What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fruit You'll Never See: a Memoir About Overcoming Shame.
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 twenties 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.
Despite moving away from Gloucester in her early twenties 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.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2023
46 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 10, 2024
The author and I grew up in a very different Gloucester and that breaks my heart.
You just never know whats going on behind closed doors.
I am happy to see how far she has come and I bet she is the best Mom ever not putting her kids through what she went through. Sometimes even when you have gone down in flames, the author proves you can rise up above the ashes and soar!
You just never know whats going on behind closed doors.
I am happy to see how far she has come and I bet she is the best Mom ever not putting her kids through what she went through. Sometimes even when you have gone down in flames, the author proves you can rise up above the ashes and soar!
May 2, 2023
Excellent!
Read the book in one sitting. What a life she has had. What a writer and has become. Highly recommended by me!
Read the book in one sitting. What a life she has had. What a writer and has become. Highly recommended by me!
October 12, 2023
I highly enjoyed reading this story that hits so close to home (literally). Would recommend, would read again.
April 14, 2025
I have never read a book so fast in my entire life, I could not put it down. This memoir brings you up close and personal with the trials, tribulations and loss of addiction, but it also gives hope to anybody effected in any way by addiction. The author, in spite of every single aspect of life seemingly against her, not only survived it, but found a way to ultimately thrive.
This is a story of true resilience.
In addition to it being an utterly compelling story, it is incredibly well written. The authors storytelling ability will keep you coming back for more!
Looking forward to the next one!!!!!!!
This is a story of true resilience.
In addition to it being an utterly compelling story, it is incredibly well written. The authors storytelling ability will keep you coming back for more!
Looking forward to the next one!!!!!!!
October 20, 2023
A no holds barred memoir narrated by the author in the audio book version. Gail details her fraught experiences which begin in childhood as a teenage prostitute, her first exposure to drugs, her subsequent addictions, all while striving for a better life for herself. She begins the book sitting in a classroom while at law school before moving backward in time. It's immediately captivating. Since I listened to the audio book I think that I lost some of the intrigue of the book due to the author's own narration (it was a bit monotone at times).
May 16, 2024
I decided to listen to this book and that was a terrible mistake. I only got through 15% before I stopped. The author did such a disservice to this book by reading it herself. It was so robotic and all one note, it was awful. Whether it was a little girl talking or someone older, it was the same robotic voice and it was hard to get past that. I’m disappointed because the story is actually very interesting and I was really looking forward to listening it, but there’s nothing worse than a bad narrator. I will try and read it one day but for now, this is my rating.
Read
February 14, 2025I could have powered through this book but sitting with some of the events that occurred between pages really struck me. I have some small things in common with this author and her story so it really stuck with me. I will think about this book for a long time and Gail’s beautiful story of redemption- how beautiful. This is one of the most well written memoirs I have ever read. Recommended if you really want to FEEL something!! *some feelings may induce tears**
(I don’t rate memoirs but if I did this would be a 5 star)
(I don’t rate memoirs but if I did this would be a 5 star)
September 12, 2023
I have known Gail for many years and I was truly stunned to learn about what she has endured on her journey. I recall her telling me one day in court that she was going back to school for writing but, I had no idea that such a beautiful and poignant book would be the result. Although at times it was gut wrenching to read, it’s a book about her triumph. I am so proud of her for becoming an amazing lawyer and a role model to others.
May 7, 2023
I have known Gail on a professional level for more than 12 years through the Massachusetts Trial Court. Seeing her helping those in need, who were much like her back in the day, is truly amazing. Her story is one I didn't expect, but I am glad to have gotten to know her as someone other than "just an attorney"!!
June 12, 2025
INCREDIBLE READ!!!
Highly recommend this book to anyone. So true and so raw and I will probably read it again.
An unfiltered view into poverty and addiction - how there was no choice, just acts of survival. Followed by such growth, determination, and love. This book had me feeling every single feel.
Highly recommend this book to anyone. So true and so raw and I will probably read it again.
An unfiltered view into poverty and addiction - how there was no choice, just acts of survival. Followed by such growth, determination, and love. This book had me feeling every single feel.
