Counting Backwards

A Novel

By: Jacqueline Friedland

Narrated by: Amanda Stribling, Carolyn Jania

"Jacqueline Friedland's ripped-from-the-headlines story is an Erin Brockovich for our times." --Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost

". . . 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

A routine immigration case, a shocking legacy. Jessa Gidney's quest for justice draws her into the heart of an abhorrent conspiracy. As she uncovers her personal ties to a heartbreaking past, her life takes a dramatic turn, in this emotionally riveting novel inspired by true events.

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 ICE detention center. There she meets Isobel Pérez—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. 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.

Alternating between the past and present, and deftly tackling timely-yet-timeless issues such as reproductive rights, incarceration, 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. A moving story of two remarkable women that you'll remember for years to come.

©2025 Jacqueline Friedland (P)2025 Harper Muse

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.

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!

Excellent research and writing on such an important issue. Gratitude and thanks for writing this EXCELLENT book!

I loved everything especially the history and the relevance to today’s issue of dignity over a woman’s right to choose . Very sad times after the Supreme Court handed overturned Roe v Wade.

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.