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The Pretty One: On Life, Pop Culture, Disability, and Other Reasons to Fall in Love With Me

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're looking for a heartfelt collection of essays that balances raw honesty with laugh-out-loud humor, Keah Brown's book delivers. Her unique voice as a Black, disabled, and queer woman shines through, giving much-needed perspective on topics like pop culture, family, and self-acceptance. Readers interested in intersectionality, disability rights, or simply hearing from a bold, empowering storyteller will find plenty to love here. Perfect for fans of memoirs that challenge, teach, and uplift.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers might find the essay format a little disjointed if they're hoping for a traditional memoir with a linear narrative. The frank discussions about ableism, marginalization, and personal struggles may also feel heavy to those looking for lighter fare. If you prefer fast-paced, plot-driven stories or aren't comfortable with candid explorations of identity, this might not be your top pick.

A funny, empowering, and unapologetically real exploration of self-love and identity - Keah Brown's essays will inspire you to see the world and yourself a little differently.

About:

'The Pretty One' by Keah Brown is a collection of personal essays that delves into the author's life experiences as a Black and disabled woman. Brown takes a critical approach to dissecting overlapping marginalizations and how they can intersect to oppress individuals. Through her raw and relatable storytelling, she addresses topics ranging from disability rights activism to self-love and acceptance, providing insights into her journey of finding joy amidst struggles. The book offers a poignant exploration of identity, vulnerability, and the quest for self-empowerment in a society that often overlooks marginalized voices.

Keah Brown's writing style is characterized by humor, clarity, and candidness, making the book both engaging and enlightening. She applies a disability lens to everyday situations, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. By sharing her personal anecdotes and reflections, Brown invites readers to empathize with her experiences and gain a deeper understanding of issues such as accessibility, discrimination, and the complexities of intersectionality.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and conversational, combining humor with poignant reflections on serious issues.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on the author's personal journey of living with cerebral palsy, addressing self-acceptance and the complexities of identity as a Black disabled woman.

Setting:

The setting revolves around the author's personal experiences within American society, particularly in relation to disability.

Pacing:

The pacing is balanced, combining heavier themes with lighter anecdotes, making it accessible and engaging for readers.
My longest relationship has been with chairs. We are very happy together, committed and strong, in sickness and health till death do us part, etc. There are arguments and disagreements as in any other...

Notes:

Keah Brown has cerebral palsy affecting her right side and has faced challenges with self-love and acceptance.
She is the creator of the hashtag #DisabledAndCute.
Keah writes about her experiences as a Black disabled woman in America.
It took her until age 24 to put her hair in a ponytail independently.
Keah's journey to self-love inspires her to embrace her disability as part of her identity.
She shares struggles with daily tasks and the desire for independence.
Keah aims to learn how to apply makeup, particularly eyeshadow and filling in her eyebrows.
She advocates for the voices of disabled people and discusses the intersectionality of race and disability.
Keah highlights the issue of disabled individuals being assisted without consent, affecting their agency.
Her essays cover a range of topics, including family dynamics, religion, and societal views on disability.
The book combines humor and raw emotion while tackling difficult subjects.
Keah's writing is described as charming and relatable, making difficult topics accessible.
She emphasizes the need to recognize the beauty in differences, rather than striving for 'normal.'
Keah's book aims to be a representation for Black disabled women in literature.
Reviews appreciate the honesty, humor, and depth of her essays, encouraging reader connection and understanding.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains discussions about ableism, dependency, mental health, and societal views on disability, warranting a medium level of content warnings.

From The Publisher:

From the disability rights advocate and creator of the #DisabledAndCute viral campaign, a thoughtful, inspiring, and charming collection of essays exploring what it means to be black and disabled in a mostly able-bodied white America.

Keah Brown loves herself, but that hadn’t always been the case. Born with cerebral palsy, her greatest desire used to be normalcy and refuge from the steady stream of self-hate society strengthened inside her. But after years of introspection and reaching out to others in her community, she has reclaimed herself and changed her perspective.

In The Pretty One, Brown gives a contemporary and relatable voice to the disabled—so often portrayed as mute, weak, or isolated. With clear, fresh, and light-hearted prose, these essays explore everything from her relationship with her able-bodied identical twin (called “the pretty one” by friends) to navigating romance; her deep affinity for all things pop culture—and her disappointment with the media’s distorted view of disability; and her declaration of self-love with the viral hashtag #DisabledAndCute.

By “smashing stigmas, empowering her community, and celebrating herself” (Teen Vogue), Brown and The Pretty One aims to expand the conversation about disability and inspire self-love for people of all backgrounds.

August 2019
257 pages

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