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It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect: A Memoir
Folk musician, Broadway composer, and disability advocate Gaelynn Lea's warm, funny, poignant memoir is a love letter to every kind of body, to music, and to making it work––inspiring us to embrace all of life's experiences with heart and determination
Gaelynn Lea was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Her parents were loving, cash-strapped theater kids, and she grew up racing about in her first electric wheelchair, taking adaptive ballet classes, and handing out playbills at her parents' dinner theater shows. Transfixed by an orchestra performance in 5th grade, Gaelynn was determined to play the cello. When her shortened limbs made playing the instrument challenging, she employed a familiar adapting. What if she held a violin upright in her wheelchair, like the world's tiniest cello? That what if was the key that unlocked her lifelong music career.
After winning NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concert in 2016, Lea became a full-time touring musician—and that's when she began truly to struggle with the inaccessibility of the music world. Out of necessity, she became a dedicated advocate and activist, pushing back against the prevailing stereotypes, assumptions, and barriers with her own gently defiant style. Lea's warm, funny, deeply-felt memoir addresses love and faith, sexuality and mortality, the frustration and the joy of difference. She shows how disability inspires and enables unique and indispensable contributions to the world, and reminds readers to think creatively, fight for what they love, and savor the journey.
Gaelynn Lea was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Her parents were loving, cash-strapped theater kids, and she grew up racing about in her first electric wheelchair, taking adaptive ballet classes, and handing out playbills at her parents' dinner theater shows. Transfixed by an orchestra performance in 5th grade, Gaelynn was determined to play the cello. When her shortened limbs made playing the instrument challenging, she employed a familiar adapting. What if she held a violin upright in her wheelchair, like the world's tiniest cello? That what if was the key that unlocked her lifelong music career.
After winning NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concert in 2016, Lea became a full-time touring musician—and that's when she began truly to struggle with the inaccessibility of the music world. Out of necessity, she became a dedicated advocate and activist, pushing back against the prevailing stereotypes, assumptions, and barriers with her own gently defiant style. Lea's warm, funny, deeply-felt memoir addresses love and faith, sexuality and mortality, the frustration and the joy of difference. She shows how disability inspires and enables unique and indispensable contributions to the world, and reminds readers to think creatively, fight for what they love, and savor the journey.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published April 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 9, 2026
5 stars for an inspiring story of determination by a musician who overcame many obstacles in her career. Gaelynn Lea is a woman who has osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. It is a rare genetic disease. Her bones started to break while she still inside her mother, before birth. She required multiple surgeries to correct her malformed limbs enough so that she could use them to some extent. However, she has been in a wheelchair her entire life. She was fortunate to have parents who loved her and advocated for her. Her mother refused to accept one doctor's opinion who told them that there was nothing he could do for her and that she was going to die. A second doctor diagnosed asthma and prescribed drugs that enabled her to breathe.
She explains that she has benefited from the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Still, she found that many music venues did not have a ramp for her wheelchair. These venues found it cheaper to have strong men lift her in her wheelchair to the stage rather than build a ramp.
She learned to advocate for herself by specifying in her standard contract that if there was no ramp to the stage, she would perform on the floor, rather than be embarrassed by being carried to the stage.
I believe that most Americans will benefit from the ADA at some point in their lives, even if it is only to use handicap parking spaces after surgery or when you are old and infirm. Two of my three grandchildren have a genetic disease and have benefited from ADA.
The title comes from a song that she wrote. She won the NPR Tiny Desk Music award and you can watch her award performance on YouTube. Do a search under her name. I watched it and enjoyed it.
She writes and performs folk music on a violin played straight up, in cello fashion. My wife heard the music and did not like it. She said that there was an atonal quality.
Thank You Hachette/Algonquin books and Gaelynn Lea for sending me this book. The author has included a signed letter talking about the book and her journey through life.
Cross posted on Storygraph, BookBub and Amazon.
She explains that she has benefited from the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Still, she found that many music venues did not have a ramp for her wheelchair. These venues found it cheaper to have strong men lift her in her wheelchair to the stage rather than build a ramp.
