Billingsley, who had just finished his shift and driven home, very clearly heard God telling him to start his unmarked police car and drive around a little bit. And that is how he found and rescued Michelle.

Michelle takes readers through the aftermath and the fight for justice and on her emotional journey from victim to survivor and beyond. When he received the 1949 Nobel Prize in Literature, William Faulkner said, “I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.” Michelle Corrao has not merely endured; she has prevailed. Her legacy includes the national Special Courage Award presented to her during the 2007 National Crime Victims’ Rights week by the Attorney General and Office for Victims of Crime.

Michelle’s voice is inexhaustible, her spirit compassionate beyond measure. Found is her inspirational story of hope, healing and friendship.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. She survived a brutal rape by multiple assailants and was left for dead in the trunk of her car and later rescued by divine intervention by a police officer who was randomly checking in on the area where she was found.

Michelle shares how trauma has a way of reopening old wounds and survivors don’t always find comfort in the people and things they (or others) expect them to. She shares that grief and healing don’t always follow a linear or reasonable timeline.

Michelle found meaning and purpose, in spite of what happened to her. She has used her voice to be a tireless advocate for others impacted by sexual violence.

This book is a must read for anyone who works with people who have been impacted by sexual assault or are themselves survivors trying to navigate through their pain.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true story about overcoming the most horrible circumstances with faith and love. An absolute must read for anyone who has personally been through this, or knows someone who has. Couldn't put it down. This book gives hope to all those who suffer despair in terrible circumstances, and lets them know life is more than what happens to us. There is a God who knows and cares, and a life to live and be happy in beyond tragedy.

[Angy Mcsweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring book about a horrible assault and what she went through and ultimately came out better. Now helping others with similar trauma. She is from Fort Wayne and I graduated high school with this amazing strong woman. It was a book I couldn’t put down. She gets right to the point. Excellent book!!!

[Mo Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 An amazing story that could have turned out so differently. The strength it takes to tell a story like this and live through what Michelle has lived through is astounding. Thank goodness Sexual Crime Advocates are no longer a thing of the past. Michelle’s story is a powerful one and I thank her for her strength and conviction to share it.

[Allie Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was true crime that was horrible. I’m glad she got her justice on her attackers and was able to build a life and family after her horrible attack. She was so brave! If you are into true crime or want a good comeback story this is for you. It’s a little dark as she recounts her actual attack but otherwise I found it to be very inspiring.

[Leif B Nygaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

I really can’t put into words the story and the message, so I won’t even try to. But...we all need inspiration in different ways, and at different times. What a courageous example of sharing, so that others may have hope and know “there is value in the struggle” ❤️. God Bless you and yours Michelle! I hope we all can learn to turn tragedy into triumph! 🙏

[Janelle Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle’s story should be read and shared. She experienced an awful life-altering event and didn’t allow it to define her. He determination to overcome is remarkable and her sharing her story helped me to realize I too can overcome my fears.

[Jess Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was written by a relative of mine, and really affected me. Check it out if the story seems interesting, and it supports a lovely family.

[Jamie Degler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horrible violent attack which brought forth healing and strength. What a beautiful message .

[Brooke Havens · Rating 2 out of 5]

This reads more like a journal entry than a book.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended by The Catholic Moment

[Susan Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. It is compelling, honest, and ultimately, inspiring. Michelle Corrao shares her experience of being the victim of a brutal crime and her journey of moving from victim to survivor. What makes this book truly interesting is Michelle’s profound personal insight into her thoughts and feelings in the days and years that follow her trauma. While Michelle doesn’t shy away from sharing some of the most graphic and painful details of her attack, she also shares moments of hope, faith, and love. Found is an eye-opening, inspiring tale.