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Beautiful People: My Thirteen Truths About Disability
Well-known disability activist and social media influencer, Melissa Blake, offers a frank, illuminating memoir and a call to action for disabled people and allies.
In the summer of 2019, journalist Melissa Blake penned an op-ed for CNN Opinion. A conservative pundit caught wind of it, mentioning Blake’s work in a YouTube video. What happened next is equal parts a searing view into society, how we collectively view and treat disabled people, and the making of an advocate. After a troll said that Blake should be banned from posting pictures of herself, she took to Twitter and defiantly posted three smiling selfies, all taken during a lovely vacation in the Big
I wanted desperately to clap back at these vile trolls in a way that would make a statement, not only about how our society views disabilities, but also about the toxicity of our strict and unrealistic beauty standards. Of course I knew that posting those selfies wasn't going to erase the nasty names I'd been called and, the chances were, they would never even see my tweet, but that didn't matter. I wasn't doing it for them; I was doing it for me and every single disabled person who has been bullied before, online and in real life. When people mock how I look, they're not just insulting me. They're insulting all disabled people. We're constantly told that we're repulsive and ugly and not good enough to be seen. This was me pushing back against that toxic, ableist narrative.
For the first time, I felt like I was doing something empowering, taking back my power and changing the story.
Her tweet went viral, attracting worldwide media attention and interviews with the BBC, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, PEOPLE magazine, Good Morning America and E! News.
Now, in her manifesto, Beautiful People, Blake shares her truths about disability, writing about (among other things): Blake also tells the stories of some of the heroes of the disability rights movement in America, in doing so rescuing their incredible achievements from near total obscurity. Highlighting other disabled activists and influencers, Blake’s work is the calling card of a powerful voice—one that has sparked new, different, better conversations about disability.
In the summer of 2019, journalist Melissa Blake penned an op-ed for CNN Opinion. A conservative pundit caught wind of it, mentioning Blake’s work in a YouTube video. What happened next is equal parts a searing view into society, how we collectively view and treat disabled people, and the making of an advocate. After a troll said that Blake should be banned from posting pictures of herself, she took to Twitter and defiantly posted three smiling selfies, all taken during a lovely vacation in the Big
I wanted desperately to clap back at these vile trolls in a way that would make a statement, not only about how our society views disabilities, but also about the toxicity of our strict and unrealistic beauty standards. Of course I knew that posting those selfies wasn't going to erase the nasty names I'd been called and, the chances were, they would never even see my tweet, but that didn't matter. I wasn't doing it for them; I was doing it for me and every single disabled person who has been bullied before, online and in real life. When people mock how I look, they're not just insulting me. They're insulting all disabled people. We're constantly told that we're repulsive and ugly and not good enough to be seen. This was me pushing back against that toxic, ableist narrative.
For the first time, I felt like I was doing something empowering, taking back my power and changing the story.
Her tweet went viral, attracting worldwide media attention and interviews with the BBC, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, PEOPLE magazine, Good Morning America and E! News.
Now, in her manifesto, Beautiful People, Blake shares her truths about disability, writing about (among other things): Blake also tells the stories of some of the heroes of the disability rights movement in America, in doing so rescuing their incredible achievements from near total obscurity. Highlighting other disabled activists and influencers, Blake’s work is the calling card of a powerful voice—one that has sparked new, different, better conversations about disability.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published March 5, 2024
15 people are currently reading
2501 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 28, 2023
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be an early reviewer of Beautiful People by Melissa Blake. Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Beautiful People is an honest and sincere narrative of what it is like to go through life with a disability. Ms. Blake opens up about her own life and provides practical, tangible perspectives on disability. I learned so much reading this book and highly recommend it. I learned about how language matters and that many of the well-meaning engagements that individuals have with disabled individuals are incredibly condescending. Additionally, I gained an appreciation for how we can help make our environments more accessible.
Ms. Blake cites several heroes of disability rights movement and I consider her to be one of these heroes for her willingness to share her experiences and provide very useful and practical insights. This book is a must read!
Beautiful People is an honest and sincere narrative of what it is like to go through life with a disability. Ms. Blake opens up about her own life and provides practical, tangible perspectives on disability. I learned so much reading this book and highly recommend it. I learned about how language matters and that many of the well-meaning engagements that individuals have with disabled individuals are incredibly condescending. Additionally, I gained an appreciation for how we can help make our environments more accessible.
