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Ohio woman held captive for years by Ariel Castro to write book

CLEVELAND, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Michelle Knight, one of three women held captive in the Cleveland home of Ariel Castro, says she will write a book about the 11 years she spent in captivity.

The yet to be titled memoir will be published by Weinstein books in the spring, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

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"I want to give every victim of violence a new outlook on life. Victims need to know that no matter how hard it rains in the darkness, they will have the strength and courage that God gave them when they were born to rise above and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way," Knight said in a statement. "If you hold your head up high and have your feet firmly on the ground, you won't let hell consume or define how you feel inside. We shall define ourselves not as victims but as victors, and this will lead us to peace."

The book will chronicle Knight's childhood, life before she was abducted, her time at Castro's home, and her life since.

"This is an important story that needs to be told. Michelle's hopeful outlook for the future is admirable and inspiring," said Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of the Weinstein Co.

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Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus, the other two women who were kidnapped by Castro, are writing a book together with two award-winning journalists. Their publisher had not yet been announced.

The three women were kidnapped by Castro, held captive in his basement, and regularly beaten and raped.

Castro pleaded guilty to 937 counts in the case and was sentenced to life in prison plus 1,000 years. He was found hanged in his prison cell in September.

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