She learned to advocate for herself by specifying in her standard contract that if there was no ramp to the stage, she would perform on the floor, rather than be embarrassed by being carried to the stage.
I believe that most Americans will benefit from the ADA at some point in their lives, even if it is only to use handicap parking spaces after surgery or when you are old and infirm. Two of my three grandchildren have a genetic disease and have benefited from ADA.
The title comes from a song that she wrote. She won the NPR Tiny Desk Music award and you can watch her award performance on YouTube. Do a search under her name. I watched it and enjoyed it.
She writes and performs folk music on a violin played straight up, in cello fashion. My wife heard the music and did not like it. She said that there was an atonal quality.
Thank You Hachette/Algonquin books and Gaelynn Lea for sending me this book. The author has included a signed letter talking about the book and her journey through life.
Cross posted on Storygraph, BookBub and Amazon.
April 27, 2026
Some memoirs try to smooth everything out into a clean arc. It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect goes the opposite direction, and it’s better for it. Gaelynn Lea writes with a kind of candid, occasionally irreverent voice that lets the messiness stay on the page. From her childhood surrounded by scrappy theater energy to the moment she decides to play an instrument that doesn’t quite fit her body, the throughline is adaptation. Not in a sentimental way, but in a practical, almost stubborn sense of figuring things out and moving forward anyway.
That spirit really sharpens once her music career takes off. The Tiny Desk win opens doors, but it also exposes how inaccessible those doors still are. Touring sounds exhilarating until it isn’t. Stages, travel, logistics, all of it layered with barriers most people never have to think about. She doesn’t dramatize it, which somehow makes it hit harder. There’s humor here, often dry and perfectly timed, but it sits alongside real frustration. You come away with a clearer understanding of how much talent gets filtered out when systems aren’t built to include everyone. Accessibility isn’t a bonus feature. It’s the difference between who gets to show up and who doesn’t.
Lea also doesn’t shy away from the bigger questions. She writes openly about love, faith, sexuality, and mortality, and those sections feel just as grounded as the stories about music. Nothing is overexplained or packaged into easy lessons. Instead, it feels like she’s inviting you to sit with the complexity. The result is a memoir that’s both personal and quietly challenging. It nudges you to rethink the idea that there’s a “right” way to move through the world.
By the end, what sticks isn’t a single moment or milestone, but the perspective. This isn’t a story about overcoming a body. It’s about building a life that actually fits it. And once you see it that way, it’s hard not to question how many other spaces, industries, and systems are still waiting to be reimagined.
That spirit really sharpens once her music career takes off. The Tiny Desk win opens doors, but it also exposes how inaccessible those doors still are. Touring sounds exhilarating until it isn’t. Stages, travel, logistics, all of it layered with barriers most people never have to think about. She doesn’t dramatize it, which somehow makes it hit harder. There’s humor here, often dry and perfectly timed, but it sits alongside real frustration. You come away with a clearer understanding of how much talent gets filtered out when systems aren’t built to include everyone. Accessibility isn’t a bonus feature. It’s the difference between who gets to show up and who doesn’t.
Lea also doesn’t shy away from the bigger questions. She writes openly about love, faith, sexuality, and mortality, and those sections feel just as grounded as the stories about music. Nothing is overexplained or packaged into easy lessons. Instead, it feels like she’s inviting you to sit with the complexity. The result is a memoir that’s both personal and quietly challenging. It nudges you to rethink the idea that there’s a “right” way to move through the world.
By the end, what sticks isn’t a single moment or milestone, but the perspective. This isn’t a story about overcoming a body. It’s about building a life that actually fits it. And once you see it that way, it’s hard not to question how many other spaces, industries, and systems are still waiting to be reimagined.
