What would you do to defend your youngest sister or brother? This was the case with Teresa Heartchild and her loved ones. The fate of Teresa, a woman with Down Syndrome, is at the heart of her sister Franke James’ moving audiobook Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me. The rights of the disabled, the fight to preserve personal freedoms, and James’ determination to provide a fulfilling life are at the core of this exceptional memoir.

As an audiobook, Freeing Teresa ranks among the most unique in that it utilizes multiple narrators throughout. With a full cast of 13 actors, two of whom have Down Syndrome, this audiobook offers listeners an authentic experience worthy of multiple listens. Having a different narrator for each family member creates smooth transitions within dialogues and allows readers to more readily visualize scenes. James’ cast of actors helps emphasize some of the most harrowing times in the family’s life, breathing life into a story much less impactful with a single narrator.

Franke James does what many people are afraid to do–she stands strong in the face of every obstacle thrown her way as she tries desperately to do what is best for both her sister and her elderly father. When their futures hang in the balance and her siblings’ ideas of long-term care don’t meet Teresa’s needs and their parents’ wishes, she uses every tool at her disposal to ensure Teresa’s life will be filled with opportunity and growth for years to come.

The experience James shares in her incredibly detailed and heartfelt memoir is one from which countless families can benefit. Her focus on personal freedoms is a theme throughout the audiobook, and she makes it clear to listeners that they have options when it comes to the care of their loved ones. I more than appreciate James’ openness and her willingness to share the most vulnerable and painful time in her life with readers.

I am giving Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me, by Franke James, Teresa Heartchild, and Billiam James, a resounding 5 out of 5 stars. Readers looking for a touching memoir that offers invaluable advice on seeking long-term care and planning appropriately for the future will be hard-pressed to find a more lovingly written and thoughtful resource. I highly recommend this work of heart to anyone with a parent, sibling, or child who will ultimately face a portion of their lifetime without their family by their side.

Pages: 346 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CJWXVFP3