"Inclusion isn't better just because it's kinder. We should bring disabled perspectives to the center because such perspectives create a world that is more imaginative, more flexible, more sustainable, more dynamic and vibrant for everyone who lives in a body."

Rebekah Taussig's memoir-in-essays manages to sneak a whole lot of eye-opening, paradigm-shifting truth into one small, cheerful, cheeky package. Taussig has a PhD in creative nonfiction and disability studies and, due to childhood cancer, has been paralyzed from the waist down for as long as she can remember. She has a wealth of information and stores to choose from and distills them perfectly here, touching on representation, inspiration porn, ableism, feminism, intersectionality, healthcare costs and consequences, objectification and dehumanization, demoralizing and threatening kindnesses, accessibility, inclusion, and more.

The writing is excellent. The curation of stories is perfect. The tone is conversational and gracious and generous and unwavering. Anyone who lives in a body should read this. Most of us should read it a few times.

Content notes: strong language, alcohol, ineffective support systems and responses to the needs of marginalized and vulnerable people

My thanks to NetGalley and HarperOne for a digital ARC.