January 19, 2026
A bravely honest memoir tackling difficult topics with candor & humor. I have little in common with the author - in addition to being able-bodied, I can’t carry a tune or clap on the beat, and am in awe of those who can. It was a gift to peer into someone else’s experiences, to see the world from a different perspective. I sent a friend the part about teaching music students and she affirmed that’s exactly how she feels too. I think most readers will find parts of Gaelynn Lea’s story they recognize. And most of us will be confronted with situations we’ve never had to face. It is obvious the author chose her words with care. Reading It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect is a well-rounded experience - there are poignant emotional beats, timely political insights, and overall a prevailing atmosphere of hope. And kindness. Kindness permeates the entire book. Acknowledgement and gratitude for kindness received. And grace for the bad behavior of others. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC.
April 6, 2026
Sadly, I didn't know of Gaelynn Lea before listening to her audiobook. After listening to her book in one weekend, watching her NPR Tiny Desk concert, and following her on Spotify, it's clear I am now a massive fan. Lea's memoir is hilarious (I laughed out loud at her childhood backpack story) and so educational. I really appreciate how she includes information about being a professional musician, disability, and accessibility in the music world.
Gaelynn Lea narrates the audiobook and it's outstanding to hear her story in her own words. I love this audiobook's production; the chapters are short and often include musical interludes and snippets of Lea's songs. 5⭐️. I have been recommending this book to everyone!
Gaelynn Lea narrates the audiobook and it's outstanding to hear her story in her own words. I love this audiobook's production; the chapters are short and often include musical interludes and snippets of Lea's songs. 5⭐️. I have been recommending this book to everyone!
April 21, 2026
Gaelynn and I both have osteogenesis imperfecta, or Brittle Bone disease. Other than our senses of humor, that’s pretty much where the similarities end. Gaelynn is an incredibly talented musician and I’ve been a fan of hers for years. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to have a better understanding of disabled life. She hits on so many important topics. I loved it.
April 21, 2026
I enjoyed this memoir so much! Gaelynn Lea is utterly charming, funny, and so incredibly talented! I highly recommend the audiobook as each chapter is punctuated by Gaelynn’s beautiful music. Her work as a disability rights advocate is inspiring as well. Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC.
April 18, 2026
An awe-inspiring, honest and irreverently candid memoir about growing up and living with Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) - aka brittle bone disease. I really enjoyed getting to know this talented violinist and disability advocate’s story.
She shares details of her life openly and with humor and I loved how creative and adaptable she was when it came to making instruments work to fit what her body was able to do.
Great on audio narrated by the author herself with bonus song/instrumental pieces. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
She shares details of her life openly and with humor and I loved how creative and adaptable she was when it came to making instruments work to fit what her body was able to do.
Great on audio narrated by the author herself with bonus song/instrumental pieces. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
April 18, 2026
This is a difficult book to review. I find myself in a strange position where I cannot completely pinpoint what it is that I didn't like about this memoir, yet I certainly can't say it was bad. It occupies a middle ground of respect for the author’s story without a corresponding personal resonance with the narrative itself.
Lea is a woman with an interesting and unique singing style, which, along with hard work and luck, has undeniably taken her far in her career. This layered approach is, arguably, the greatest feature of this book’s writing. Much of her story is nuanced, providing a voice that feels strikingly different from the standard memoir. One of the more thought-provoking sections involves her reflection on her childhood; she discusses how she believes much of her health fixation from this time stemmed from reading detailed medical descriptions in books. It is a relevant and necessary lens to consider at a time when many are adamantly advocating for ‘representation’ in children's literature without considering the potential for unintended consequences.
Another highlight is the layered, complex discussion between Lea and her now-husband regarding their future engagement. His feeling that her disability was never an issue, but that, as a true introvert, he was wary of the public attention her condition attracts. It is a refreshingly honest look at the external pressures on a relationship that the reader rarely sees. Combined with humorous tales of events that only came about because of her differences (the backpack), there are several points at which Lea plays with her life story for the entertainment of the reader and herself.
