Canadian Environmental and Disability Activist and Author, Franke James, has provided us with her review of our book, My Silence Roars. Ms. James is the author of Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me, the story of her journey to keep her disabled sister out of nursing home placement arranged by their other siblings and to provide her with supports to live as independently as possible.
Here is Franke James’ review of My Silence Roars.
Finding Your Voice, and Amplifying It
Tina Jackson’s memoir, My Silence Roars, is an inside look at a life lived with multiple disabilities and a spirit that refuses to be sidelined. Born with cerebral palsy in Eastern Kentucky, Jackson takes readers through the highs of her career and the “road bumps” where she lost her voice and mobility. As Tina writes: “One day, you will tell your story of how you’ve overcome what you are going through now, and it will become part of someone else’s survival.”
What makes this book a must-read is Jackson’s indomitable persistence and bravery. She doesn’t just survive her challenges; she pivots from her setbacks and transforms into a fierce advocate for inclusion. Her story is proof that you don’t need a physical voice to have a significant impact. In her own words: “History proves the power of advocacy. The Americans with Disabilities Act, and similar victories worldwide, were not gifts—they were won through relentless activism. Every ramp, every caption, every accessible workplace is a testament to voices that refused to be ignored as advocates.”
Why you should read it
- Raw Honesty: She shares her insecurities and the stress of losing her physical abilities with refreshing candour.
- Inspirational Advocacy: Her journey is deeply motivating for anyone facing setbacks related to their disability. We need to remember that the A.D.A. is under attack today, but it was advocacy that originally brought it into being.
- A Touch of Fun: Between the ups and downs of her rollercoaster life, you hear reminiscences in her partner’s own words.
If you want to understand the true meaning of “finding your voice,” pick up this book. It is a beautiful, necessary roar.
You can order My Silence Roars on-line through Amazon or through most bookstores.
Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me is available in the US through Amazon. We highly recommend it!
The sequel to Freeing Teresa, titled Escape to Lotusland, will be published in 2027. It is still in the writing phase (halfway through). It represents a huge transformation for Teresa, from being underestimated and written off to her finding her voice — she won an apology from the Ontario government. And, well – there are more surprises in the sequel!