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jongaide's review
4.0
Great book. Engaging storytelling with built-in lessons on how to be a better ally to the disability community
cari1268's review
4.0
I really enjoyed learning about Haben and all that she has accomplished. She seems like a kind and sincere person. This book helped give me perspective and understanding on some of the obstacles of those facing deafblindness.
I was confused on the Eritrea parts. I definitely would have benefited from reading the book instead of listening to it during those parts. While I am interested in Eritrea and its history, I was a little bored during those parts in the book. (Probably due to the afore mentioned confusion.)
However, for the most part, I wasn't bored. I did feel like this was a pretty disjointed read. I wanted more details on almost everything.
3.5
I was confused on the Eritrea parts. I definitely would have benefited from reading the book instead of listening to it during those parts. While I am interested in Eritrea and its history, I was a little bored during those parts in the book. (Probably due to the afore mentioned confusion.)
However, for the most part, I wasn't bored. I did feel like this was a pretty disjointed read. I wanted more details on almost everything.
3.5
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
An incredibly powerful memoir about one Deafblind Eritrean-American woman who overcame her challenges and is doing amazing things as a disability rights lawyer. Great on audio read by the author herself and highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn about the everyday obstacles faced by so many people with disabilities and the essential need for greater accessibility, understanding and emphathy in our society.
Favorite quote (that I relate to viscerally):
"I cringe inwards, people with disabilities get called inspiring so often, usually for the most insignificant things, the word now feels like a euphemism for pity."
Favorite quote (that I relate to viscerally):
"I cringe inwards, people with disabilities get called inspiring so often, usually for the most insignificant things, the word now feels like a euphemism for pity."
kelseysong's review
4.0
Excellent memoir that illustrates what is possible when we remove societal barriers for people with disabilities. My perspective on disability has completely changed in the last two years since having my daughter, and Haben’s story further broadened my thinking.
bluegarden's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
As a disabled person myself, Haben Girma’s story really resonated with me. I have an autoimmune disorder, so my condition isn’t really noticeable at first, (to the point where teachers go half the year without noticing) but it does require accommodations. Overprotective parents… people think you aren’t competent… etc… it’s an experience that everyone with any sort of disability encounters. This was nicely written and I loved to see a successful story from an amazing woman that prevailed against the odds and is making efforts to help the people of the future.
krism's review
3.0
Wow! Haven Grima has an amazing life story and the work she does for the deaf blind community is important. I learned a lot about the challenges faced by people with disabilities. The book though seemed aimed at a young audience- perhaps junior high. Still, worth reading.
barium_squirrel's review
5.0
An interesting book. Haben challenged me to rethink how the world works, and what can be done to make it more accessible.