Much of the book involves Lea lamenting the lack of better physical access arrangements in businesses and venues. While her opinion is highly informed by her experiences and her commitment to her principles, there are times when her view feels somewhat narrowed by that very experience. She does eventually remark that it isn't always feasible to implement every possible adaptation in every instance, but the narrative often feels like a struggle between the ideal and the practical.
Perhaps much of my disconnect with this book comes from recognising that I simply do not share the author’s worldview. Thus, I understand her opinions but cannot share them. For example, she includes a definition for ‘disability culture’ from a group she co-founded:
Disability culture is a celebration of people who identify as disabled, while acknowledging the vast diversity of the disability experience and each person's inherent and equal worth. It is unapologetic, creative, innovative, adaptable, imaginative and rooted in problem-solving. It is based on the premise that disability needs to be seen, respected, included and celebrated. It includes our worldviews, our perspectives, our contributions, our art, our words and our music. Disability culture, at least in part, is a vibrant and thriving counter-response to the exclusion, marginalisation and oppression historically and currently experienced by many disabled individuals.
To her and her group, this was ground-breaking and essential; I see this as a lot of words saying very little. This definition aims to unify a vast cohort that actually has little in common. While Lea notes there is space for those with different views, this specific framing does not meaningfully resonate with me.
The narrative often struggles to find a grounding thread. It is difficult to learn of her hardships when, in the same chapter, she is regaling the reader with the fantastic, high-level opportunities and successes she has been fortunate enough to receive. The scale of her professional triumphs makes it difficult not to see her hardships as part of the general challenges of life (as experienced by all), simply categorised differently than most. One questions the crux of this memoir: is this a portrayal of the hardship of living with a prominent disability and the effort to overcome its limitations, or a celebration of a woman flourishing in her field? One could argue it is difficult for a narrative to be both simultaneously without losing its focus.
The audiobook is read by the author herself. While Lea reads clearly, she does not have an especially enjoyable voice to listen to for long periods. The production is interspersed with snippets of her playing and singing; these are a nice addition that effectively showcase her specific work and style, providing a musical context that the text alone cannot fully convey.
Ultimately, Lea is a woman of humility who has stood by her principles, but the resulting memoir feels like a collection of fortunate successes and specific grievances that never quite weave into a cohesive, relatable whole.
Lea is a woman with an interesting and unique singing style, which, along with hard work and luck, has undeniably taken her far in her career. This layered approach is, arguably, the greatest feature of this book’s writing. Much of her story is nuanced, providing a voice that feels strikingly different from the standard memoir. One of the more thought-provoking sections involves her reflection on her childhood; she discusses how she believes much of her health fixation from this time stemmed from reading detailed medical descriptions in books. It is a relevant and necessary lens to consider at a time when many are adamantly advocating for ‘representation’ in children's literature without considering the potential for unintended consequences.
Another highlight is the layered, complex discussion between Lea and her now-husband regarding their future engagement. His feeling that her disability was never an issue, but that, as a true introvert, he was wary of the public attention her condition attracts. It is a refreshingly honest look at the external pressures on a relationship that the reader rarely sees. Combined with humorous tales of events that only came about because of her differences (the backpack), there are several points at which Lea plays with her life story for the entertainment of the reader and herself.
Much of the book involves Lea lamenting the lack of better physical access arrangements in businesses and venues. While her opinion is highly informed by her experiences and her commitment to her principles, there are times when her view feels somewhat narrowed by that very experience. She does eventually remark that it isn't always feasible to implement every possible adaptation in every instance, but the narrative often feels like a struggle between the ideal and the practical.
Perhaps much of my disconnect with this book comes from recognising that I simply do not share the author’s worldview. Thus, I understand her opinions but cannot share them. For example, she includes a definition for ‘disability culture’ from a group she co-founded:
Disability culture is a celebration of people who identify as disabled, while acknowledging the vast diversity of the disability experience and each person's inherent and equal worth. It is unapologetic, creative, innovative, adaptable, imaginative and rooted in problem-solving. It is based on the premise that disability needs to be seen, respected, included and celebrated. It includes our worldviews, our perspectives, our contributions, our art, our words and our music. Disability culture, at least in part, is a vibrant and thriving counter-response to the exclusion, marginalisation and oppression historically and currently experienced by many disabled individuals.
