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I'll Pray for You: And Other Outrageous Things Said to Disabled People
In I'll Pray for You and Other Outrageous Things Said to Disabled People, Hannah Setzer volunteers to go first and say the things that we all think, but rarely say. Hannah has lived her whole life as a disabled woman and is here to share her story, though don't think for a second that this is inspiration porn. In fact, Hannah's disability is the least interesting thing about her!
I'll Pray for You is full of...parenting fails,awkward stories, like that time Hannah fell down a manhole,discovering and accepting your identity, andfun, eye-opening real-talk from a disabled womanHannah is a rebellious writer, a disability rights activist, and a movement enthusiast. She's best known as the creator of "Feeding Tube Fitness," where she often overshares most aspects of her life. She is the owner of Hannah's Handcrafted, a small business making and selling high quality elderberry products. She's a big dreamer and most recently founded Growing Inclusivity, a nonprofit aiming to build an accessible playground in Virginia. She lives on a mini farm in Virginia with her husband, her partner in all things, her four boys, who are her biggest fans, and her ever growing menagerie of loyal animals. She is here to instill hope that you, too, can chase your dreams (and your chickens) if you want to. This book of essays from her life aims to do just that!
I'll Pray for You is full of...parenting fails,awkward stories, like that time Hannah fell down a manhole,discovering and accepting your identity, andfun, eye-opening real-talk from a disabled womanHannah is a rebellious writer, a disability rights activist, and a movement enthusiast. She's best known as the creator of "Feeding Tube Fitness," where she often overshares most aspects of her life. She is the owner of Hannah's Handcrafted, a small business making and selling high quality elderberry products. She's a big dreamer and most recently founded Growing Inclusivity, a nonprofit aiming to build an accessible playground in Virginia. She lives on a mini farm in Virginia with her husband, her partner in all things, her four boys, who are her biggest fans, and her ever growing menagerie of loyal animals. She is here to instill hope that you, too, can chase your dreams (and your chickens) if you want to. This book of essays from her life aims to do just that!
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2023
34 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 29, 2023
Reading this book was like going on a first date with Hannah. I highly enjoyed the quirky little stories and anecdotes, I actually belly laughed out loud when she came barreling down a hill after a frisbee into a manhole. Sorry for that spoiler! But I also felt deeply moved by her philosophy on doing hard things.
I say its like a first date because it is delightfully all over the place in a way that feels like you are just talking with a new friend that you want to keep getting to know. I have to say, I want that second date! What Hannah shares just makes me want to get to know her more!
As a fellow disabled woman, I expected to read and relate to a lot more medical stuff, but was pleasantly surprised to find that I didn’t really relate to her life with her disability as much but could really relate to her attitude. As someone with a chronic illness, the medical is a lot more preventable in my day to day life and doesn’t allow me to push my body in the same ways, but the way that Hannah takes life on, one thing at a time, is so refreshing and relatable.
If you are here for a sob story pity party and every gory detail of every surgery Hannah has endured, you are wasting your time. BUT I encourage you to stay anyway, because you may just learn something.
I say its like a first date because it is delightfully all over the place in a way that feels like you are just talking with a new friend that you want to keep getting to know. I have to say, I want that second date! What Hannah shares just makes me want to get to know her more!
As a fellow disabled woman, I expected to read and relate to a lot more medical stuff, but was pleasantly surprised to find that I didn’t really relate to her life with her disability as much but could really relate to her attitude. As someone with a chronic illness, the medical is a lot more preventable in my day to day life and doesn’t allow me to push my body in the same ways, but the way that Hannah takes life on, one thing at a time, is so refreshing and relatable.
If you are here for a sob story pity party and every gory detail of every surgery Hannah has endured, you are wasting your time. BUT I encourage you to stay anyway, because you may just learn something.
August 3, 2025
Hannah Setzer has a lot more zest for life than I do.
Not only is she running her business, leading community projects, bringing up 4 foster sons and influencing folks to work out and move their bodies in an intentional way, but on top of all that, she has put together this book on what it's like to do all this while being constantly challenged by a world that isn't great at accommodating difference.