May 28, 2024
read the whole book in a few days!!
I’m not a big reader at all but this book kept me locked in for days! Being someone from the North Shore, it had a familiar setting. Gail Brenner is an amazing writer with an amazing story.
I’m not a big reader at all but this book kept me locked in for days! Being someone from the North Shore, it had a familiar setting. Gail Brenner is an amazing writer with an amazing story.
July 31, 2023
Unflinchingly honest, heartbreaking, and triumphant. The subject matter was sometimes emotionally difficult to read, but I couldn't put this book down-- I knew the author survived, but I felt like I had to read all the way through just to be sure. I admire Gail's courage to tell her story, and to tell it so masterfully. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
October 20, 2023
Such a painful book to read, but also compelling. Gave me some insights on addiction struggles.
August 13, 2024
Very moving, intimate read. Apprecate the inside view of growing up with that trauma and long term drug addiction. God bless
October 8, 2024
The author writes her story in a gritty and true New England manner. She does not shy away from her mistakes and her writing style keeps you hooked.
January 13, 2025
Addiction up close and personal. A brutal story.
January 14, 2026
Wowww. Blew my mind. True definition of the phrase ( DONT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER ). Can't wait for the next one..
August 25, 2025
Incredible story however I got this book on audio and the narration was horrible, dry and mechanical which ruined the book for me. The author did such a disservice to this book by reading it herself that I almost gave up on finishing it.
July 16, 2023
Incredible read
Poignant and gut wrenching, this memoir is beautifully told- taking the reader along side the author as she battles abuse, addiction and poverty. As with most memoirs, you begin knowing (more or less) the ending. The artistry with this book however, is that from the very first chapters you are shocked into wondering just how that may be possible. With humor and empathy interwoven with the horrifically sad, the author creates a fiction-like pace making this a book that was impossible for me to put down. Highly recommend.
Poignant and gut wrenching, this memoir is beautifully told- taking the reader along side the author as she battles abuse, addiction and poverty. As with most memoirs, you begin knowing (more or less) the ending. The artistry with this book however, is that from the very first chapters you are shocked into wondering just how that may be possible. With humor and empathy interwoven with the horrifically sad, the author creates a fiction-like pace making this a book that was impossible for me to put down. Highly recommend.
June 20, 2023
I read this book a bit ago and had to pause before writing a review.
As debut books go, this one is polished and clean.
As debut authors go, this one tapped DEEP into the emotional well of her being.
THE FRUIT YOU'LL NEVER SEE is a memoir about overcoming shame. It is tough and beautiful at the same time. The desire to survive is obviously strong and the strength to do whatever is necessary to survive is evident. There were times when events just seemed so unbelievable because I would love to believe that these things don't happen in real life. I know they do.
As a person in recovery, I was able to identify with the powerlessness and the understanding that "this time" it will be different.
There is such intimacy in the writing and the poem her mother wrote is breathtaking and heartbreaking and I was sobbing as I read.
Grab a tissue and a good cup of tea and enjoy this fantastic debut non-fiction novel.
As debut books go, this one is polished and clean.
As debut authors go, this one tapped DEEP into the emotional well of her being.
THE FRUIT YOU'LL NEVER SEE is a memoir about overcoming shame. It is tough and beautiful at the same time. The desire to survive is obviously strong and the strength to do whatever is necessary to survive is evident. There were times when events just seemed so unbelievable because I would love to believe that these things don't happen in real life. I know they do.
As a person in recovery, I was able to identify with the powerlessness and the understanding that "this time" it will be different.
There is such intimacy in the writing and the poem her mother wrote is breathtaking and heartbreaking and I was sobbing as I read.
Grab a tissue and a good cup of tea and enjoy this fantastic debut non-fiction novel.
May 10, 2023
The Fruit You Will Never See is a brutally honest account of a life filled with the tragic consequences of generational addiction. As the author’s mother and other adults in her world struggle with substance use young Gail is often left in the precarious company of an aunt who influences her into smoking pot, taking pills, and making money by “doing things with men” at age 11.