To her and her group, this was ground-breaking and essential; I see this as a lot of words saying very little. This definition aims to unify a vast cohort that actually has little in common. While Lea notes there is space for those with different views, this specific framing does not meaningfully resonate with me.
The narrative often struggles to find a grounding thread. It is difficult to learn of her hardships when, in the same chapter, she is regaling the reader with the fantastic, high-level opportunities and successes she has been fortunate enough to receive. The scale of her professional triumphs makes it difficult not to see her hardships as part of the general challenges of life (as experienced by all), simply categorised differently than most. One questions the crux of this memoir: is this a portrayal of the hardship of living with a prominent disability and the effort to overcome its limitations, or a celebration of a woman flourishing in her field? One could argue it is difficult for a narrative to be both simultaneously without losing its focus.
The audiobook is read by the author herself. While Lea reads clearly, she does not have an especially enjoyable voice to listen to for long periods. The production is interspersed with snippets of her playing and singing; these are a nice addition that effectively showcase her specific work and style, providing a musical context that the text alone cannot fully convey.
Ultimately, Lea is a woman of humility who has stood by her principles, but the resulting memoir feels like a collection of fortunate successes and specific grievances that never quite weave into a cohesive, relatable whole.
April 25, 2026
I am no superhero–I was just a disabled kid with big dreams who grew up in a supportive environment. from It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect by Gaelynn Lea
Gaelynn Lea was a normal kid and teenager, doing normal things. Horsing around with her siblings, gossiping with girlfriends, going to summer camp, skinny dipping, having a sexual life. Except, she also had osteogenesis imperfecta.
In the womb, she already had broken bones which had healed wrong. She needed a wheel chair. Her scoliosis reduced her lung capacity, which contributed to a scarry hospitalization. She did struggle with hypochondria after that event, yet her courageousness led her to continue to risk having a full life: college, work, marriage.
Music changed her life. Her teacher found a violin her size and a special bow was made for her. She studied classical music until a friend introduced her to folk music. She became a traditional fiddler and singer songwriter, winning NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016. With her husband’s help, she went on tour across the world. She also wrote the music for a Broadway production of Macbeth starring Daniel Craig.
When I get bogged down by the typical frustrations of a working artist, or if my mind slips into comparison mode, I remind myself that the true value of music isn’t tied to capitalism or financial success. Music is a pure, even holy, activity to be pursued with reverence. I hope this is something I always remember.
from It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect by Gaelynn Lea
“Nearly all parts of life are touched by my physical disability,” Lea notes. She is grateful that she was born after the ADA requirements but contends with aging venues without handicapped accessibility. When she married, she fought to retain necessary Medicaid coverage.
Her style is forthright, open, and without self pity or emotional manipulation. Her personality comes through: a woman of intelligence and determination, taking control of what life has given her while reaching for her full potential.
Thanks to Algonquin Books for a free book.
Gaelynn Lea was a normal kid and teenager, doing normal things. Horsing around with her siblings, gossiping with girlfriends, going to summer camp, skinny dipping, having a sexual life. Except, she also had osteogenesis imperfecta.
In the womb, she already had broken bones which had healed wrong. She needed a wheel chair. Her scoliosis reduced her lung capacity, which contributed to a scarry hospitalization. She did struggle with hypochondria after that event, yet her courageousness led her to continue to risk having a full life: college, work, marriage.
Music changed her life. Her teacher found a violin her size and a special bow was made for her. She studied classical music until a friend introduced her to folk music. She became a traditional fiddler and singer songwriter, winning NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016. With her husband’s help, she went on tour across the world. She also wrote the music for a Broadway production of Macbeth starring Daniel Craig.
