Book Riot
"The author skillfully ties her personal experiences into a broader social and historical context … an empowering and feminist book. It shows an immigrant, writer, teacher, and activist’s perspective on pivotal moments in history. In an intimate way, Such a Pretty Girl shows how far disability rights have come in the past 70 years and touches on inequalities that still exist."
STARRED Booklist
"In this insightful memoir, disability activist LaSpina effortlessly shares how her personal experiences led to her activism, creating a compelling story that is both instructive and moving. ... readers will encounter her successes and set-backs, both personal and political, and learn about the U.S. medical system and its treatment of individuals with disabilities. ... LaSpina's story of determination and hard-won independence is engaging, informative, and ultimately, inarguably, inspiring."
Gillian Kendall
"A feminist, personal perspective on disability. One of the main themes is the author’s developing ability to claim and enjoy her own beauty and sexuality."
Simi Linton
"A memoir fueled by passion and grounded in history. Nadina LaSpina’s beautifully written narrative reveals a conscientious citizen and an exuberant and vibrant woman. Such a Pretty Girl is ultimately a love story."
Alix Kates Shulman
"From the first vivid chapter set in Sicily to her gutsy activism in the U.S., LaSpinas triumphant memoir of a richly lived life held me rapt."
From the Publisher
"A feminist, personal perspective on disability. One of the main themes is the author’s developing ability to claim and enjoy her own beauty and sexuality." -Gillian Kendall,coauthor, How I Became a Human Being
“From the first vivid chapter set in Sicily to her gutsy activism in the U.S., LaSpina’s triumphant memoir of a richly lived life held me rapt."-Alix Kates Shulman
SEPTEMBER 2020 - AudioFile
Jennifer Jill Araya gives a spirited performance of this captivating memoir by disability rights activist Nadina LaSpina. LaSpina, who contracted polio as a baby in Sicily, moved with her family to the U.S. as a teenager. She recounts the time she spent in hospitals, the abuse she suffered at the hands of doctors, and her experiences as a leader in the disability rights movement. LaSpina’s writing about disability culture is especially poignant, and Araya’s narration beautifully captures her burgeoning sense of disability pride. Whether she’s describing intimate moments between lovers or historic protests, Araya’s smooth, musical voice is a pleasure to listen to. Her ability to capture emotions heightens the power of LaSpina’s story. L.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2019-04-28
From pity to empowerment, a woman born with polio illuminates her personal changes in attitude and accomplishment amid sweeping societal changes in rights for the disabled.
As a child in Sicily, LaSpina struggled with her family to understand the disease with which she was born. Was it a sign of the family's sin, and was she the cross they had to bear? Was it her destiny? If so, was she destined to be single and celibate? A nun or an old maid? Her father didn't think so; he moved the family to America, hoping that better medical care would provide a miracle cure. The author found herself in hospitals with other children who had mobility issues and other diseases. She underwent a series of painful surgeries, intending to be able to walk and leave behind the wheelchair she had learned to love. Ultimately, she did walk, with braces and crutches, but she kept falling, breaking bones and complicating her life. She wanted to please her father, who had focused the family's life and resources on enabling her to walk. Yet she was also becoming part of an activist movement that stressed acceptance and independence. Once feeling so insular, alone, and helpless, LaSpina, who created and taught courses in disability studies at the New School, began to feel "good to belong, to be part of something. I wasn't sure what that something was, but I knew I wanted to be part of it." Her memoir encompasses activism, civil disobedience, and legislation that would help move disability from the realm of disease requiring treatment (and eliciting pity) to respect, acceptance, and equal protection under the law. The author also addresses sexuality and romance, showing how she discovered that her life need not be limited as it once seemed destined to be.
"I was the luckiest woman in the world," insists the author in this revelatory and deeply moving memoir that clearly shows how and why she came to feel that way.
