Our August 2025 book was Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law by Haben Girma. This was the second time I've read her memoir. I first read it in 2020, and I thought this time around I would just skim it as our Accessibility Book Club selection.
Well, that lasted about one chapter.
A powerful story, well told
In no time, I was drawn into Haben's life story just as much as the first time. Once again, I was rewarded by the richness of her experience: a deafblind American woman of Ethiopian and Eritrean heritage who graduated from Harvard Law School and was honored by President Barack Obama as a Champion of Change. See the book details on our Haben book page.
In one sense it is a classic "achieving a dream against all odds" tale. What makes the book special is that she doesn't see herself as a hero, just someone determined to reach her goals.
Heritage and determination
I especially enjoyed the stories of her early life and how she came to terms with her cultural heritage as much as her disability. Understanding her family history and social background feeds her determination as much as the ableism and discrimination she faces.
Beyond "inspiration porn"
Australian activist Stella Young famously criticized "inspiration porn," where non-disabled people fawn over how "amazing" and "brave" disabled people are. Her TED talk, I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much (opens in a new tab), is worth watching alongside this book.
Haben stays down to earth as she describes her ambitions and how she achieved them. It's hard to imagine anyone NOT being inspired by her story, but that inspiration comes from her character, self-respect, and intellect rather than her disability.
A note on the subtitle
I did wonder whether the subtitle, "The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law," was more the work of marketers than the author. The text itself didn't conjure up "conquering" to me. Haben still has a lot of conquering ahead of her, and I look forward to it.
Keep following Haben
As a disability rights advocate and public speaker, Haben posts regularly on LinkedIn and at habengirma.com (opens in a new tab). Her day-to-day stories of life with deafblindness are as funny, engaging, and (sorry, Stella) inspiring as this book.
For more memoirs from our shelf, read our Unseen review.
Join the conversation
Have you read Haben? What part of her story stayed with you? Share your thoughts in the Accessibility Book Club LinkedIn group (opens in a new tab).
Author
Ricky Onsman
Community Manager
