
Member Reviews

The Anti-Ableist Manifesto is a deep dive into why disability rights is important and how we can work together to actively dismantle anti-ableism. This book is significantly thought provoking, and had me nodding my head to many things that I honestly had just never considered before, but seemed obvious once I had been told. Each chapter has discussion questions that would be great for group work, but honestly is just great to get the reader thinking on their own. This book felt like it was for beginners in anti-ableism, but it also felt like it went deep enough into the topics that it did not feel surface level. I would recommend everyone to read this, as it is going to stick with me long after I have finished it.
Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is a very basic overview of ableism and disability. I'm sure it'll be a great resource for newbies to the topic, but I DNFed about halfway through because I erroneously thought it would be a deeper dive.

Such a necessary read! Tiffany did a great job as the narrator and I learned a lot from her experiences and research about the history of disability policies. Really appreciate how accessible this book was

The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World by Tiffany Yu is a powerful, thought-provoking, and much-needed call to action. In this engaging book (audio version narrated by the author herself) Yu draws on her lived experience as a disability advocate, as well as her background in corporate finance at Goldman Sachs, to offer a refreshingly candid and transformational guide for dismantling ableism and fostering true inclusivity. In a world where inclusivity often feels like a buzzword, this book delivers the real, practical steps we all need to take.
Yu, who lives with PTSD and a permanent arm injury, brings her personal journey into the heart of this manifesto, weaving it with the voices of other disability advocates and leaders. She breaks down the complex social dynamics of ableism in a way that’s both informative and approachable, making this book an excellent primer for understanding the barriers disabled individuals face in society—from healthcare and employment to education and public policy.
One thing that sets The Anti-Ableist Manifesto apart is its practicality. Each chapter is short and digestible, yet packed with valuable insights. Yu doesn’t just describe the state of discrimination or highlight the inequalities disabled communities face; she offers concrete, actionable steps for readers to become better allies and advocates. The book even includes thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, encouraging readers to critically reflect on their own experiences and how they might foster change in their daily lives. Yu doesn’t just shatter stereotypes; she arms you with the tools to help rebuild a more inclusive world.
Yu’s ability to break down ableist language, identify microaggressions, and offer real solutions makes this an indispensable resource. Her personal narration adds emotional depth, making her advocacy all the more impactful. As I listened to the audiobook, I was struck by how relevant and urgent this message is. For example, while picking up my son from college, who happens to have a disability and is currently taking a social justice course, he noted how the disability community had not been addressed at all in the class—highlighting the pervasive gaps this book seeks to fill. If you're not talking about disability when you talk about social justice, you're leaving out millions of people—and Yu's manifesto makes that impossible to ignore.
The Anti-Ableist Manifesto is a must-read for anyone committed to creating a more inclusive society. Whether you’re disabled, an ally, a family member, or someone simply seeking to foster positive change, this book provides the tools and knowledge to do so. Informative, accessible, and deeply personal, Yu’s manifesto is essential reading for anyone striving to build a more universally equitable future.

I enjoyed the history chapter in this book a lot and found the reflective questions useful to reflect on and more actively absorb the information.

This should be required reading for everyone — whether non-disabled or not. For non-disabled people, this is an eye-opening read into the many ways disability affects every aspect of life. And even for disabled people, it can be a helpful look into the experiences of other disabled people — because disability is not monolithic. I loved that this book provided us with opportunities for self-reflection that help us unpack our biases and ignorances. This will be a book I come back to a lot in reference and for continued inner work.

What a tremendous, accessible (in all senses) volume! Yu takes us on a journey along the path away from ableism. The writing was clear, the examples were down-to-earth and apt, and the case was made. If I had one criticism, it would be the concerted focus on the US context. I was shocked to hear that there's a "sub-salary" whereby people with disabilities are legally given lower wages on the basis of disability in many states. Okay, another criticism: Yu has a tendency to reference "the research" but without actually referencing it. Perhaps the text copy is different. The manifesto itself, loosely compiling the chapters of the book, transcends time and culture. And even ableism! I especially appreciated the intersectional lenses and would have enjoyed a few more. This is a must-read for anyone in your life who doesn't understand what disability is truly about.

This was probably my favorite book of the entire year.
Thank you to author Tiffiny Yu, Hachette Audio, and Netgalley for this amazing ARC- my reviews remain my own.
This book is exactly as advertised, an all encompassing Anti-Ableist Manifesto filled to the brim with history on the disability rights movement, questions to help you combat your own personalized internalized ableism, talks on verbiage and views from a disabled authors perspective and work.
This book read beautifully and I would highly recommend this book to those wanting to be a better ally to disabled people. This book had me engrossed from the start and all the way to finish. The subjects range from how to avoid ableist language to discrepancies in disability benefits.

An excellent primer on understanding disability and how non-disabled people can become better allies to the community. While I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to build more awareness about the triumphs, struggles, contributions, and needs of the disabled community, I can't say it really taught me anything new that I didn't already know before.

I am thankful to have gotten the audio ALC for free from Netgalley and Hachette Audio so I can leave my voluntary review.
This is a wonderful entry level book for society in general. I honestly think it should be a must read for humanity type of book so they can understand what ableism is and how you cannot only change your day to day language but your perception.
This is a special interest to me as well as something that impacts my day to day. The author of the book, Tiffany Yu who is disabled herself, also narrates the book which gives it a personal touch.
She speaks at a great pace. Actually I tried to speed it up and it became unintelligible. I think this is a case where the audiobook will probably be a better experience than the print book since the non fiction topic I’m sure can get boring for some. But Tiffany Yu is delightful to listen to and keeps you engaged.
This is a book that I will personally buy despite already consuming it so I can loan it out.
Is this a book for those who already study ableism? No, not really. It’s definitely a beginner primer. A well throughout primer but one nonetheless. However, I still think it’s worth a read to advocates as it gives great ways to explain to others.
The book comes out on October 8th 2024 so make sure to get it on your TBR asap!
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
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In The Anti-Ableist Manifesto, Tiffany Yu explores the persistent exclusion and marginalization of disabled individuals, offering a comprehensive analysis of how historical discrimination has evolved into modern-day barriers. She examines the current structures in place, exposing the gaps and inequalities that continue to exist for disabled communities. Yu not only diagnoses these systemic issues but also provides practical solutions and calls for a unified movement toward a world where disabled individuals are fully included and valued.
The Anti-Ableist Manifesto is an outstanding, thought-provoking read that deserves a place on everyone’s bookshelf. This book tackles the crucial and often overlooked fight for inclusion faced by disabled individuals, presenting historical reasons behind the discrimination they endure and offering a clear roadmap for how we can achieve true equality.
Yu outlines where the system currently stands in its support (or lack thereof) for disabled individuals, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change. From education and employment to healthcare and public policy, Yu shows us why inclusion is not just an ideal, but a moral imperative that requires action from every sector of society.
This book should be required reading in diversity courses, workshops, and any context where inclusion matters. Yu’s personal experiences, coupled with her deep passion for advocacy, come through strongly, making her both a credible and inspiring narrator. Her performance in the audiobook version adds an emotional depth that few others could achieve, seamlessly guiding listeners from the history of ableism to actionable steps toward creating an inclusive society.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tiffany Yu, and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to listen and review The Anti-Ableist Manifesto.