It took me a bit longer than I wanted, but I finally finished this fantastic memoir this past weekend!

Freeing Teresa by Franke James chronicles a very difficult period of time in her family's lives where Franke had to go from artist and climate activist to disability advocate and navigate some very difficult social systems. Teresa is in her late 40s, enjoys attending day programs and loves sharing a condo with her elderly father. Franke and Teresa's other siblings are all somewhat involved in hers and their father's lives, but have very differing ideas on what is best for their futures, especially once some of the siblings begin to believe that more care is needed for their father.

I really appreciated the way Franke carefully documented the many challenges she came up against in trying to advocate for her father's and Teresa's goals and aspirations for this next stage in their lives. All the way through it was very clear that listening to what Teresa and their father wants was paramount to Franke and is in line with inclusive practices. Unfortunately their siblings did not see the importance of this kind of person-centred planning. It is really difficult to navigate social systems for elderly and/or disabled adults who are in need of some support to be relatively independent, and finances can impact which services or choices families have open to them. That being said, family members who are charged with making decisions on another's behalf (ie. power of attorney) have a duty to make choices that are in the best interest of the family member they are representing, and must consider what the person wants, not just their own idea of what they may need.

The only downside for me was that there were some times in story when there was a focus on Franke's other activism and political challenges when I felt that the focus should be shifted more to Teresa, but at the same time I understand why the author would want to share her successes and challenges in that area as well because it gave some context.

I was sad to see the book end, and am looking forward to the follow up story that was mentioned at the end, as I really need to find out what happens next in this family! Thanks to Netgalley and the author for giving me the chance to read and review this memoir!

This book is tough to review. On the one hand, it sheds light on a story that is too often buried - exposing the failures of our modern healthcare system when caring for people with disabilities. It's heartbreaking to hear the desperation from everyone involved, in trying to find a solution to a seemingly impossible situation. I admire Franke's boldness, compassion, and her genuine belief that she is doing the right thing. On the other hand... this is like reading a book by an incredibly unreliable narrator. You're hearing about a devastating family rupture, but only from the one person who was "right" when everyone around her was "wrong". The story lacks nuance, because it is told from such a tunnel-visioned perspective. And I hate to say it, but the tone even comes across as self-righteous. We are led to believe that everyone else in Teresa's life is vicious, cruel, and stupid - which paints a one-sided picture of what was more likely a deeply emotional and highly complex unfolding of events. Teresa seems like a true gem. I loved her poetry at the end and I would happily read more about her life. This book, however, reads like an angsty diary from a girl who means well but can't grasp the true intricacies of the problem at hand.

What a book. I'm appalled at the other members of the family being so heartless to their sister and father. From the pictures and writing you can tell Teresa is thriving with author and family. Wonderful.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

I think this is a good book and a really sad but true representation of how family members can rift during important decisions. I am only giving 3.5 stars because it seems so unbeleivably one sided with Frankes account of what happened feeling very emotional and not always true. I know it is a biography of events but it just felt too fresh still and turned the siblings into evil villains which I am sure they weren't.
Thank you netgalley for letting me listen and read this book for review.