Hello again, dear audiobooks friends!
Today’s spotlight article is dedicated to Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me, written by Franke James, with contributions from Teresa Heartchild and Billiam James. This award-winning full-cast audiobook has a runtime of 7 hours and 59 minutes and features the talents of 13 skilled narrators, including Jackie Blackmore, Dayleigh Nelson, and Glee star Lauren Potter. Produced by The James Gang, Iconoclasts Inc., Freeing Teresa is available on Audible, Spotify, Libby, and more. The e-book is available on Libby, and the audiobook may need to be requested at local libraries.
As someone who is totally blind and an advocate for accessibility and inclusion, I am particularly drawn to the themes in Freeing Teresa. I am fortunate to live in Norway, a country where people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Every day, I work with extraordinary individuals at a special school for adults, where I focus on improving accessibility for blind individuals and creating programs that promote inclusion and equity. Stories like this audiobook remind me of the importance of this work and how vital it is to continue fighting for these rights globally.
This production is as moving as it is groundbreaking, having earned recognition as the winner of the 2024 NYC Big Book Award for Audiobook Nonfiction and several other accolades. Let’s dive in and see what makes it so special.
As always, let’s take a look at the Publisher’s Summary first and after that, I will introduce you to our talented authors and narrators.
When an idealistic activist objects to her siblings’ plan to ship their disabled sister off to a nursing home, she’s forced to choose between family and her sister’s freedom. This riveting true story is brought to life by a cast of over a dozen actors, including Jackie Blackmore as Franke James, Lauren Potter—who starred in the famed TV series Glee – as Teresa Heartchild, and Dayleigh Nelson as Bill James.
Franke James is an environmental activist who got into trouble in her own backyard—family trouble. She objected when she heard her siblings’ plan to put their disabled sister, Teresa Heartchild, into a nursing home. Teresa, who has Down syndrome, refused to go. But the other siblings insisted and secretly put Teresa into an institution for end-of-life care.
Teresa was in shock. Franke was horrified and organized a rescue. That’s when all hell broke loose. The two sisters had to stand together—against their siblings, the medical system, and the police—to defend Teresa’s right to be free. This is a true story about a key civil rights issue for all people with disabilities—the right to decide where you live.
CONTENT WARNING: This true story deals with dysfunctional family relationships and ableist attitudes, which some listeners may find upsetting.
About the Authors:
- Franke James is a celebrated activist, artist, and author, Franke has a long history of advocating for justice. The BC Civil Liberties and PEN Canada awards were significant. Franke’s work fighting government censorship was essential training for Freeing Teresa. In 2015, she was awarded the inaugural PEN Canada/Ken Filkow Prize for her “tenacity in uncovering an abuse of power, and commitment to fostering a national conversation in the face of censorship.”
- Teresa Heartchild: Teresa is not just the central figure of this story but also an accomplished artist, author, and advocate. Her resilience and fight for her rights earned her an apology from the Ontario government and the title of “Champion for Change” by the BC Human Rights Commissioner.
- Billiam James: A co-author of the book, Billiam skillfully supports the narrative with his writing, ensuring that this extraordinary story is told with clarity and heart.
Now it’s time to introduce our Narrators:
- Jackie Blackmore is an award-winning actor, playwright, and director, Jackie is widely recognized for her expressive storytelling and masterful voice work.
- Lauren Potter: Best known for her role on Glee, Lauren is a passionate disability rights advocate who works with organizations such as Best Buddies International and the Special Olympics.
- Dayleigh Nelson: Known for his versatility and emotional depth, Dayleigh Nelson brings Bill James to life with authenticity and a commanding presence.
- Bill Mackie: A seasoned voice actor, Bill’s extensive experience brings depth and authenticity to his work in audiobooks and beyond.
Why You Should Listen
Both Freeing Teresa and the talented people behind it have received multiple awards, and it’s easy to see why. This audiobook combines an incredible true story with top-tier narration and production. Whether you’re passionate about disability rights, fascinated by family dynamics, or simply in search of a story that inspires, Freeing Teresa is a must-listen. Its blend of authenticity, emotional depth, and raw storytelling makes it stand out in the audiobook world.
Stay tuned for my full review of Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me, but until then take care, stay safe, and always listen with your heart.
Victor Dima is an internationally recognized Audiobooks Industry specialist, consultant, insider and reviewer with almost 10,000 helpful votes on Audible. Listened to more than 1,400 audiobooks, have written reviews for almost 400 and rated close to 800 of them. If you want Victor to review your audiobook or if you need help with choosing the right narrator, you can get in touch at [email protected]
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