Book Review~ Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law

 

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I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  The title alone is an attention grabber..... The DeafBlind woman who conquered Harvard LAW (yes, you read that correctly).

Haben's parents are from Ethiopia and Eretria, they met in California while attending college as international students.  Haben grew up in America, however she recalls the cultural exposure to visiting her parents countries on summer holidays. She describes all the "sights",  smells, sounds and experiences of her large family and the traditions she was introduced to whenever she visited.

This true life story was nothing short of inspirational.  It also opened my understanding to the struggles people face who have disabilities especially in education.  Imagine being both Deaf AND Blind!!......These limitations did not stop Haben. In school, she was determined to succeed and do whatever she needed to help herself and not just get by as an average student, but a high achiever.

She had a determination that could not be quelled.  Haben even convinced her very reluctant, overprotective and adamant parents to allow her to participated in a youth program trip in High School to help build a school for children in Mali.

Even during her adult life, Haven struggles a lot with loneliness and feeling left out, because of her difficulty hearing and seeing.

Nevertheless, I admire her whit, bravery, and sense of humor as she navigated making friends and fitting in in a society that for the most part caters to seeing and hearing persons.

Now how did Haben become a Lawyer?

How did she navigate education without hearing or sight? (Is that even possible?)

What obstacles did she overcome and perhaps still overcoming?

What methods did she use to make friends?

How did she navigate un accommodating situations for people with her type of disability? 

How did she get to meet President Obama in person?

Check out the book for the answers to these questions and much more!