This may not be the most polished memoir, but it has a lot of useful perspective, so I'm rounding up to 4 stars because on the whole I think most people would get something out of reading it.
Not only is she running her business, leading community projects, bringing up 4 foster sons and influencing folks to work out and move their bodies in an intentional way, but on top of all that, she has put together this book on what it's like to do all this while being constantly challenged by a world that isn't great at accommodating difference.
This may not be the most polished memoir, but it has a lot of useful perspective, so I'm rounding up to 4 stars because on the whole I think most people would get something out of reading it.
April 10, 2023
Hannah is a true force, and she lives in my hometown! While her book is not all about the systemic issues plaguing those with various disabilities (although it is addressed related to her own experiences), it makes you think about how you treat others, what you assume, and how important it is to keep moving - your body, your mind, and your goal posts! Happy for her success and so thankful she and her husband have adopted through foster care. Near and dear to my heart! She’s funny and it was a joy to read!
July 6, 2023
Generally a delightful and uplifting read but loses stars for a couple reasons: (1) About 60-80% through the book felt meandering/stream of consciousness/journal-ish without much underlying content. (2) The part about her breaking up with her disabled boyfriend really rubbed me the wrong way. It seemed so harsh, especially since she didn’t give much reasoning why other than he vaguely wasn’t living up to his potential and that another guy who didn’t even know her that well randomly suggested she reconsider the relationship.
February 1, 2024
Though this book wasn’t quite what I expected, I enjoyed reading Hannah’s thoughts. Based on the title, I thought it would be more of a memoir and advocacy book, and it was somewhat, but it was more like a long social media post, full of experiences stories and heavy handed on lessons learned. I wish she had written a little more “show, don’t tell.” I feel like I would’ve appreciated the book a little more if I was her age or younger, as I feel like I’m already past some of the lessons typically learned during 20’s/30’s. I did very much enjoy the chapters with more disability advocacy themes, such as the “I’m tired,” “I’m not inspirational,” and “Which box do I check” chapters. If you’re looking for a good advocacy/ableism book, I highly recommend Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig.
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August 1, 20242024 reads: 216/250
in this book, hannah setzer talks about growing up with a disability, parenting fails, her fitness journey, and more. i loved her candor throughout!
in this book, hannah setzer talks about growing up with a disability, parenting fails, her fitness journey, and more. i loved her candor throughout!
July 7, 2025
I enjoyed reading her humorous and personal journey (literally laughed out loud multiple times reading this).
Hannah is down to earth & her rebellious spirit is contagious & energizing.
She shares her perspective on ableism & how to grow forward from that way of thinking to create a more bias free community.
Hannah is down to earth & her rebellious spirit is contagious & energizing.
She shares her perspective on ableism & how to grow forward from that way of thinking to create a more bias free community.
March 12, 2023
As soon as I saw the cover and title on someone's Instagram story in my Instagram feed, I knew I had to read this.
Hannah is a disability rights advocate, a business owner/entrepreneur, and a mom and has a disability.
I thoroughly reading this as Hannah's style writing is authentic. Each chapter is like an essay but easy to read. Some of her stories are quite funny such as her falling into a manhole. She discusses the topic of whether someone with a disability or medical condition considers himself/herself as "disabled" as well as the different views regarding this topic within the disabled community. She also addresses the topic of people offering "unsolicited" prayers for healing for disabled people from their disability.
There a few inappropriate words that Hannah used in her book that are not suitable in my language and may not be for other readers, of which I'm giving it 4 stars.
If you feel awkward around people with disabilities and don't know how to interact with them, read this and see much you may have in common with them.
Hannah is a disability rights advocate, a business owner/entrepreneur, and a mom and has a disability.
I thoroughly reading this as Hannah's style writing is authentic. Each chapter is like an essay but easy to read. Some of her stories are quite funny such as her falling into a manhole. She discusses the topic of whether someone with a disability or medical condition considers himself/herself as "disabled" as well as the different views regarding this topic within the disabled community. She also addresses the topic of people offering "unsolicited" prayers for healing for disabled people from their disability.
