Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'

Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann, Kristen Joiner

8 reviews

elderwoodreads's review against another edition

hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

An excellent account of Heumann's life and the disability rights movement in America from post-WWII to the 2010s. It did lack a little final polish, I caught several grammar mistakes and felt like the ending didn't have quite the wrap up it could have. Would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of reading it, please note it is more of a historical account than details of Heumann's day to day life. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexism, Medical content, Bullying, Misogyny, and Ableism

Moderate: Forced institutionalization and Medical trauma

Minor: Racism, War, Genocide, Police brutality, Confinement, Cancer, Cursing, and Death of parent

caseythereader's review against another edition

hopeful informative fast-paced

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, Chronic illness, Classism, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, and Body shaming

Moderate: Alcohol and Child abuse

Minor: Death of parent

the_vegan_bookworm's review

inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

Judy Heumann was a prolific disability rights activist and her memoir is a great look into the incredible life she led as well as many pieces of the history of the disability rights movement in the US. Anyone interested in disability justice or social justice as a whole should consider reading this memoir.

My only complaint is that in the chapter describing her work with the World Bank, Judy presents this glowing review of an imperial and colonial organization that caused lots of harm to many marginalized people, including those with disabilities. I would have appreciated a more nuanced view of the organization, especially if readers aren't familiar with its legacy. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Medical trauma, Misogyny, and Sexism

Minor: Forced institutionalization, Cancer, and Death of parent

amandas_bookshelf's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Medical content, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Ableism, and Sexism

Moderate: Forced institutionalization and Police brutality

Minor: Death of parent

maxthefish's review

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism

Moderate: Bullying

Minor: Abortion, Death of parent, Mental illness, Cancer, Antisemitism, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Forced institutionalization, Drug abuse, and War

novella42's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

Like many Americans, even other Americans who grew up with a disability, I had no clue that there had been a civil rights movement that fought hard for things I took for granted, like curb cuts,  wheelchair accessible buses, and my entire education. Hearing Judy's stories about being one of the founders of this movement meant so much to me. I was in awe of her already from watching Crip Camp (a documentary I now beg my friends and family to watch, after I avoided it myself for years because of how hard it was for me to reclaim the word "crip"). Judy Heumann is a tour de force. I'd call her a force of nature, but this book makes it clear she is a force of humanity. Unrepentant, unyielding, undeniably passionate about human rights, equity, and inclusion. I am grateful to be alive in the world Judy helped build. I am grateful she shared her story so my heart could ache with recognition of our shared struggles, and lift with hope that if she can fight for equity and change the world, maybe you and I can, too.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Antisemitism, Emotional abuse, Medical trauma, Sexism, Child abuse, Body shaming, Terminal illness, Ableism, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Genocide and Forced institutionalization

Minor: Racism, Confinement, Cancer, Sexual assault, Police brutality, and Death of parent

kshertz's review

hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0

The story that is told here is really incredible. I feel like it’s an important story for everyone to read. For me in particular as a special education teacher it was a great reminder about what I do, and it has helped determine my activism in the future. The actions that she took directly affect my students every single day. I can’t wait to watch her film on Netflix as well. I definitely think this should be a book that everyone reads to truly try to understand Intersectionality and the importance of coming together to support each other with  activism and holding the government accountable.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Gaslighting, Ableism, Confinement, Antisemitism, Body shaming, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Bullying, and Forced institutionalization

mscalls's review

hopeful informative inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Antisemitism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Sexism, Medical trauma, and Emotional abuse

Moderate: Forced institutionalization and Medical trauma

Minor: Confinement, Chronic illness, Racism, and Misogyny