Half My Sky

Autism, Marriage, and the Messiness That Is Building a Family

By: Carrie Cariello

Narrated by: Carrie Cariello

Five kids. Autism. Marriage.

Building a family is messy business.

In her most revealing memoir yet, Carrie is candid about the challenges of marriage, motherhood, and keeping one’s identity in the midst of raising a family. She gives the listener a glimpse into life with a diagnosed child.

She shares their experience with puberty, social media, high school, and steps toward independent living.

Composed as a series of powerful letters, her writing is gritty yet tender. In prose that is nearly poetic, Carrie makes you feel as though you are old friends, sitting down for a cup of coffee and a heartfelt conversation.

She chronicles the journey to find a post-high school opportunity for her son Jack and gives an honest account about the conflict when it comes to letting him go.

She explains how, in this autism life, there is no manual. There are no instructions for how to untether yourself from a tender child who needed you for so long, you forgot what life was like before he disrupted your world in an exquisitely magical way.

Her story will resonate with anyone preparing to transition a child after high school and beyond.

Again and again, Carrie reminds us of a single truth. We are not alone.

You are not alone.

©2023 Carrie Cariello (P)2023 Carrie Cariello

Relatable and Raw

I loved this so much! Following Carrie on social media and knowing where Jack is now, I had no idea how relatable I would find this book to our story. I have less children but my son now is where Jack was in 6th grade. As always the words are so beautifully written.

Mesmerizing

I loved this book written and read by Carrie, with the feelings and emotions of her love for her family laid bare for all to hear and feel for themselves. Although I have been close to levels of neurodivergent behaviors in my own family, I have not experienced autism and anxiety disorders face to face in the ways in which Carrie and her family have. Carrie’s letters to her family and friend are not only loving letters to each of them, but also expressions of their unique places in Jack’s life. I was touched to tears listening to Carrie’s book on audio. It was an incredible story of the Cariellos. Thank you, Carrie, for sharing your story and your talents!

half my sky

I liked how she didn't sugarcoat how real life really is..we all have ups and downs.

My sky

Loved this. Her Jack is so very much like my own Jack, and it was interesting to hear their story. Thank you for sharing your story Carrie.

It's Not Over Until it's Over

I've spent the last eight hours listening to Carrie Cariello's (audible) Half My Sky. Once I began, it was so captivating for me and I clung to your every word as hot steamy tears dripped from my face. So many things that you share regarding feelings and emotions; your marriage, and your five children, I completely identify with. I was caregiver to my firstborn son for two years before he passed away from a horrible disease. He had just turned 45 and although it has been 26 months, I don't feel that I am ever going to get over losing my sweet boy. Thank you for sharing your Mother's heart with this Mother's heart.