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Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me (Audiobook)
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
Returning Souls
![Returning Souls by [Colombo, Ernestine B.]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61GS7Ne-%2B3L._SY346_.jpg)
Where does a soul go after one’s life is over? Does it drift away into nothing while the body returns to dust? Or does it goes on to rest, to be resurrected? Or does it recycle back into the physical plane of existence in yet another form? These questions always come to mind as we see, feel and live the experience called life.
Returning Souls by Ernestine B. Colombo is a unique book that allowed me to connect with the characters and allowed me to visualize not only the descriptions the author presents but also the struggles and emotions the characters go through in the story.
The story starts by presenting our protagonist, Evelyn D’Arico or Evie and takes her point of view. The beginning is captivating as we find the character lying on the floor, incapacitated and on the edge of death. The narrative masterfully captures the emotions you might have if you were to find yourself in the same predicament. The descriptions easily come as they paint some dramatic pictures. The language is fluid and allows you to get lost in the story. I particularly liked the author’s presentation of the behavior of the pets. I always believe that animals are more attuned to the metaphysical plane of souls and spirits.
The story, to me, presents a unique idea that I have not read in any piece of literature, the concept of Pre-incarnation. As the story progresses the reader gets to know a different character, Astara. She is a girl a little over 12, living in the Mesolithic time period. She is a unique complement to Evie’s character. Switching between the two characters points of view is handled expertly and I enjoyed being able to inhabit both of these two fascinating characters.
The story is touching as well as we get to learn of her sister who is suffering from Down syndrome. This for me, was one of the more emotional elements to the story that left the character endearing. The relationship was believable and the condition, I thought, was explained with care.
This book will take you on a reincarnation adventure with a deep look at the beauty, and maybe even the futility, of life. This is a must read for people coming of age or people looking for a metaphysical story that stands out from the rest as different and compelling.
Pages: 292 | ASIN: B079ZZ2M84
LITERARY TITAN 