There a few inappropriate words that Hannah used in her book that are not suitable in my language and may not be for other readers, of which I'm giving it 4 stars.
If you feel awkward around people with disabilities and don't know how to interact with them, read this and see much you may have in common with them.
January 30, 2023
Love it. Live your best rebellious life, people!
Hannah's words ring true for anyone - disabled or able bodied. Her stories are funny, sweet, poignant, and relatable, which is the best part. If you're awkward and uncomfortable around people with visible differences, read this and see how much you might have in common with them. Hannah's condition may be visible, but it doesn't define her. It probably pushed her off the deep end of "don't tell me what to do" philosophy, but that's relatable too. No one likes to be underestimated and no one likes to be held down.
Let Hannah's no-nonsense and down to earth vibes get you off your butt and moving. Or like, feeling better about crying on the bathroom floor. You do you, boo. Like she says, no one knows your own experience like you do!
Hannah's words ring true for anyone - disabled or able bodied. Her stories are funny, sweet, poignant, and relatable, which is the best part. If you're awkward and uncomfortable around people with visible differences, read this and see how much you might have in common with them. Hannah's condition may be visible, but it doesn't define her. It probably pushed her off the deep end of "don't tell me what to do" philosophy, but that's relatable too. No one likes to be underestimated and no one likes to be held down.
Let Hannah's no-nonsense and down to earth vibes get you off your butt and moving. Or like, feeling better about crying on the bathroom floor. You do you, boo. Like she says, no one knows your own experience like you do!
June 27, 2023
Stop whatever you are doing and go read this book. Unless you’re driving, then do that safely, and then read this book.
Good Lord this book has left me with a feeling of joy and hope. I truly laughed so hard, that despite all the pelvic floor therapy I had, I totally peed, which then made me laugh even harder, (thank you motherhood). I ugly cried at heartfelt moments, had moments of deep introspection surrounding how I have engaged in ableism as a professional, and given myself grace, (as the author mentions so many times), to start fresh and grow new each day.
She loves the Lord, is a fierce disability advocate, and I’m truly walking away with a new philosophy that embraces “The Moon is Round”… damn. It’s good y’all. Like really really good. I can’t wait for our sons to read this in a few years.
Dear Hannah… please write more. I promise to do more PT to be ready for the next one.
Good Lord this book has left me with a feeling of joy and hope. I truly laughed so hard, that despite all the pelvic floor therapy I had, I totally peed, which then made me laugh even harder, (thank you motherhood). I ugly cried at heartfelt moments, had moments of deep introspection surrounding how I have engaged in ableism as a professional, and given myself grace, (as the author mentions so many times), to start fresh and grow new each day.
She loves the Lord, is a fierce disability advocate, and I’m truly walking away with a new philosophy that embraces “The Moon is Round”… damn. It’s good y’all. Like really really good. I can’t wait for our sons to read this in a few years.
Dear Hannah… please write more. I promise to do more PT to be ready for the next one.
September 23, 2023
A touching account of a life not normal but extraordinary....Hannah Setzer is more than she seems. When we look at people, we immediately want to judge them by their looks. It’s human nature. But Hannah will surprise you. She is not only a fitness advocate and model for the disabled, she is a wife, mother of four, promoter for inclusiveness, and she also holds down a full-time job. “I’ll Pray for You” is Hannah’s second book, and she speaks as frankly as she does in her first book, “30 Days of Movement. “I’ll Pray for You” is filled with reflections and anecdotes of life growing up not knowing if your last day will be today or tomorrow, and of dealing with reactions to her appearance. Despite hardships from being born with physical challenges and countless surgeries, Hannah keeps a positive outlook on life. If you haven’t read her book, you’ll enjoy her story – and her humor.
February 4, 2023
When you see on Instagram that a childhood friend has written a book, you go straight to Amazon to buy it, which is exactly what I did when I saw Hannah’s post about her new book. Then I practiced being patient (not) while waiting for it to be delivered!