When I get bogged down by the typical frustrations of a working artist, or if my mind slips into comparison mode, I remind myself that the true value of music isn’t tied to capitalism or financial success. Music is a pure, even holy, activity to be pursued with reverence. I hope this is something I always remember.
from It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect by Gaelynn Lea
“Nearly all parts of life are touched by my physical disability,” Lea notes. She is grateful that she was born after the ADA requirements but contends with aging venues without handicapped accessibility. When she married, she fought to retain necessary Medicaid coverage.
Her style is forthright, open, and without self pity or emotional manipulation. Her personality comes through: a woman of intelligence and determination, taking control of what life has given her while reaching for her full potential.
Thanks to Algonquin Books for a free book.
May 1, 2026
Meet Gaelynn Lea, born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or as it is commonly known, Brittle Bone Disease. Born with over 50 broken bones, her arms and legs were shortened, and she was confined to a wheelchair. However, her parents didn't coddle her; they helped her figure out what she could do.
Early in life, she heard a cello; however, because of her body limitations, she couldn't hold it. So instead, she took a violin, held it like a cello and was able to join the orchestra, which led to a lifelong love of music and her eventual career. She wins a contest with NPR and discovers an audience, and her career takes off. Along the way, she encounters places inaccessible to the handicapped, which leads her to become an advocate for the disabled.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Gaelynn Lea. While many autobiographies are narrated by the author, their voices are familiar and often soothing. In this case, due to her disability, her voice is higher-pitched, almost childlike. I admit, because of this, I couldn't listen for long periods.
And this book is long. She discusses everything, from growing up in a theatrical family, to going to college, her love life, to her meeting her husband, Paul. During her career, she has worked with some amazing artists and even provided the music for the Broadway show Macbeth (with Daniel Craig!!). In the audiobook, there were samples of her music, which had me downloading more of her music. She has several albums available on Spotify and Apple Music.
This isn't a relaxing summer read; it is something you need to focus on. There are a lot of names to remember. Maybe a list of names and characters at the beginning would help. I made a list after chapter 4. She meets amazing people along the way, has amazing friends, and has some fascinating experiences. There are times it becomes very wordy and la-la, but she leads a unique life that many can learn from.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an advanced reading of this book.
Early in life, she heard a cello; however, because of her body limitations, she couldn't hold it. So instead, she took a violin, held it like a cello and was able to join the orchestra, which led to a lifelong love of music and her eventual career. She wins a contest with NPR and discovers an audience, and her career takes off. Along the way, she encounters places inaccessible to the handicapped, which leads her to become an advocate for the disabled.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Gaelynn Lea. While many autobiographies are narrated by the author, their voices are familiar and often soothing. In this case, due to her disability, her voice is higher-pitched, almost childlike. I admit, because of this, I couldn't listen for long periods.
And this book is long. She discusses everything, from growing up in a theatrical family, to going to college, her love life, to her meeting her husband, Paul. During her career, she has worked with some amazing artists and even provided the music for the Broadway show Macbeth (with Daniel Craig!!). In the audiobook, there were samples of her music, which had me downloading more of her music. She has several albums available on Spotify and Apple Music.
This isn't a relaxing summer read; it is something you need to focus on. There are a lot of names to remember. Maybe a list of names and characters at the beginning would help. I made a list after chapter 4. She meets amazing people along the way, has amazing friends, and has some fascinating experiences. There are times it becomes very wordy and la-la, but she leads a unique life that many can learn from.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an advanced reading of this book.
April 28, 2026
Gaelynn Lea shares her interesting and entertaining story of life as a musician with osteogenesis imperfecta (sometimes called brittle bone disease). I wasn’t familiar with her before picking up this book, but I’m delighted to have discovered her.
She’s a talented musician and composer with a fiery spirit, amazing determination, and impressive adaptability. Although it was distressing at times to hear some of the ways she has experienced both personal and systemic discrimination, the overall tone of the story is hopeful and heartwarming. As a child who grew up with a disability, I would have loved to have Gaelynn Lea as a role model!
Gaelynn shares some intense experiences with surprising honesty and vulnerability, but she never made me uncomfortable by oversharing. I love her sense of humor.
