Sandy Hook resident Ida LaVerne Blackwell’s debut memoir, My Truths, My Triumphs, My God, published last year, is now also available as an audiobook. Her story chronicles the many adversities she faced and how, with the power of faith, she was able to persevere.

Since publishing the book, Blackwell has received an outpouring of love and support from readers who have been inspired by her resiliency. Both women and men have contacted her to let her know how much the book has resonated with them and given them hope in their own lives.

Another piece of feedback she heard time and time again was that she should create an audiobook version.

Blackwell explained, “Several people asked me if it was on audio and said to me that some people hear better than read.”

It inspired her to take the initiative to ask her publisher if that was a format they could pursue.

“He said, ‘That’s a great idea,’” Blackwell recalled. “After that point, he did research and came back to have me listen to several people, like an interview.”

She was provided voice samples from about half a dozen people to review.

Going into the process, Blackwell knew how important choosing the right voice was, and that she wanted to find someone who sounded the most like her.

“My book means a lot to me, so I didn’t want just anyone to read my story,” Blackwell said.

After carefully assessing all the candidates’ samples, she selected the recording artist Yvette Colbert.

Despite having never having met or spoken to Colbert, she knew that Colbert was the right fit to read her words just as she would have.

Blackwell was able to be part of the editing process, too, and could give notes for different word pronunciations to be redone.

When listening to the finished project, it was overwhelming for Blackwell to relive those memories from the book.

“My story is so emotional and difficult, and my story is sad. It can be depressing, because I’ve been through so much. It’s a lot of bad things that happened that a young girl should not have to go through. To hear [Colbert] read my story was like ‘Oh, wow.’ It was so emotional for me,” she said.

The process also stirred up many positive feelings, as she is overjoyed that her book now has a new way to reach a wider audience.

Future Endeavors

Already Blackwell is getting requests to write another memoir, but says she currently does not have any plans to do so. When asked what her dream would be going forward, though, she is quick to reply.

“I wish we could do a movie!” Blackwell said.

She says she is open to the path that God has in store for her and how she can use her story to inspire others.

Also, now that there are more opportunities for in-person gatherings, Blackwell is available for public and private author events.

“I would like to reach teenagers who have gone through what I have gone through. I’m so thankful to God that I make it out of the situation and am who I am today — that I was strong enough to get through it… I’d like to be able to go out and reach out to young women who have gone through different things to let them know, ‘You can make it. I made it, I got through it. You can make it,’” Blackwell said.

She hopes her memoir can help people out there right now who think no one will ever give them a second chance because of their past mistakes.

“I’m living proof you can make it,” Blackwell said. “Believe in yourself, believe in God, have faith. You can make it. You can survive.”

My Truths, My Triumphs, My God is available as an audiobook through Amazon. Those interested in contacting Blackwell can reach her at ladybwell@charter.net.

Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.