This one is my first 5-star book of 2023 and is going on the list of all-time favorites. It’s tenacious, rebellious, a breath of fresh air, witty, heartbreaking, brutally honest, laugh out loud funny and all told without society’s "politeness filter" in place.
Whatever it is you’re looking for in a book right now, give this one a read. It just might have that “it” factor for you.
5🌟
“The moon is always round, even if we don’t always see the entire moon” (p. 120).
This one is my first 5-star book of 2023 and is going on the list of all-time favorites. It’s tenacious, rebellious, a breath of fresh air, witty, heartbreaking, brutally honest, laugh out loud funny and all told without society’s "politeness filter" in place.
Whatever it is you’re looking for in a book right now, give this one a read. It just might have that “it” factor for you.
5🌟
“The moon is always round, even if we don’t always see the entire moon” (p. 120).
April 25, 2023
I’ve “met” Hannah on Instagram and her disability is the least interesting about her. I’m convinced she lives in a world where days are 50% longer because that’s the only way to explain how much she gets done. She’s funny and kind. She’s raising 4 teenaged boys that she adopted from foster care with her devoted husband. There’s meatball the disco cat. Her rabbits and chickens. She lives her best life and leads with her heart. This book is a memoir in the form of essays and an example of who she really is. She sets a goal and fulfills it. There’s no hesitating. Maybe that’s why she inspires me so much. The book needed a better editor for me to give it 5 stars but that’s me grading the book on the same scale as I would a professionally published book.
July 17, 2023
I follow Hannah on Instagram and love her page. I love that Hannah is so multi-talented, kind and funny. I love that she lives her life authentically. However, I had hoped for a little more substance from her book. I loved part 4, specifically chapters 18-21...that's what I came for when I picked up this book! The rest of the book was mostly personal antidotes from Hannah's life that unless you're a part of her life, I'm not sure that you would have found them that interesting. At least I didn't. But I love Hannah and I love following her on Instagram and so I'm off now to go check out her elderberry store!!! (Hannah's Handcrafted LLC)
June 18, 2024
this book felt like having a candid conversation with a friend. the conversations about internalized ableism felt particularly important and prudent. the author was candid and i liked listening to their stories.
i also loved hearing about their chickens and farm. thee story jumps around a bit but i think it added to the overall style and conversional style of the book.
per the title, you would probably guess some talk relating to “god” or christianity is peppered throughout. this might not be for everyone but i found it overall uplifting and positive from a person with a non religious background.
i also loved hearing about their chickens and farm. thee story jumps around a bit but i think it added to the overall style and conversional style of the book.
per the title, you would probably guess some talk relating to “god” or christianity is peppered throughout. this might not be for everyone but i found it overall uplifting and positive from a person with a non religious background.
June 28, 2023
Great read for Disability POV
As a mom, teacher, and just a human who wants to “be better” this is a great read to open the door to accepting the term disabled. As a parent, I want to raise kind, accepting children…facing the fact that 1:5 people are disabled I must be willing to add this to my topics of learning/teaching. I appreciate Hannah’s openness & am challenged to change my view of ableism.
As a mom, teacher, and just a human who wants to “be better” this is a great read to open the door to accepting the term disabled. As a parent, I want to raise kind, accepting children…facing the fact that 1:5 people are disabled I must be willing to add this to my topics of learning/teaching. I appreciate Hannah’s openness & am challenged to change my view of ableism.
September 29, 2024
Inspirational for Special Needs Parents
I found this book by accident and I'm glad I did! I enjoyed reading her personal narratives on disability perceptions. My child also has a G-tube feeding tube and does not eat by mouth. I learned several new things about Adaptive Athletes. She talks about fostering 4 kids, having a farm, and making the most out of life. I highly recommend it!
I found this book by accident and I'm glad I did! I enjoyed reading her personal narratives on disability perceptions. My child also has a G-tube feeding tube and does not eat by mouth. I learned several new things about Adaptive Athletes. She talks about fostering 4 kids, having a farm, and making the most out of life. I highly recommend it!