The author narrated this book herself, and she did a great job. I’m picky about narrators, and I wasn’t sure about her voice at first, but her performance is so energetic and emotionally expressive, I can’t imagine anyone else narrating her story as well. The audio production was also great, and I loved the snippets of song included throughout the story.
I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone interested in memoirs, music, or life with a disability.
Thanks to Hachette Audio for providing me with a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.
She’s a talented musician and composer with a fiery spirit, amazing determination, and impressive adaptability. Although it was distressing at times to hear some of the ways she has experienced both personal and systemic discrimination, the overall tone of the story is hopeful and heartwarming. As a child who grew up with a disability, I would have loved to have Gaelynn Lea as a role model!
Gaelynn shares some intense experiences with surprising honesty and vulnerability, but she never made me uncomfortable by oversharing. I love her sense of humor.
The author narrated this book herself, and she did a great job. I’m picky about narrators, and I wasn’t sure about her voice at first, but her performance is so energetic and emotionally expressive, I can’t imagine anyone else narrating her story as well. The audio production was also great, and I loved the snippets of song included throughout the story.
I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone interested in memoirs, music, or life with a disability.
Thanks to Hachette Audio for providing me with a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
For a memoir, this was really good! I wasn’t really sure what to expect going into this book, as I had only seen Gaelynn on NPR before this. This book does talk about Gaelynn’s challenges stemming from her health (some of which is for mature audiences only) but the main focus is her music career. I did not know very much at all about the music industry, but now I feel like I know a lot more. More specifically, I now have a new way to look at and think about those with disabilities who want to perform or hang out in a music venue- a place that I myself avoid as an introvert.
I think this book is an excellent young adult book. I also think this book would be phenomenal for anyone who has a disability, or who is trying to make it in the music industry. This book is proof that hard work can pay off - and that you do not have to debase yourself to ‘make it.’ I found the overall tone of this book to be surprisingly positive, and the overall message to be quite encouraging.
I think this book is an excellent young adult book. I also think this book would be phenomenal for anyone who has a disability, or who is trying to make it in the music industry. This book is proof that hard work can pay off - and that you do not have to debase yourself to ‘make it.’ I found the overall tone of this book to be surprisingly positive, and the overall message to be quite encouraging.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you netgalley for an eARC of this in exchange for an honest review
Gaelynn Lea is a musician that I knew of from their hauntingly beautiful NPR Tiny Desk performance, but I was unfamiliar with their work beyond it. It Wasn’t Meant to be Perfect was a wonderful look at their work outside of that performance, and their life as someone who has stuck so close to their morals, passion, and joy regardless of their circumstances. While many of the stories and dialogue are obviously either seen through bias or rose colored glasses, I was consistently struck with how much of Gaelynn’s positivity and community focus showed throughout.
While I would recommend the ebook version that I read, I feel like this book would really shine as an audiobook to get a taste of some of the songs as they are discussed.
Gaelynn Lea is a musician that I knew of from their hauntingly beautiful NPR Tiny Desk performance, but I was unfamiliar with their work beyond it. It Wasn’t Meant to be Perfect was a wonderful look at their work outside of that performance, and their life as someone who has stuck so close to their morals, passion, and joy regardless of their circumstances. While many of the stories and dialogue are obviously either seen through bias or rose colored glasses, I was consistently struck with how much of Gaelynn’s positivity and community focus showed throughout.
While I would recommend the ebook version that I read, I feel like this book would really shine as an audiobook to get a taste of some of the songs as they are discussed.
April 28, 2026
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Algonquin Books, and I wish to thank them for that. “It Wasn’t Meant to be Perfect” is by Gaelynn Lea. If, like me, you have no idea who Ms. Lea is, you can pick up this book and enjoy it. Ms. Lea does a great job giving her backstory and her present story. While I've read a number of memoirs, this is the second book that I’ve read where I honestly felt like the author and I were sitting at a table in a coffee shop and she was just telling me about her experiences and her life - and, honestly, it was quite an enjoyable time at that virtual coffee table. If you have heard of Ms. Lea, then you’ll want to read this book to learn more about her, her music, and her experiences on the road (both touring and ADA awareness). I’m glad that I read this book.
