Scan barcode
A review by zenzi2read
Sipping Dom Pérignon Through a Straw by Eddie Ndopu
challenging
emotional
informative
slow-paced
3.0
The title of this memoir suggest a subversive joyful memoirist. Unfortunately, that’s not what I found on the page.
This memoir largely covers The period of time from Eddie’s acceptance to Oxford and immediately after completing his term – less than two years.
What Eddie describes is the disruptive nature of ableism and how he must dedicate much of his energy to advocating for his care in a somewhat hostile environment. What’s missing is the joy and excitement and celebration of this success that the title suggests.
He mentions offhand that he was class president while at Oxford, but doesn’t share any of the successes In the role. He mentions a meeting with President Obama due to his humanitarian work but fails to explain what the nature of the humanitarian work is. Also, his friends seem to be extremely wealthy, intellectuals and artists. We don’t get a look at his charismatic side or his intellectual side. Do they like him because he tells good jokes? Or maybe his astute takes on politics? None of that is shared.
I don’t feel like I received any other facets of his personality, besides self advocacy. It made for monotonous read.
This memoir largely covers The period of time from Eddie’s acceptance to Oxford and immediately after completing his term – less than two years.
What Eddie describes is the disruptive nature of ableism and how he must dedicate much of his energy to advocating for his care in a somewhat hostile environment. What’s missing is the joy and excitement and celebration of this success that the title suggests.
He mentions offhand that he was class president while at Oxford, but doesn’t share any of the successes In the role. He mentions a meeting with President Obama due to his humanitarian work but fails to explain what the nature of the humanitarian work is. Also, his friends seem to be extremely wealthy, intellectuals and artists. We don’t get a look at his charismatic side or his intellectual side. Do they like him because he tells good jokes? Or maybe his astute takes on politics? None of that is shared.
I don’t feel like I received any other facets of his personality, besides self advocacy. It made for monotonous read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Medical trauma
Minor: Homophobia