January 27, 2023
Great read
I loved this book and read it cover to cover in one day. I've been following Hannah on Instagram for a long time and find her delightful and full of life. It's a great read and reminds us to get out there and live your best life and stop caring what other people think about it.
I loved this book and read it cover to cover in one day. I've been following Hannah on Instagram for a long time and find her delightful and full of life. It's a great read and reminds us to get out there and live your best life and stop caring what other people think about it.
January 31, 2023
I laughed, cried, and loved this book. Hannah has an amazing sense of humor and isn't afraid to be bold. I'm lucky enough to have personal memories with her from growing up in VA and sharing church, middle and high school memories. I guarantee you'll love this book. Ringing a choir bell in her honor!
February 2, 2023
This is a thoroughly charming memoir of a kick ass disabled entrepreneur mama. It has a very positive tone and Hannah’s confidence comes clearly through. Her anecdotes are thoroughly entertaining. I laughed and I cried. Quoting creed from the office here but this was an amazingly positive read. Hannah’s writing has such a clear voice it is refreshing.
February 2, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I appreciate Hannah's honesty and realistic take on tough topics, but that her humor balances it all out. I genuinely laughed, cried, and tabbed the heck out of this book. She encourages you to trust yourself and live your best rebellious life in whatever way makes you happy.
February 18, 2024
Inspiring read
I felt both challenged and inspired by reading this week.
Being local to Richmond, it felt special to hear the author mention places I knew. I could picture the exact coffee shop she talked about. If your ever in the area Perk is one of the best coffee shops!
Thank you Hannah for writing this book to use your life experience to teach and encourage others.
I felt both challenged and inspired by reading this week.
Being local to Richmond, it felt special to hear the author mention places I knew. I could picture the exact coffee shop she talked about. If your ever in the area Perk is one of the best coffee shops!
Thank you Hannah for writing this book to use your life experience to teach and encourage others.
August 3, 2024
I thought this book was going to have more stories about ridiculous things people actually say to people with disabilities. There were some chapters I cared less about, but there were some chapters that were really well done. The last section is beautifully well stated. I also appreciated hearing genuine anecdotes from a disablity perspective.
August 7, 2024
This book makes you feel like one of Hannah Setzer’s besties, which you’ll have to read the book to know what a fun gig that seems to be. I enjoyed this read from first to last page. Not to be cliche but I laughed, I cried, it moved me, damnit! A refreshingly authentic book that will leave you feeling more hopeful than when you started it.
February 7, 2025
I loved being able to see from her perspective. I am a parent of a child with multiple medical conditions and have always wondered what she thinks when people ask questions about her to everyone else but not her. Also only interact with her and talk to her like she is a baby and not a teenager. Thank you Hannah for writing this book.
February 14, 2023
Fantastic – Hannah's personality shines through in each chapter. She has an amazing sense of humor, a million fascinating stories to tell, and wisdom that applies to everyone regardless of their level of ability or health .
February 22, 2023
The Book that Needed to be Written
Hannah writes in a way that makes you feel like you’re getting coffee with her. The joy she shares amidst the struggles is everything. As someone with a facial difference, I appreciate the representation- it matters!
Hannah writes in a way that makes you feel like you’re getting coffee with her. The joy she shares amidst the struggles is everything. As someone with a facial difference, I appreciate the representation- it matters!
March 19, 2023
Man, I related to this book. My favorite line, “Simply existing as a person in a world and a society that doesn’t understand me and doesn’t accept me isn’t inspirational.” Amen! The honesty and humor in Hannah’s book is refreshing. I love her rebellious nature.
April 29, 2023
I want to be more like Hannah and view the world with her perspectives. This book is raw, and real and inspiring in the true sense of the word (you'll have to read the book to know what that means 😉).
March 21, 2024
Hannah was not popular in middle school/high school out of pity (as someone assumed) - she was genuinely one of the cooler kids around.
And she is not an inspiration for existing- she is an inspiration for being a Fauquier county escapee who started her own farm and is living my dream!
And she is not an inspiration for existing- she is an inspiration for being a Fauquier county escapee who started her own farm and is living my dream!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews