Reviews

Haben Girma, an accomplished deafblind disability rights lawyer from Harvard Law School, made an impact for fighting against ableism and digital barriers. I was inspired to live boldly, and learned that it's okay to be persistent, stubborn and strategic especially when life disappoints you.

I'm not an ableist, and I really feel bad not liking this book. I hate to compare, but I've read a lot of memoirs and I can say that this book is just a collection of short stories and essays, and the chapters are disjointed. Another, only one chapter is alloted to her Harvard Law experience, which made me cheesed off!

On the brighter side, I absorbed a lot from Haben's journey: that love takes time (Maxine, I love you!); Digital barriers hinder our education and employment opportunities, and limit participation in the marketplace of ideas; and that Eritrea and Ethiopia are lands rich in cultures and traditions.

This book pulled the veil down my eyes as I realized that society frames people with disabilities as incapable of contributing. Ableists assume incompetence, intellectual challenges, and an inability to produce with alternative techniques. They inflate disability to an absurd degree.

In addition, I appreciate the fact that Haben added recommendations for more accessible spaces, and additional resources for education.

clairey_fairy82's review

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funny informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

I really enjoyed this it was both interesting and informative. Habens humor comes across really well too.

iollie92's review

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informative inspiring

4.0

mcrystal1000's review

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funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

This book was really good. I loved the way it told the authors story. I especially appreciate how the author frequently mentions past advocates who have allowed her some of the access she has had while fighting to expand access.