Counting Backwards
A Novel

Quotes

'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.' Jo Piazza, national and international bestselling author of THE SICILIAN INHERITANCE

'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.' Yvette Manessis Corporon, internationally bestselling author of DAUGHTER OF RUINS

'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.' Daisy Alpert Florin, author of MY LAST INNOCENT YEAR

'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.' Carola Lovering, bestselling author of TELL ME LIES and BYE, BABY

'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.' Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author of THE LIGHT WE LOST

'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.' Booklist

'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.' Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of THE GODDESS OF WARSAW

'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.' Historical Novel Society

'Libraries that choose COUNTING BACKWARDS for their collections will find it especially enlightening, impactful reading for women interested in women's rights, justice system operations, and issues of childbearing and loss . . . Readers will find both characters in the story exceptionally well developed. These lives not only dovetail and entwine in unexpected ways, but deliver a one-two punch of realism and shock that pave the way for a thoroughly engrossing story.' Midwest Book Review

'Like Perkins-Valdez's TAKE MY HAND, Friedland's novel exposes a shocking--and even more recent--betrayal of women by government institutions . . . featuring a refreshing twist, [it] is unputdownable, not to mention incredibly resonant in these uncertain times.' Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of THE SPECTACULAR