Freeing Teresa
A True Story About My Sister and Me
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Freeing Teresa
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About this listen
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 and Lauren Potter—who starred in the famed TV series Glee—as Teresa Heartchild.
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.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2023, 2024 Franke James (P)2024 The James Gang, Iconoclasts Inc.Critic reviews
“The result is more than a memoir: it’s a testimony to how ‘tickets to freedom’ are gained through fighting and love.” (D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review)
What listeners say about Freeing Teresa
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Victor @ theAudiobookBlog dot com
- 01-05-25
Heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time
The audiobook Freeing Teresa tells the powerful true story of Teresa Heartchild, a disabled woman whose freedom is threatened when her siblings plan to send her to a nursing home. Her sister, Franke James, an idealistic activist, refuses to accept this injustice and courageously fights to protect Teresa’s autonomy. This story, brought to life by a stellar cast that includes disabled actors, is a moving testament to resilience, family loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
As someone who is totally blind and an advocate for accessibility and inclusion, I was deeply drawn to the themes of Freeing Teresa. Living in Norway, where people with disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities, I work to improve accessibility and promote inclusion every day. Stories like this remind me of the importance of global advocacy and inspire me to keep fighting for a more equitable world.
Lauren Potter, best known for her role in Glee, delivers a heartfelt and authentic performance as Teresa, capturing her vulnerability, courage, and strength. Jackie Blackmore shines as Franke, portraying a sister who is unwavering in her determination to do what’s right, even in the face of family opposition. Dayleigh Nelson as Bill James adds complexity to the family’s struggles, creating a story that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant.
One of the audiobook’s most compelling elements is its full-cast performance, featuring over a dozen talented actors, including some with disabilities. This inclusive approach adds a higher layer of authenticity to the production, ensuring that the voices of disabled individuals are not just heard but celebrated.
The narrative is as heartbreaking as it is uplifting. It’s filled with raw emotion, family drama, and moments that bring tears to your eyes. Yet, amid the struggle and despair, it offers a powerful message of hope and empowerment. Franke’s fight for Teresa’s freedom isn’t just a personal battle – it’s a call to action for justice and equality that resonates far beyond their family.
Freeing Teresa is as moving as it is groundbreaking. It’s a must-listen for anyone who values stories about courage, advocacy, and the power of love and determination. This audiobook is a reminder that every fight for justice, no matter how challenging, is worth it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- AudioBookReviewer
- 01-10-25
Disturbing, yet insightful on family dynamics
This is a story about family and their interactions/reactions, relationships, and beliefs. Their struggle to decide what to do for their elderly parent and their Down syndrome sister highlights the dysfunctional aspect of their family.
The authors, Franke James, Teresa Heartchild, and Billiam James, explore the heartache, fears, and entitled behaviors family members often face when caring for elderly or challenged relatives. Through detailed situations, rich dialogue, and strong characters, this story highlights the thoughts, passions, and beliefs of each family member while serving as a voice and guide for others in similar situations. The authors also address civil rights issues frequently overlooked and ignored for those unable to advocate for themselves. Franke, as an advocate, speaks powerfully for her sister and father, illustrating the disconnect between perspectives and the way we all view our needs and future.
The cast of narrators/performers was amazing! They slipped into their character smoothly and flawlessly capturing the essence of each vividly and with the levity expected. They worked together well, their timing was smooth.
This well-crafted memoir explores a family's struggle to work and coexist amidst personal flaws and life disruptions. I recommend this book to anyone navigating the challenges of caring for another person.
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