Counting Backwards

A Novel

De: Jacqueline Friedland

Narrado por: Amanda Stribling, Carolyn Jania

A ZIBBY OWENS MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2025! | SHEREADS PICK OF 2025!

Told in two alternating narratives bound by a shocking parallel of issues such as reproductive rights and society's expectations of women and mothers, Counting Backwards is a compelling reminder that progress is rarely a straight line and always hard-won. "Erin Brockovich for our times." (Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author)

New York, 2022. Jessa Gidney is trying to have it all--a high-powered legal career, a meaningful marriage, and hopefully, one day, a child. But when her professional ambitions come up short and Jessa finds herself at a turning point, she leans into her family's history of activism by taking on pro bono work at a nearby detention center. There she meets Isobel Perez--a young mother fighting to stay with her daughter--but as she gets to know Isobel, an unsettling revelation about Isobel's health leads Jessa to uncover a horrifying pattern of medical malpractice within the detention facility. One that shockingly has ties to her own family.

Virginia, 1927. Carrie Buck is an ordinary young woman in the center of an extraordinary legal battle at the forefront of the American eugenics conversation. From a poor family, she was only six years old when she first became a ward of the state. Uneducated and without any support, she spends her youth dreaming about a different future--one separate from her exploitative foster family--unknowing of the ripples her small, country life will have on an entire nation.

As Jessa works to assemble a case against the prison and the crimes she believes are being committed there, she discovers the landmark Supreme Court case involving Carrie Buck with shockingly similar implications to the one before her now. Her connection to the case, however, is deeper and much more personal than she ever knew--sending her down new paths that will leave her forever changed and determined to fight for these women, no matter the cost.

". . . a riveting, compelling story--but it's also an important one, reminding us that history's darkest aspects can echo forward into our present day and that there is so much work left to do in the fight for freedom and equality."—Kelly Rimmer, New York Times bestselling author of The German Wife.

Reseñas de la Crítica

'A dual-timeline novel inspired by real events, COUNTING BACKWARDS examines the ways women's bodies have been used against them in American society both past and present. With well-developed, complex characters, the story truly comes to life as both Carrie and Jessa try to navigate the hands they've been dealt. As secrets and connections are revealed, layer by surprising layer, Friedland explores both responsibility and redemption with heft and grace.'

'A gripping, timely, and important read. In COUNTING BACKWARDS, Jacqueline Friedland has crafted a nuanced, powerful, and eye-opening novel, driving home the urgency and fragility of women's reproductive rights. This is a thought-provoking story, perfect for lively book club discussion.'

'A riveting story about the lengths people will go to control the destinies of others and the secrets we keep even from those we love the most. Jacqueline Friedland uncovers a shameful moment in our country's history and in so doing, brings into the light people whom time has largely forgotten.'

'Bold, timely, and inspired by shocking real-life events, COUNTING BACKWARDS had me gripped from its opening chapter. In this courageous and propulsive novel, Friedland doesn't shy away from tackling hard questions about social responsibility, ancestral loyalty, what we owe each other as women, and--perhaps most crucially--what we owe ourselves.'

'COUNTING BACKWARDS is a tightly woven dual-timeline novel that explores the way in which the sins of a family member can reverberate for generations and how society's mistreatment of women hasn't changed in decades. Jacqueline Friedland's ripped-from-the-headlines story is an Erin Brockovich for our times.'

'Fans of Jodi Picoult's SMALL GREAT THINGS (2016) and Chris Bohjalian's HOUR OF THE WITCH (2021) will appreciate Friedland's ability to balance weighty subject matter with moments of hope and genuine connection. With questions of reproductive rights and bodily autonomy echoing across generations, COUNTING BACKWARDS is a timely, thought-provoking, and sobering reminder that the fight for reproductive freedom is far from settled.'

'Friedland gifts readers with richly developed characters in a dual-timeline tale that explores fertility, inequality, and reproductive rights--both past and present with an eye toward the future. COUNTING BACKWARDS is more than a powerful read, ultimately it teaches us ALL how to move forward.'

'Friedland takes what was a bleak slice of history and infuses it with hope . . . An engrossing and timely novel about women's voices, reproductive rights, and family choice.'

Powerful story about hope and resilience

Counting Backwards is a powerful, tightly written novel about resilience, choice, and hope. Thought-provoking and emotionally rich—an unforgettable read.

WOW what a great timely book.A must read for every women.I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.

This book was an amazing book. Give this book to every teenage girl to read.It was just wonderful.

Relevant to today’s immigration and reproductive rights situation

I liked the clear demarcation between the two stories and how they were brought together.

A bit tedious in the middle.

I was glad the ending wasn’t as predictable as it might have been.

Brilliant. Timely. Compelling. A MUST read.

The author artfully addresses incredibly timely and important issues including eugenics, women’s and immigrants’ rights and much more, along with the myriad complexities of human relationships, skillfully weaving them all together in a compelling, well written story that will both educate and entertain you, and keep you wanting to read more. I couldn’t put it down and will be recommending it to my book club. A MUST read.

Mind-blowing experience.

I ordered the paperback on the date it was released then I realize it was available on audible. I couldn't wait the 24 hours for delivery. I'm an immigrant and this book captivates my mind and stirs my soul. Wow Jacqueline Wow! Counting Backwards eye opening & mind blowing!