It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect
A Memoir
$49.46
- Hardcover
304 pages
- Release Date
23 June 2026
Summary
Gaelynn Lea was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Her parents were loving, cash-strapped theater kids, and she grew up racing about in her first electric wheelchair, having adventures with her siblings, and handing out playbills at her parents’ dinner theater shows. Transfixed by an orchestra performance in 5th grade, Gaelynn was determined to play the cello. When her shortened limbs made playing the instrument challenging, she employed a familiar tactic: adapting. What if she held a vio…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781643756431 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1643756435 |
| Author: | Gaelynn Lea |
| Publisher: | Workman Publishing |
| Imprint: | Algonquin Books |
| Format: | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages: | 304 |
| Release Date: | 23 June 2026 |
| Weight: | 480g |
| Dimensions: | 238mm x 156mm x 30mm |
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What They're Saying
Critics Review
“Optimistic, hopeful, vulnerable, and filled with delight … A lovely memoir celebrating disability, family, and art.”
–Kirkus Reviews“Gaelynn Lea’s memoir is an arrow released with intent: it flies straight and lands true. With joy as its engine and honesty as its discipline, it tells the story of a brilliant musician who is also a gifted prose writer. The energy of the writing and Lea’s talent for observation propelled me through this book in a single sitting. The book resembles Lea’s custom violin bow–finely made, perfectly balanced, a generous gift that will resonate for a lifetime.”–Chloé Cooper Jones, author of Easy Beauty
“Gaelynn Lea shows readers how #AccessIsLove again and again. Her family, teachers, friends, colleagues, and fans demonstrate the actions we can take, in small and big ways, to remove barriers. These captivating stories serve as ramps for communities rolling toward a better society. Her book is a gift for our world.”–Haben Girma, disability rights activist and author of Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law
“In It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect, Gaelynn Lea invites us into a world where creativity, access, and possibility collide. Her stories reveal not only the barriers disabled artists face, but also the brilliance and community that flourish when we’re given the space to exist on our own terms. Lea doesn’t just point to what needs to change; she shows us a future we should all be fighting for–and one that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.”–Tiffany Yu, author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto
“Gaelynn has written a music memoir like no other. It’s an indie rock tell-all through the lens of disability justice, told with real humanity and humor.”–Colin Meloy (The Decemberists), author of The Wildwood Chronicles
“Gaelynn’s writing reads like lyrics that remind me so much of my own realities as a disabled woman, though the melodies make the stories uniquely her own. Her fierceness resounds throughout, but her words are inviting and approachable for anyone seeking to connect with the disability experience. Absolutely a worthwhile read!”–Emily Ladau, author of Demystifying Disability
“Gaelynn Lea is a true original with immense strength … She has infinite optimism and energy to make the world better. I look forward to the next time I find myself under her spell.”–Jeff Tweedy, Wilco
“Gaelynn Lea writes with a directness, candor and humor that are illuminating. Exploring the intersection of music and disability, It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect is a one-of-a-kind, page-turner.”–Ian Brennan, Grammy-winning music producer and author of Missing Music
“Gaelynn’s story is beautiful … She writes with a depth and honesty that only comes from being bold and unafraid to dream big.”–Glory Edim, author of Gather Me and Well-Read Black Girl
About The Author
Gaelynn Lea
Gaelynn Lea is a composer, musician, and disability rights advocate. Since winning NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016, she has captivated audiences around the world with her haunting original songs and traditional fiddle tunes. Gaelynn has collaborated with Michael Stipe, The Decemberists, and Wilco. In 2022, Gaelynn composed an original score for Macbeth on Broadway, starring Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga. She later released an album featuring these compositions, titled Music From Macbeth. Music aside, Gaelynn Lea is a sought-after public speaker about disability culture, inclusion, and accessibility in the arts. She was awarded a Disability Futures Fellowship in 2024.
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