The Fruit You’ll Never See

By: Gail Brenner Nastasia

Narrated by: Gail Brenner Nastasia

Growing up in Gloucester, Massachusetts, a quaint coastal town with a dark underbelly, Gail Brenner Nastasia learned early on that some people mattered, and others didn’t. As the child of a heroin-addicted mother and an aunt who brokered deals with men who liked to have sex with young girls, Gail was sure she didn’t matter. As a result of keeping her secrets and those of her family, she developed a cunning and merciless pill addiction.

Despite moving away from Gloucester in her early 20s and becoming an attorney, Gail continued to use drugs while carrying the shame of her childhood. It wasn’t until she began to appreciate the value in her criminally-charged clients, those with whom she shared similar struggles, that she finally recognized her own worth. This new understanding gave her the courage to put down the drugs, fully embrace her history, and stop hiding.

A candid look at the things we inherit, The Fruit You’ll Never See reminds us of the value intrinsic in every human being, and the responsibility we all have to each other and ourselves.

©2023 Gail Benner Nastasia (P)2023 Gail Brenner Nastasia

Bravery

I think it was extremely brave of Gail to write this book and put her life on display. I loved that it was her voice reading the book. Very sad childhood and I’m so sorry she went through all that she did. I almost feel guilty saying I couldn’t get enough of the book. I was in a trance listening to it. Gail was able to overcome so much and turn her life around. Please know that even strangers are so proud of you!

From Surviving to Thriving

For anyone that grew up abused and neglected, and finds themselves still feeling shame as an adult, this is a hopeful, (true) story to embrace and gather hope from.

Gail beat the odds and bravely shows that no matter how terrible the cards your dealt as a child, you can persevere and find happiness as an adult. It’s not easy, but peace is attainable.

I personally grew up in abuse and neglect. The shame I developed as a child, (and carried with me well into adulthood) has always been tough to acknowledge and face.
Survivors never walk through a magic threshold which cures us, but learning new skills of self acceptance is a worthy pursuit that heals old wounds and helps us discover our true selves. In time, our old ways become less potent.
Hearing someone else’s story of intense loneliness and suffering, (and ultimately finding forgiveness and peace) is very inspiring. Survivors of shame based childhoods need to know that they weren’t alone.
This story reinforces that message and promotes hope to all who have suffered similar circumstances.

Thank you Gail for fearlessly sharing this message of fulfillment, in spite of pain and suffering at the most vulnerable of life stages. Hope endures.

Perseverance at its finest

I picked up multiple copies of this book for my wife to pass out prior to recovery week in Boston. I didn’t really have any intentions of listening to it . I’m glad I did
I am completely blown away that the author grew up the way she did and was able to overcome all the obstacles that she faced . Nothing a preteen or teenager should ever have to deal with .Love that she narrated it herself. It had more meaning coming from her.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book

Hopeful and Heartfelt

Gail speaks with authenticity and candor about experiences that isolate so many of us. To hear her narration is to felt seen and accepted. I could not stop listening to this and will read it again and again.

Fascinating memoir

A glimpse into the life of a neglected child who survives and ultimately overcomes the drug infested world she inhabits. Loved this inspiring story set in Gloucester, MA.

So good!!

This was a heartbreaking, yet amazing life story narrated by the author herself. Hard to believe how much she endured even before turning 18. I literally couldn’t stop listening once I started. I grew up in Gloucester, so it intrigued me that much more, I was the same age as the author’s brother and remember him from school. This is a book you will not be able to put down!!

Best book I’ve ever listened to

I’ve read/listened to lots of books but nothing tops this one. It was such an amazing, yet heartbreaking story. Being from Gloucester, it grabbed my attention that I just had to read it. I had the pleasure of knowing the authors brother when I was younger growing up, and hearing some of his life story alongside Gail’s really was fascinating. This book is a MUST READ!!! I will be waiting and praying for next book!