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  • Haben

  • The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law
  • By: Haben Girma
  • Narrated by: Haben Girma
  • Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (28 ratings)
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Haben

By: Haben Girma
Narrated by: Haben Girma
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Summary

The incredible life story of Haben Girma, the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, and her amazing journey from isolation to the world stage.

Haben grew up spending summers with her family in the enchanting Eritrean city of Asmara. There, she discovered courage as she faced off against a bull she couldn't see, and found in herself an abiding strength as she absorbed her parents' harrowing experiences during Eritrea's 30-year war with Ethiopia. Their refugee story inspired her to embark on a quest for knowledge, traveling the world in search of the secret to belonging. She explored numerous fascinating places, including Mali, where she helped build a school under the scorching Saharan sun. Her many adventures over the years range from the hair-raising to the hilarious.

Haben defines disability as an opportunity for innovation. She learned non-visual techniques for everything from dancing salsa to handling an electric saw. She developed a text-to-braille communication system that created an exciting new way to connect with people. Haben pioneered her way through obstacles, graduated from Harvard Law, and now uses her talents to advocate for people with disabilities.

Haben takes listeners through a thrilling game of blind hide-and-seek in Louisiana, a treacherous climb up an iceberg in Alaska, and a magical moment with President Obama at the White House. Warm, funny, thoughtful, and uplifting, this captivating memoir is a testament to one woman's determination to find the keys to connection.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Haben Girma (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"What makes Haben's prodigious story even more remarkable is that she's not satisfied with being inspiring. Because she knows that achievement only happens when there is more than the support of individual extraordinary people, she pushes institutions and leaders in the academy, the government, and in big tech to widen the corridors of power and opportunity. Her intersectional approach to her work as an advocate for the disabled and as a Deafblind daughter of refugees refuses tokenization and demands true inclusion." (dream hampton, award-winning filmmaker, writer, and organizer)

"A stirring memoir of love and resilience. Haben proves there are no limits for living joyously in the world. A fierce, glorious advocate for equal opportunity, she demonstrates that accessibility for all benefits all. Her memoir is a soul-inspiring gift." (Jewell Parker Rhodes, New York Times best-selling author of Ghost Boys)

"With wit and passion, Haben, a disability rights lawyer, public speaker, and the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law, takes readers through her often unaccommodating world...This is a heartwarming memoir of a woman who champions access and dignity for all." (Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Haben

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A thought provoking and mind opening book

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand someone else’s world. Haben is honest and real.

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Haben.. the right to free expression..

amazing book of an amazing lady.. the right to live a full and meaningful life is such a part of Haben energy.

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A fascinating listen

I looked forward to each new chapter. Engaging, informative, educational and entertaining, with a lovely humour that came through in the author's expressive reading.

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Excellent Listen

I was lucky enough to hear Harvey give a keynote speech and was blown away by her zest to undertake so many things I’ve never even tried. Listening to her talk about climbing an iceberg in Alaska made me think I should take more risks. It never ceases to amaze me what people with disabilities do that able people would shy away from. Go Harben you are one hell of a woman. Ps give Milo a stroke from me. He really is gorgeous and walks so fast.

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A brilliant autobiography

The world is simply a better place with Haben Girma in it. In her brilliant autobiography Haben takes you on her journey, with honesty and humour in equal measure. If you don’t understand the need for a more inclusive world, read this and think again. If you do understand the need for inclusion, read this, you’re in for a treat!

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Loved it!

Fun, inspiring and informative. The fact that it's Haben herself reading it made it very personal. Feels like sitting next to her telling her amazing journey.

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Absolutely brilliant

This book is wonderful, beautiful and powerful! The all encompassing sensory descriptions make the story so rich. Haben's experiences and how she deals with them is empowering reading them as a disabled person myself.

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