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.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2024, 49)
What an important book! People can be so cruel to anyone whom they perceive as 'different'. And society can be especially hard on women. It's sad. Why can't we just root for one another? And cheer people on and be happy when they succeed instead? Life is hard enough.
ReplyDeleteIt is very much a reminder to just follow the Golden Rule!
DeleteI agree with Lark. This sounds like an important book. I don't understand why some people feel the need to bully and belittle others who are 'different'. I really hope we, as a society, can come together in kindness. It's heartbreaking to see all the fighting and hate.
ReplyDeleteI agree. There is so much divisiveness in the world right now, and we really should all just come together and be kind to each other. It isn't that hard.
DeleteThis is a prime example of why representation matters - especially because of the absolutely awful people who went after her online. I can't count the number of times I have seen people trash a book because characters are anything but straight white men and women. (The Gathering by CJ Tudor is prime example. Some of those Goodreads comments are atrocious and stupid.) I am so glad Blake was able withstand it and come out the other side with such an important book.
ReplyDeleteYes, there is so much nastiness just for the sake of being nasty. I didn't love The Gathering, but it had nothing to do with the representation in the story.
DeleteExactly! It's not woke to include everyone, and young people need to see themselves now more than ever in what they watch and read.
DeleteSide note - I ended up DNF-ing The Gathering, but that's because I just can't with any vampire stuff that falls outside of the rules created within the Buffy-verse. It's my own personal issue that I will never get over because I was a teenager when Buffy and Angel aired.
That's fair. I don't think it is Tudor's strongest book, but I appreciated that she really swings for the fences in it.
DeleteThis poor woman! The Trumpers can be vicious and relentless so I'm sorry to hear she was their target. People in general can be just awful. I'm happy to hear she was able to rise above all that judgment and write such an important story!
ReplyDeleteThey truly are awful, and cruel for the sake of being cruel. Stories like this show how resilient we can be, and how far simple kindness can go.
DeletePeople are so quick to put others down especially online that it's nice to see a book like this. Be kind because you never know what someone else is going through.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely! I love the way she was able to turn the online negativity into something positive.
DeleteI so admire Blake for rising above the hate and the petty attacks and responding with humor and grace and dignity. She has some seriously important lessons to share.
DeleteTanya @ Girl Plus Books
I love when I can learn something from other people's experiences, and that is definitely the case with this one!
DeleteI've seen her around! (I mean on Twitter). I didn't know she had a book out. Her humour and strength shine in her tweets as well.
ReplyDeleteShe's such a ray of light in the world. I'm glad to have read her story.
DeleteDunno if I know who she is. Must check it out
ReplyDeleteShe's very worthy of doing a little digging on. Such a great person!
DeleteA relevant topic and an important one. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI've never heard of Blake before, but wow, she sounds incredible! This book sounds like a wonderful read. I'm definitely going to take a closer look at it. Thanks for the heads-up.
ReplyDeleteShe's a remarkable person for sure!
DeleteI'm glad she was able to take back the narrative and use it for something good.
ReplyDeleteThe world is truly messed up right now and we need to keep those bright spots in mind so we don't get too jaded and hopeless.
Agreed!
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