CROSSING FIFTY-ONE
Not Quite a Memoir

by Debbie Russell

Narrated by: Cassandra Parker

Production by: Debbie’s Stories

Heart-Felt and Immersive Journey!

Debbie tells the story of her heritage, tracing the legacy of her grandfather and its profound effect on her ailing father—while reflecting on her own struggles and journey through family and self. This audiobook is engaging and reflective writing.

The author, Debbie Russell, carefully unpacks her paternal lineage, uncovering long-held secrets and shedding light on her mother’s erratic behavior. While her mother’s instability drives her into therapy, it’s the discoveries from her research that ultimately lead to healing. Through personal reflection and family letters and journals, Russell reveals how upbringing shapes adult choices and self-worth. Her voice is authentic, weaving a compelling narrative drawn from both memory and family archives.

Narrator Cassandra Parker brings Debbie’s journal to life with a clear, expressive voice that resonates with authenticity and emotion. Her delivery is both steady and immersive, drawing listeners into the heart of the story with nuance and grace. Parker’s performance captures the raw vulnerability and quiet strength in Debbie’s words, making the emotional moments more poignant and the revelations more powerful. By the end, listeners are not just hearing a story—they're experiencing a reflection of their own lives through Parker’s compelling narration.

A captivating and heartfelt journey—Debbie’s path of discovery and personal growth is both moving and inspiring. I appreciated witnessing her struggles and how she ultimately came into her own.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-biased, honest review.