A review by novella42
Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann, Kristen Joiner

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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