January 26, 2026
Strong memoir by a folk musician and disability activist. I hadn’t heard of her despite her winning NPR’s tiny desk concert. Most of the book is her story about being a touring musician, which is a hard life for anyone let alone when most concert venues are inaccessible to her wheelchair. I really liked the author talking about her thought process when trying to decide whether to play inaccessible venues. I also liked her writing about Judy Heimann and the disability rights movement—I liked the tracing of the history and the author placing herself within it.
I received this ebook for free in return for my honest review from NetGalley and the publisher.
I received this ebook for free in return for my honest review from NetGalley and the publisher.
April 18, 2026
The remarkable violinist Gaelynn Lea writes about her life growing up and living with a disability, osteogenesis imperfecta. Her early years were filled with doctors and surgeries, and she knew she would be needing assistance for the rest of her life. Despite that, she is a delightful, fun and funny, intelligent and artistic human being. She created a career for herself with the encouragment of her many friends and husband Paul. The memoir is inspiring and educational. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
What an uplifting book! Gaelynn is a masterful storyteller. Her insights on living, loving, and thriving are remarkable. None of us is perfect, which means we are all disabled in some aspect. Unfortunately, so many have the disability of DON’T KNOW DON’T CARE. I hope this book heals many people!
May 6, 2026
I listened to this book as well as purchasing the hardcover and I'm so glad I did both. The music included in the audiobook version really adds to the the reading. I laughed and cried while listening to it gaining a new perspective on what it is like to be a musician with a disability today. A wonderful read.
April 20, 2026
Gaelynn's memoir is poignant, funny, heartfelt and honest. Should be required reading for anyone working in disability and inclusion spaces. I read my preordered copy in just a couple days, I laughed, I cried and learned new things. Loved it!
May 11, 2026
I was drawn into this book and it resonated with me and my thoughts in my daily life. There is something so deep, so relatable, so kind to this book. It reminded me of things I’d forgotten. I often talk about this book to my friends and it is inspiring. Thank you.
December 3, 2025
fantastic and warm memoir discussing the worlds of music and the theater and viewing the past of this impressive musician. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gaelynn Lea's memoir felt like an intimate conversation with someone who has insight into being a professional musician, growing up in an inclusive theater community, and what it's like to become an activist out of sheer necessity. She shares a glimpse into her life from the horrific, dehumanizing hospital experiences, to the stages of her musical journey (from student, to teacher, to professional), to her struggles with inaccessible spaces, to her current foray into activism, and to the important and diverse relationships (some more famous than others) she made along the way. I was equally outraged, encouraged, and amused as I read. With humor and grace, she shows just how much a person can make a difference with an approach that prioritizes kindness and community. I sought out this biography to better understand what I should be pushing for as an advocate and programmer at a non-profit library. It was eye-opening to see that much of Gaelynn’s education into the American Disability Movement happened after she left college and well into adulthood. That underscores just how vital education about the disability movement is for all of us, and how we should demand accessibility and accommodations in the spaces we inhabit. In addition to following her journey in navigating music venues in America and Europe, we also see just how much time and effort it takes to find success as a musician. I received the ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have been recommending this book to my co-workers and friends.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A moving memoir by musician Gaelynn Lea who was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. She was born to parents who were so-called theater kids, and as a result of them became immersed in the theater from an early age. It's when Gaelynn was in the 5th grade that she became fascinated with the cello and determined to play it, despite her shortened limbs making it difficult. She adapted and what an adaptation! She plays the cello upright like it's the world's tiniest cello and holds it! She eventually won NPR's Tiny Desk Concert in 2016 and started touring full-time. With touring came physical barriers that she had to overcome and in doing so became an advocate for herself and others.
I read an advance copy an was not compensated.
I read an advance copy an was not compensated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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