Ms. Blake cites several heroes of disability rights movement and I consider her to be one of these heroes for her willingness to share her experiences and provide very useful and practical insights. This book is a must read!
February 14, 2024
As a disabled person I am incredibly proud of Melissa for writing this exemplery book about the experiences we disabled are suffering in this society . This is a impressive beautifully written book. Just yesterday after being publicly humilated in a grocery store yet again I thought of all her experiences over her life and how brave Melissa is. Her representation here for our disabled community and her sharing own experiences is inspiring. I am grateful to the publisher, Net Galley and Melissa for the opportunity for review. My review opinions are my own,
Melissa is a famous author and has been on CNN, Good Morning America People magazine and E news. Her writings on the disabled experience has been published in numerous major publications. Melissa is a very popular social media influencer and disability advocate for us all.
Melissa has written a beautifully crafted brillant book about her own experiences in our society growing up disabled and living as a disabled adult. This is as the author says "A call to action" for our disabled community. We are the most discriminated against group in the US. More then any other "group" disabled people. are discriminated against historically by society, the government and even our own families. Melissa brings the discirmination to light here honestly and documents our experiences through her voice. As a influencer and famous social media star Melissa has grown to be instrumental as a disabled advocate.
The author has inclued our disability heros throughout time. She writes of our experiences honestly and openly without holding back. She speaks to how the language people use against us diminishes us and how our culture discriminates against us. She is a hero. Her writing is the books we have needed all our lives. Thank you to the author for your exemplery book.. I look forward to continued works being published in your voice.
Melissa a beacon of hope to all of us that are disabled living in this cruel society. Well Done Melissa thank you for your voice. Thank you for standing up against trolls , against discriminaiton and being a voice for all of us.
Melissa is a famous author and has been on CNN, Good Morning America People magazine and E news. Her writings on the disabled experience has been published in numerous major publications. Melissa is a very popular social media influencer and disability advocate for us all.
Melissa has written a beautifully crafted brillant book about her own experiences in our society growing up disabled and living as a disabled adult. This is as the author says "A call to action" for our disabled community. We are the most discriminated against group in the US. More then any other "group" disabled people. are discriminated against historically by society, the government and even our own families. Melissa brings the discirmination to light here honestly and documents our experiences through her voice. As a influencer and famous social media star Melissa has grown to be instrumental as a disabled advocate.
The author has inclued our disability heros throughout time. She writes of our experiences honestly and openly without holding back. She speaks to how the language people use against us diminishes us and how our culture discriminates against us. She is a hero. Her writing is the books we have needed all our lives. Thank you to the author for your exemplery book.. I look forward to continued works being published in your voice.
Melissa a beacon of hope to all of us that are disabled living in this cruel society. Well Done Melissa thank you for your voice. Thank you for standing up against trolls , against discriminaiton and being a voice for all of us.
March 8, 2024
A heartfelt memoir about living with a disability, her experience going viral and calling out all the ableist trolls on the internet who didn't think she deserved to be happy or proud of sharing some selfies.
This is a great look at all the sorts of things people with disabilities have to deal with, from self-hate, spaces not made to accommodate needs, challenges in love, work and more. Included are stories about other groundbreaking disability activists. Good on audio read by the author and perfect for fans of authors like Keah Brown or Alice Wong.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
This is a great look at all the sorts of things people with disabilities have to deal with, from self-hate, spaces not made to accommodate needs, challenges in love, work and more. Included are stories about other groundbreaking disability activists. Good on audio read by the author and perfect for fans of authors like Keah Brown or Alice Wong.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
March 4, 2024
With everything that is going on in the world today and people's propensity for being cruel for cruel's sake, this book is a MUST READ. Without being preachy or judgy, Melissa Blake lays out her thirteen truths about disability and being disabled [and what that has meant to her and what it means now] that every single person can learn from, even those who are allies to the disabled world. She talks about what disability is [including the hidden/invisible disabilities], why we MUST call it what it is [disability], how abelism permeates everything disabled people come in contact with [and often is something even disabled people struggle with] and how she uses what trolls online have said [and continue to say unfortunately] to fan a spark of outrage into a flame and helps her continue the work [all while acknowledging just how awful some of them really are] that will forever [it seems] need to be done.
You will be filled with awe [though she would not want that, but in all honesty, I find it difficult to not see how amazing she is and what she does. NOT because of her disability, but because of her strength and want for a better world and her willingness to take on the bully], happiness and anger while reading this book. I cannot tell you how many times my anger flared when she was telling a story of something someone said, or how she was treated OR what people have said to her online. We all just need to be better [even those of us that are allies]. We ALL can improve, myself included.
I was granted an audiobook ARC for this book and it was really interesting to listen to Melissa tell her own story in her own voice. It made it much more real for me to hear her tell her story and I highly recommend experiencing this book that way.
Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Blake, Hachette Books/Hachette Go and Hachette Go Audio for providing both the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
You will be filled with awe [though she would not want that, but in all honesty, I find it difficult to not see how amazing she is and what she does. NOT because of her disability, but because of her strength and want for a better world and her willingness to take on the bully], happiness and anger while reading this book. I cannot tell you how many times my anger flared when she was telling a story of something someone said, or how she was treated OR what people have said to her online. We all just need to be better [even those of us that are allies]. We ALL can improve, myself included.
I was granted an audiobook ARC for this book and it was really interesting to listen to Melissa tell her own story in her own voice. It made it much more real for me to hear her tell her story and I highly recommend experiencing this book that way.
Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Blake, Hachette Books/Hachette Go and Hachette Go Audio for providing both the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2025
I really struggled with how to rate this book. On one hand, I had a lot of issues with it. I did not enjoy the writing style very much. It was littered with phrases like "literally" and " no pun intended." I also found myself wanting to argue with many of the things Melissa stated here. I know that she has an experience that is unique to her disability and uniquely challenging. I am happy to use the terms that she requested and to interact with her in the ways that she would like; however, I felt many of these things were subjective and might vary from person to person and that some of the arguments were not internally consistent. I hope that the voices of others with disabilities are not drowned out in the strong opinions of those who are speaking out.
One the other hand, Melissa introduced me to "ableism," a term that I had not heard before. She also gave me invaluable insight into what it might be like as a disabled person: growing up in the hospital, never feeling like you have any worth as a romantic partner, dealing with online cruelty, and being constantly unable to do everyday tasks due to inaccessibility. It was good for me to think more about the disabled population and to recognize some of my own thoughtlessness regarding what makes life enjoyable for everyone.
In spite of its flaws, I strongly recommend reading "Beautiful People" as a good introduction to the language and ideology of disability activism.
One the other hand, Melissa introduced me to "ableism," a term that I had not heard before. She also gave me invaluable insight into what it might be like as a disabled person: growing up in the hospital, never feeling like you have any worth as a romantic partner, dealing with online cruelty, and being constantly unable to do everyday tasks due to inaccessibility. It was good for me to think more about the disabled population and to recognize some of my own thoughtlessness regarding what makes life enjoyable for everyone.
In spite of its flaws, I strongly recommend reading "Beautiful People" as a good introduction to the language and ideology of disability activism.
April 26, 2025
Good book and a great starting place for readers looking to educate themselves. Books like this need to be more mainstream- we need more stories like this from disabled individuals, their experiences, and how we can better support them both individually & societally. Chapter 12 and the epilogue were the most impactful to me because of how personal they were.
“As the Disability Justice Movement enters its next phase, it's very important that disabled people write these narratives and control them. No one is a better expert about what it's like living with a disability than disabled people themselves. We do it every hour of every day.”
“And while these two views of disability may be directed at us, it's not really about us. It's about non-disabled people and is rooted in fear-literally the fear of becoming disabled themselves. The disability community is the only marginalized group that you can join at any time in life.”
“The internet is a way for disabled people to build community, and those connections are an indispensable part of our lives, providing us with job opportunities, visibility, activism, newfound confidence, and lasting connections with other disabled people.”
“As the Disability Justice Movement enters its next phase, it's very important that disabled people write these narratives and control them. No one is a better expert about what it's like living with a disability than disabled people themselves. We do it every hour of every day.”
“And while these two views of disability may be directed at us, it's not really about us. It's about non-disabled people and is rooted in fear-literally the fear of becoming disabled themselves. The disability community is the only marginalized group that you can join at any time in life.”
“The internet is a way for disabled people to build community, and those connections are an indispensable part of our lives, providing us with job opportunities, visibility, activism, newfound confidence, and lasting connections with other disabled people.”
February 26, 2025
I learned a lot from this Alex Award Winner. I definitely have fallen prey to trying to be sensitive and using language that ends up trying to dismiss a part of their identity. I had the privilege of sitting down with a member of the community to discuss the book and it was eye-opening how many considerations would be easy to accommodate if everyone just thought of them. It truly wouldn't make a difference to the majority but would make a world of difference to them. I can only tangentially relate. I listened to this Audiobook from the library and it was awesome to hear the book in the authors own voice.
May 10, 2024
Melissa Blake's reflections on her disability, and the ways in which society treats disabled people, come off as frank and genuine. Reading this book felt like having a conversation with a friend. She never "talks down" to the reader, but solidifies her points through personal experiences, historical examples, and sharp observations about the world.
Blake's honesty is refreshing. She admits that even though she is comfortable in her body now, it has taken a long time to get to this point - involving therapy and a lot of self-reflection. Though she has had to grow a thick skin to deal with nasty comments online, that doesn't mean that she is entirely invulnerable to them. The way she describes her inner battles with her self-esteem is very relatable; who among us hasn't doubted ourselves, or felt hurt or shunned or unwanted? Blake's reflections on her childhood and moments that shaped her are humorous, soul-baring, and at times heartbreaking - especially the devastating event of her father's suicide.
While I learned a lot from this book regarding disability activism and the push for inclusivity, I also appreciated reading about Blake's own experiences, especially the lifelong struggle with fitting into the dating sphere. The many preconceptions people have about disability and dating were eye opening, such as the idea that disabled people would be a "burden" to their romantic partner, and therefore should give up trying to find one.
In all, this is a book with a fresh, strong voice that is definitely worth reading for anyone seeking to educate themselves on multiple aspects of disability rights in America.
Blake's honesty is refreshing. She admits that even though she is comfortable in her body now, it has taken a long time to get to this point - involving therapy and a lot of self-reflection. Though she has had to grow a thick skin to deal with nasty comments online, that doesn't mean that she is entirely invulnerable to them. The way she describes her inner battles with her self-esteem is very relatable; who among us hasn't doubted ourselves, or felt hurt or shunned or unwanted? Blake's reflections on her childhood and moments that shaped her are humorous, soul-baring, and at times heartbreaking - especially the devastating event of her father's suicide.
While I learned a lot from this book regarding disability activism and the push for inclusivity, I also appreciated reading about Blake's own experiences, especially the lifelong struggle with fitting into the dating sphere. The many preconceptions people have about disability and dating were eye opening, such as the idea that disabled people would be a "burden" to their romantic partner, and therefore should give up trying to find one.
In all, this is a book with a fresh, strong voice that is definitely worth reading for anyone seeking to educate themselves on multiple aspects of disability rights in America.
March 12, 2024
Beautiful People
This was a very nice book on disability.
Melissa writes candidly with a lot of honesty and passion, and I found it quite a heartfelt memoir-disability book.
This book is great for people with disabilities, but also people who are allies and want to learn more about disability studies and social justice.
It also had some interesting takes on social media, and I liked how Blake broke the book up into 13 pieces telling truths about disability.
I enjoyed this book a lot and found it enlightening.
3.8/5
This was a very nice book on disability.
Melissa writes candidly with a lot of honesty and passion, and I found it quite a heartfelt memoir-disability book.
This book is great for people with disabilities, but also people who are allies and want to learn more about disability studies and social justice.
It also had some interesting takes on social media, and I liked how Blake broke the book up into 13 pieces telling truths about disability.
I enjoyed this book a lot and found it enlightening.
3.8/5
April 23, 2025
Melissa is a truly amazing person, grateful to have read her wonderful book!
May 3, 2024
Blunt when it needed to be and kind when it needed to be. This taught me a lot!
July 23, 2025
It was alway best to read about disability written by PWD themselves. Lots of ableism that so subtle even PWD takes time to recognize it.
May 26, 2025
Blake writes with honesty and passion about the disability experience, and her book encourages readers to take a hard look at how they think about and interact with the disabled. As a blind reader, I appreciated how lucidly she captured the uncomfortable dichotomy disabled people face: we're held up as objects of inspiration and pity, neither of which are accurate. Reading this book made me realize that I've absorbed the idea that I'm not allowed to talk about when things are hard for me because it would be seen as bad manners, whining, self-pity, or laziness.
Blake also perfectly sums up the fraught experiences of being the only disabled teenager in one's school. Being a teenager is hard enough, with the desire to be seen and admired warring with the absolute terror of being seen and singled out for the wrong reasons. I also finally understood how parents could unthinkingly send mixed messages to their disabled kids, trying to fix their bodies even when that wasn't a realistic option, trying to make them into the "best" disabled person in the world, or making judgmental comments about other people with the same disability and shaming a child if they did things or acted like "those people." To say on one hand that a child is beautiful, but then to tell them they should wear certain things to hide their disability because "it makes other people uncomfortable." These attitudes are harmful because they foster a conflicting self-image in children, including a learned arrogance toward the one group of people in which the child might find true belonging and acceptance which can then lead to self-acceptance.
when I've had a chance to immerse myself in extended situations where my blindness was just a characteristic and where there was thought and care taken to build inclusion into the experience for everyone involved, it was exhilarating and heartbreaking. I could finally be who I was, what I was, but only until the experience was over and I had to return to my life in the real world.
I'm still wandering around somewhere on this road to self-acceptance, especially when it comes to the idea that I may be beautiful just because I am, not despite or because of my blindness. Again, all the mixed messages don't help, but books like this one show that no matter how long it takes, it's never too late, and my journey isn't going to look like anyone else's, so I should stop worrying about whether I'm doing it wrong.
Blake's writing on ableism, microaggressions and inspiration porn are invaluable. My relationship with technology and social media is pretty ambivalent because I find so much of it hard to navigate as a blind person. It's too fast, too overwhelming, and I'm OK admitting that I have no special talent for or interest in tech. But now I may think twice before deciding not to be seen, asking myself if my choice is based on how I feel and what I want, or if I'm basing my decision on what others think I should or shouldn't be doing.
Blake also perfectly sums up the fraught experiences of being the only disabled teenager in one's school. Being a teenager is hard enough, with the desire to be seen and admired warring with the absolute terror of being seen and singled out for the wrong reasons. I also finally understood how parents could unthinkingly send mixed messages to their disabled kids, trying to fix their bodies even when that wasn't a realistic option, trying to make them into the "best" disabled person in the world, or making judgmental comments about other people with the same disability and shaming a child if they did things or acted like "those people." To say on one hand that a child is beautiful, but then to tell them they should wear certain things to hide their disability because "it makes other people uncomfortable." These attitudes are harmful because they foster a conflicting self-image in children, including a learned arrogance toward the one group of people in which the child might find true belonging and acceptance which can then lead to self-acceptance.
when I've had a chance to immerse myself in extended situations where my blindness was just a characteristic and where there was thought and care taken to build inclusion into the experience for everyone involved, it was exhilarating and heartbreaking. I could finally be who I was, what I was, but only until the experience was over and I had to return to my life in the real world.
I'm still wandering around somewhere on this road to self-acceptance, especially when it comes to the idea that I may be beautiful just because I am, not despite or because of my blindness. Again, all the mixed messages don't help, but books like this one show that no matter how long it takes, it's never too late, and my journey isn't going to look like anyone else's, so I should stop worrying about whether I'm doing it wrong.
Blake's writing on ableism, microaggressions and inspiration porn are invaluable. My relationship with technology and social media is pretty ambivalent because I find so much of it hard to navigate as a blind person. It's too fast, too overwhelming, and I'm OK admitting that I have no special talent for or interest in tech. But now I may think twice before deciding not to be seen, asking myself if my choice is based on how I feel and what I want, or if I'm basing my decision on what others think I should or shouldn't be doing.
June 21, 2024
Some moments in life serve as powerful reminders of humanity's inherent goodness. Ironically, these instances often emerge from darkness or adversity. In my lifetime, I recall the sense of unity that followed the tragic events of 9/11, the solidarity in communities after natural disasters, and the simple acts of kindness during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Melissa Blake exemplifies this transformative power, turning adversity into a beacon of light that illuminates our capacity for compassion and acceptance. Blake authored an op-ed for CNN in the summer of 2019, critiquing then-President Donald Trump. In response, internet trolls subjected her to vicious attacks, including demeaning comments about her appearance due to Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome, a genetic condition affecting her bones and muscles.
Rather than succumbing to negativity, Blake responded with grace and resilience. She posted several selfies to social media, defiantly reclaiming her narrative. The post went viral, catapulting Blake, a longtime writer and disability advocate, into the spotlight. In Beautiful People, a book generously shared with me by her publisher, Blake crafts a compelling manifesto. Here, she recounts her personal journey, educates readers about living with disabilities, and emphasizes our shared humanity. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and collaboration, urging us all to embrace our differences and strive for a more inclusive society.
Beautiful People is an expansive exploration that blends personal narrative with Blake's inherent humor, offering education and entertainment. She eloquently discusses the impact of language and how unintentional ignorance about disability often leads to ableism and microaggressions. Blake candidly exposes societal barriers, illustrating how, even with legislation like the ADA, infrastructure fails to accommodate disabled people, perpetuating their invisibility.
Blake shares her own journey of grappling with self-image and acceptance, exacerbated by the absence of representation in mainstream media and the persistent presence of bullies and online trolls. Her willingness to confront her doubts deeply struck a chord with me, fostering a stronger connection to her narrative. Life's challenges aren't always uplifting, yet we can draw strength from these darker moments. This collection of thoughts culminates in Blake's assertion that disabled individuals, despite diverse medical needs, share fundamental human desires: to love, be loved, find joy, and live fully. Through Beautiful People, Melissa Blake shares her story and advocates for broader acceptance and inclusion, nudging society closer to embracing all individuals, regardless of differences.
Rather than succumbing to negativity, Blake responded with grace and resilience. She posted several selfies to social media, defiantly reclaiming her narrative. The post went viral, catapulting Blake, a longtime writer and disability advocate, into the spotlight. In Beautiful People, a book generously shared with me by her publisher, Blake crafts a compelling manifesto. Here, she recounts her personal journey, educates readers about living with disabilities, and emphasizes our shared humanity. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and collaboration, urging us all to embrace our differences and strive for a more inclusive society.
Beautiful People is an expansive exploration that blends personal narrative with Blake's inherent humor, offering education and entertainment. She eloquently discusses the impact of language and how unintentional ignorance about disability often leads to ableism and microaggressions. Blake candidly exposes societal barriers, illustrating how, even with legislation like the ADA, infrastructure fails to accommodate disabled people, perpetuating their invisibility.
Blake shares her own journey of grappling with self-image and acceptance, exacerbated by the absence of representation in mainstream media and the persistent presence of bullies and online trolls. Her willingness to confront her doubts deeply struck a chord with me, fostering a stronger connection to her narrative. Life's challenges aren't always uplifting, yet we can draw strength from these darker moments. This collection of thoughts culminates in Blake's assertion that disabled individuals, despite diverse medical needs, share fundamental human desires: to love, be loved, find joy, and live fully. Through Beautiful People, Melissa Blake shares her story and advocates for broader acceptance and inclusion, nudging society closer to embracing all individuals, regardless of differences.
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February 20, 2025(Audio)
There were things I really enjoyed about this book and there were some things that really bugged me about this book. I give a little of both.
Of course, as always, I enjoyed seeing the world from a different perspective. I appreciate that Melissa took us on this journey. I also appreciate that she did not get too deep in the weeds about her specific disability and the medical jargon that goes along with it. I felt like she made an effort to give her own perspective while also leaving it open enough to see that what impacts her specifically, also impacts disabled people more broadly. I really loved her section on pop culture and how it's evolved to be more inclusive and how exciting that can be. I loved the way she speaks about her family. It's obvious there's a lot of love and support in her family unit and my heart broke when she spoke of her dad's death and the impacts that had on her life.
Most of what I didn't like came down to the actual writing style. Like a lot of books written by activists in different communities, this book had a lot of what feels like scolding or talking down to or just being what I consider to be "preachy." It's off-putting. Even as a person who's interested and willing to learn something new. I can't imagine what people who are less receptive to this info feel. To be clear, this isn't something exclusive to this author. I've felt this way about several books I've read in the past. She also uses the word literal/literally WAY TOO MUCH.
Overall, regardless of how she says it, I truly believe what Melissa is saying is important and should be heard.
There were things I really enjoyed about this book and there were some things that really bugged me about this book. I give a little of both.
Of course, as always, I enjoyed seeing the world from a different perspective. I appreciate that Melissa took us on this journey. I also appreciate that she did not get too deep in the weeds about her specific disability and the medical jargon that goes along with it. I felt like she made an effort to give her own perspective while also leaving it open enough to see that what impacts her specifically, also impacts disabled people more broadly. I really loved her section on pop culture and how it's evolved to be more inclusive and how exciting that can be. I loved the way she speaks about her family. It's obvious there's a lot of love and support in her family unit and my heart broke when she spoke of her dad's death and the impacts that had on her life.
Most of what I didn't like came down to the actual writing style. Like a lot of books written by activists in different communities, this book had a lot of what feels like scolding or talking down to or just being what I consider to be "preachy." It's off-putting. Even as a person who's interested and willing to learn something new. I can't imagine what people who are less receptive to this info feel. To be clear, this isn't something exclusive to this author. I've felt this way about several books I've read in the past. She also uses the word literal/literally WAY TOO MUCH.
Overall, regardless of how she says it, I truly believe what Melissa is saying is important and should be heard.
January 15, 2024
Blake is a pioneer in expressing truths about disability that often are difficult to understand without hearing these truths from someone, like her, with intimate personal knowledge on this subject. She outlines each truth and why she believes in these truths based on her own experiences and does this with intelligence, humor, and conviction. She makes it clear how to become an appropriate ally for others with disabilities and doesn't mince words about the problems and the advances made by becoming an ally.
I found her book very educational and enjoyed her personal stories as she described the beauty of her disability and how she would like to be treated and viewed. She encourages all of us to accept ourselves and others for all of our beautiful differences, yet outlines how important it is to be educated on the topic of disability. A book that I believe everyone should read, especially those who are teachers, allies, parents, family, friends, etc., of these "beautiful people."
I found her book very educational and enjoyed her personal stories as she described the beauty of her disability and how she would like to be treated and viewed. She encourages all of us to accept ourselves and others for all of our beautiful differences, yet outlines how important it is to be educated on the topic of disability. A book that I believe everyone should read, especially those who are teachers, allies, parents, family, friends, etc., of these "beautiful people."
February 5, 2024
Everyone should read this book, especially parents. It's a pleasure, which is no surprise considering Blake's wonderful social media presence. She shares her 13 truths about disability, all of which are clear and need to be talked about - especially with disabled leaders steering the conversation. As a parent of a child with multiple disabilities, I found this book especially meaningful, and believe that ALL parents would benefit from reading it. We ALL need to know how to talk to our kids about disability, and that begins with educating ourselves and listening to and learning from folks with firsthand experience. This book gives a framework for how to talk about disability in a way that is really and actionable - and is a genuinely engaging read. Bravo, Melissa Blake! When does your next book come out? :)
March 5, 2024
"Beautiful People" is a fantastic book for people to learn how to be the best ally for disabled people. Blake breaks down what is most helpful, what is least helpful, and why. She uses her personal experience to make these suggestions, and she also shares the many joys, sorrows, and things she's learned throughout her life. The epilogue is a letter to her younger self, which I found very unique. Her writing is excellent, and I can see how she gained such a big following. I'm interested in reading several of the pieces she talked about in this book. I recommend this book to everyone.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an audiobook (read by the writer, which is always great) in exchange for an honest review. I'd also like to thank Hachette Books for a print ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an audiobook (read by the writer, which is always great) in exchange for an honest review. I'd also like to thank Hachette Books for a print ARC.
January 2, 2024
This book was such a blessing. Melissa Blake has been dealing with ableism since birth, along with ugly comments concerning her appearance. Yet she didn't overcome the odds or her disability. Rather, she worked hard, published essays, and wrote this book. What does this mean? This isn't a book to see old disability tropes in play. Blake breaks them down in detail, explaining why they shouldn't be used and what should be used instead. Not only is Blake a fantastic writer, but she is also a fantastic activist, and this book needs to be read by everyone.
https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferkathl...
https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferkathl...
March 17, 2024
This is an incredibly informative, important book about living with a disability. The way Melissa writes is charismatic, funny but most of all honest. Melissa is able to share her story and experiences in her own words without the world telling her what she is. My heart ached for her reading the comments and abuse she has had to endure and I will admit, I lost my faith in people a few times… but what I will say is I found it again in Melissa, and the hope I have that people can learn and do better. This book and Melissa’s voice is so important in that hope. Proud to call her a friend, this is a book worth reading.
March 19, 2024
I encourage everyone to read this book. Melissa Blake embraces her disability identity and confronts ableism and internalized limiting beliefs. I identify with an invisible disability and am part of a non-profit organization centered on leading with disability identities, yet I too learned a lot in this book. She writes with incredible candor and humor. She confronts the language used to describe disability as well as ableism - physical and verbal. I particularly loved ]her epilogue which is a letter to her seventeen year old self. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Books for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review
Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Books for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review
March 30, 2025
I’m so glad I saw this book at the library. You don’t see books about disability in the spotlight very often. Actually, you don’t see very much about disability period…which is precisely one of the author’s points in this book! Disability can look like a lot of things, but what could accessibility look like? The author lives her best life, and she walks you through what her life is like in these pages. (It’s not what society told you it was)! She talks about language, visibility, representation, accessibility, stigma, and how everything intersects with it. She’s spicy, and I love it.
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissablak...
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissablak...
November 30, 2023
What a wonderful read! I learned so much that I never realized as a non-disabled person, of the struggles that disabled people experience in everyday life! This book is eye opening about a community of people that does not get the credit they deserve for just trying to live their lives in the best way they can. I also immediately followed Melissa on Instagram and am enjoying her posts! She has a positive view on life that I absolutely love! Her writing style is honest, refreshing, and shows off her wonderful personality! Definitely a must read!
Thank you Hachette Go for the early copy!
Thank you Hachette Go for the early copy!
January 23, 2024
I have had the pleasure of following Melissa on social media for the last year or two. I appreciate her humor and positivity in a world that often sucks in its' interactions and policies to anyone neurodiverse and/or disabled. This book provided more of that humor and optimism with realism too. I appreciated her candor and the direct approach she took toward addressing the inequities and ableism of our world.
(Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.)
(Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.)
December 26, 2023
I received a copy of this book through winning a Goodreads Giveaway and I'm so glad that I did. It was a beautifully written account of what it means to have a disability and what life is like for someone with a disability. I could definitely relate to parts and also learned a lot about the experience of others as well. It is easy to read and also a very important read for everyone as it is so important that we all learn to understand others better and move towards a more inclusive world.
July 16, 2024
I've been following Melissa on Instagram for a long time now, and I was delighted to find her book at our local library. This was definitely a must-read for me.
The book is great, and says what needs to be said. Ableism is one of those things that - I believe- you can never be too educated about.
Melissa comes back to the important points over and over again, which really helps to hammer them into your brain.
Definitely recommend reading this if you have the opportunity.
The book is great, and says what needs to be said. Ableism is one of those things that - I believe- you can never be too educated about.
Melissa comes back to the important points over and over again, which really helps to hammer them into your brain.
Definitely recommend reading this if you have the opportunity.
August 11, 2024
I first heard of Melissa Blake when she was going viral about her selfies and trolls were being incredibly hateful about what she looks like.
This a modern, accessible, real account of what it is like to be disabled in America today - 2024.
I learned a lot about ableism, what to change in my own life to be a better ally and I am cheering for her.
Not because she’s « inspirational « - but because she is human, disabled and living life as authentically as anyone can.
She is beautiful, strong, funny and intelligent. She’s right.
Read this book, have someone read it to you, or listen to it.
It is life changing for the disabled community.
This a modern, accessible, real account of what it is like to be disabled in America today - 2024.
I learned a lot about ableism, what to change in my own life to be a better ally and I am cheering for her.
Not because she’s « inspirational « - but because she is human, disabled and living life as authentically as anyone can.
She is beautiful, strong, funny and intelligent. She’s right.
Read this book, have someone read it to you, or listen to it.
It is life changing for the disabled community.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
This book wasn't my favorite, but it brought up some interesting points. I wholeheartedly agree with the need to make more spaces disability friendly both physically and socially. I agree with the statement that all people deserve respect and are valuable members of society. I disagree with the blame cast on those who choose not to have a disabled partner and the lack of empathy for how challenging being a caregiver is for someone with physical, mental, and/or psychological disabilities.
April 14, 2024
A powerful book written with such clarity and precision. Melissa doesn't mince her words - she places herself and her disability front and centre, showing us how much she deserves to be there. It also made me think about my own life, stopping to think about my own internalized and externalized ableism, and how I can do better. I learned a lot reading this book.
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July 23, 2024I usually don’t review or comment on nonfiction books but I’m going to make an exception with Beautiful People: My Thirteen Truths About Disability. I’ve been reading Melissa Blake’s writing since I was a teenager, and it has shaped me greatly! I really encourage everyone to read Melissa’s story- she’s the best!
Also long live her blog, So About What I Said!
Also long live her blog, So About What I Said!
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