The story is incredibly poignant, as the author suffers one unimaginable set of circumstances after another. Incredibly she finds her way out through education. She gets her GED, attends college, and ultimately becomes a defense attorney all while being a young mother, overcoming an addiction to pills, and recovering from the shame of her past.
Once I began reading, I finished the book within 3 days, but the resilience and the triumph of the author will resonate with me forever.
The story is incredibly poignant, as the author suffers one unimaginable set of circumstances after another. Incredibly she finds her way out through education. She gets her GED, attends college, and ultimately becomes a defense attorney all while being a young mother, overcoming an addiction to pills, and recovering from the shame of her past.
Once I began reading, I finished the book within 3 days, but the resilience and the triumph of the author will resonate with me forever.
December 1, 2025
Holy. Freaking. Moly. What. A. Story!
I have never been a part of this world, but have always lived on the edge of it. I watched my brother-in-law battle heroin while I fostered his son. (Happy to say he moved away and been sober for 5 years). Being a lifelong resident of Gloucester, I have known many people who have lost their battle with addiction. Friends have lost children. Classmates are no longer here.
In this fascinating memoir, Gail candidly reveals her young life in no–holds-barred detail. It is brave and beautiful. Parts of it are hard to read. Some of it had me in tears. Who knew, just down the street, all this was happening? I celebrate Gail for sharing her story and the success she has made of her life. This brutally honest exposition of the generational cycles of addiction is exceptional. Everyone should read this book. 5/5 Stars-
I have never been a part of this world, but have always lived on the edge of it. I watched my brother-in-law battle heroin while I fostered his son. (Happy to say he moved away and been sober for 5 years). Being a lifelong resident of Gloucester, I have known many people who have lost their battle with addiction. Friends have lost children. Classmates are no longer here.
In this fascinating memoir, Gail candidly reveals her young life in no–holds-barred detail. It is brave and beautiful. Parts of it are hard to read. Some of it had me in tears. Who knew, just down the street, all this was happening? I celebrate Gail for sharing her story and the success she has made of her life. This brutally honest exposition of the generational cycles of addiction is exceptional. Everyone should read this book. 5/5 Stars-
May 20, 2023
Great Read!
I grew up in Gloucester and know the places (many no longer exist) that Gail talks about and a lot of names that are familiar that I haven't heard in many years. I didn't really know Gail, but it breaks my heart that she grew up like this and had so many terrible things happen to her. But the most remarkable part is that she got out and made something of herself. This book can show so many people with addiction that it is possible even though it might not seem like it sometimes.
I grew up in Gloucester and know the places (many no longer exist) that Gail talks about and a lot of names that are familiar that I haven't heard in many years. I didn't really know Gail, but it breaks my heart that she grew up like this and had so many terrible things happen to her. But the most remarkable part is that she got out and made something of herself. This book can show so many people with addiction that it is possible even though it might not seem like it sometimes.
June 11, 2023
Such a brave, beautiful book! Gail tells her story honestly and thoroughly. It's a tough read, at times... but she always retains the ability to hope for a better future. Through hard work and sheer will, she manages to achieve that better life. Brava!
This book is very inspiring and well written. I've already recommended it highly to every one in my reading group!
This book is very inspiring and well written. I've already recommended it highly to every one in my reading group!
June 4, 2023
What. A. Story.
I haven’t been this engrossed in a book in a long time. I related to it personally on many levels. Gail’s story is both crushing and triumphant. Her journey out of the abyss was remarkable. Please read this book.
I haven’t been this engrossed in a book in a long time. I related to it personally on many levels. Gail’s story is both crushing and triumphant. Her journey out of the abyss was remarkable. Please read this book.
May 22, 2023
Excellent book!
Enjoyed getting to know Gail and follow her through her journey! Inspirational story about addiction and how she fought to change her life!
Enjoyed getting to know Gail and follow her through her journey! Inspirational story about addiction and how she fought to change her life!
November 5, 2025
If you are an avid reader--you wont be able to put this down. Gail is brave, honest, and inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews