Not Lost Forever: My Story of Survival

by Carmina Salcido, Steve Jackson, Steve Jackson, et al.

Book Overview

Not Lost Forever is Carmina Salcido's remarkable story of survival and healing following the 1986 murderous rampage by her father, Mexican immigrant Ramon Salcido in the wine country of Sonoma Valley, California. Left for dead at three years old--her throat brutally slashed--Carmina miraculously survived what is widely considered one of California's most notorious crimes: the unthinkable attack that savagely destroyed seven innocent lives, including...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006204494X
• ISBN13: 9780062044945
• Release Date: June 2011
• Publisher: Harper
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Not Lost Forever

I have lived here in Sonoma county for over 30 yrs and remember when all this happened. I always wondered what happened to Carmina. Such a sad story. I hope she does well for the rest of her life and has a happy life.

Amazing true story - must read.

This book caught my eye the moment I saw it. I bought it and sat up half the night reading it. I had finished it in 24 hours and have been thinking about it ever since. I actually plan to re-read it soon. The things that happened in this carefully told true story are horrifying and unforgettable, but it is told in a way that is careful, sensitive, thoughtful, and compassionate. You can't help but be caught up in the story or caring deeply for the little girl who survived, or proud of the strong, beautiful young woman who emerged from this darkness.

The Little Girl is far from Lost.

It took me only one day to read this book. It is story about love, family, murder, abandonment, and about a three-year old child who is now in her twenties,and has survived it all. Carmina writes with pure honesty about what she has had to endure in her young life-time. I want to say that this story in about forgiveness, but right now,after just finishing the book, I honestly cannot do that.Perhaps in time I will--but not now. For people who have had a hard childhood and feel lonely, read this and you will know that you are not alone. This book is wonderful because there is a surviver and there is hope! If you are strong and havelove in your heart like Carmina, then you will survive.

The Pieces of the Puzzle Have Come Together

I remember this crime so vividly, as I was living in the area at the time and had a four-year-old and a two-year-old daughter, which made the details of the murders all the more horrific. How could a father do such a thing? Of course, fathers have killed their children before and will continue to do so, but to slit their throats and throw them into a garbage dump, even kicking little Carmina in the head? It is outrageous and truly the act of a psychopath. Carmina Salcido tells the story of her life beautifully and gracefully. The book is a marvel that I read in one day, not being able to put it down. What a lovely young lady she has become. Those of us who knew she survived her ordeal have always wondered what happened to her. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought she was not raised by extended family. She has been victimized several times, but it seems that her strength has carried her through and it will continue to do so. I loved this book. I only have very one small quibble: David Carpenter, the Trailside Killer, committed his crimes in Marin County's Mt. Tamalpais State Park, overlooking San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, and not in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, as the book states.

Simply amazing

Going into this book I wasn't sure what to expect. I've known Carmina for a few years and only recently learned of her tragedy. This book, though, is beautifully written and yet so sad it actually drove me to tears. To know that this courageous and beautiful young woman has gone through such horrific events in her life is unimaginable. You may not know the story, but by the end of this book you will feel like you know the author. Your heart will sink for this young woman, who has been through more in the last 20 years than 90% of us will face in a life time. I highly recommend this book to everyone out there, if you have a heart they you simply must read this. For those who have faced tragedy this book may very well give you hope, a hope that you too can remain strong when everything seems to be at odds with you. I hope everyone gives this book a chance. Yes it is a tragedy but it is also a reminder to never take life for granted because you never know what hand fate will deal you. To Carmina, dear although I've known you for a few years now my heart goes out to you. I hope you know that you are always loved and will always be like a sister to me.