A refreshing read on an important topic. I loved the honesty and positivity but I think the informality of the writing didn't sit well with me. For example the use of (lol) after some humour. However, others may really like this aspect

[a copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher from netgalley. thank you!]

5⭐️

absolutely adored this collection of essays on the authors experience of ableism & sexuality as a disabled queer person.

This book is a must read. Andrew Gurza shares personal stories of his own experiences with disability, ableism, and the queer community in an honest and direct manner. This book is incredibly readable and engaging. It is thoughtful and relatable. I really enjoyed reading this book and it left me with a lot to think about. I highly recommend this book.

This book is very good in bringing ability to the forefront when discussing inclusion in the broader queer community; however, I was unable to get past the author overlooking the exploitation of many of the things he was suggesting. One of which being recommending that disabled people(s) buy sex.

Timely and super important especially in today’s day and age. I really liked the highlighting of the intersectionality and the disability community in this book. There’s so much here for people who don’t know a lot about disability to learn and then there’s also so much for people within the community to grasp on too. I hope it’s adapted for a lot of curriculums and that people take seriously how important this book is.

Well, with a title like that, you can't claim you didn't know what you were in for! This book is refreshingly candid, blisteringly funny, and a must read for pretty much anyone who can either relate to the topic or wants to be a better ally.

Notes From A Queer Cripple by Andrew Gurza is a bold, unapologetic, and deeply personal collection of essays that challenges societal norms and offers a raw, unfiltered look at life as a disabled queer person. Andrew Gurza, a disability awareness consultant and self-proclaimed "queer cripple," uses humour, vulnerability, and sharp wit to explore the intersections of queerness, disability, and identity.

The book is a refreshing and necessary addition to conversations about disability and LGBTQ+ experiences. Gurza’s writing is candid and relatable, as he shares his struggles, triumphs, and everyday realities with a level of honesty that is both disarming and empowering. He tackles topics such as sex, relationships, accessibility, and the often-overlooked erasure of disabled voices in queer spaces. His essays are not only informative but also deeply human, offering readers a chance to see the world through his eyes.

One of the standout features of Notes From A Queer Cripple is Gurza’s ability to balance humour with poignant insights. He doesn’t shy away from the frustrations and injustices he faces, but he also infuses his stories with a sense of joy and resilience. His voice is unique and compelling, making the book both an educational read and an entertaining one.

The book also serves as a call to action, urging readers to rethink their perceptions of disability and to advocate for greater inclusivity and representation. Gurza’s experiences highlight the importance of intersectionality and the need for marginalized voices to be heard and valued.

While the book’s candidness and explicit discussions of sexuality may not be for everyone, it is precisely this honesty that makes it so impactful. Gurza’s refusal to conform to societal expectations of what a disabled or queer person should be is both inspiring and revolutionary.

In summary, Notes From A Queer Cripple is a powerful, thought-provoking, and deeply human collection of essays. Andrew Gurza’s voice is a vital one, and his book is a must-read for anyone interested in disability rights, LGBTQ+ issues, or simply understanding the diverse experiences of those often marginalized by society. It’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and the beauty of being unapologetically oneself.

The title of the book is quite clear, and it delivers exactly what it promises. Andrew Gurza, a queer disabled person, shares their personal experiences with honesty, humor, and insight. Through a series of deeply personal anecdotes, Gurza provides a window into their world, highlighting the challenges, joys, and everyday realities of living at the intersection of queerness and disability.

What makes this book stand out is its dual purpose: it speaks to those who share similar experiences while also offering invaluable perspective to non-disabled readers. As someone who doesn’t navigate the world in the same way, I felt like I was given the chance to see life from a perspective I hadn’t fully considered before. It left me more aware, more sensitive, and with a broader understanding of the challenges disabled queer people face.

Beyond its thought-provoking nature, the book is also an engaging and enjoyable read. It’s both entertaining and eye-opening, making me reflect while also keeping me hooked from start to finish. A truly impactful book that lingers in your thoughts long after the last page.

“A community that so loudly preaches ‘love is love’ but quietly agrees that disabled people don’t belong here.”

I have been familiar with Andrew Gurza thanks to his podcast, Disability After Dark. This book is Gurza at their best, educating others via stories and personal moments to help create the anti-ableist society we so badly need. Gurza educates us about the history of disability (why we treat disabled adults with “kid gloves”), ableism (internalized and externalized), and micro aggressions (things you have to deal with when living in a disabled body). Through their personal stories and moments, we learn about situations of ableism in the queer community. Gurza ends his collection of “notes” by calling for representation- we need to ensure physical access to accessible queer spaces (ramps, accessible bathrooms, interpreters) AND to see disabled queer people in the media. As Gurza says, it’s nondisabled individuals responsibilities to listen and learn from their disabled peers. Thank you for the education Andrew!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Notes From A Queer Cripple: How to Cultivate Queer Disabled Joy (and Be Hot While Doing It!).