Title: I, Win: My Journey as a Disabled Woman Living in a Non-Disabled World
Genre: Memoir/ Nonfiction
Length: 81 pages
Format: I read the Audible version but you can also find it on Amazon in paperback and Kindle Edition!
Win’s Synopsis from Goodreads:
At age 24 I decided to tell my story. Writing this autobiography gave me the opportunity to pay tribute to my family members who are passionate about life and have instilled this passion in me. My parents’ extraordinary support, encouragment, and pure love were my foundation as I navigated life, overcame obstacles, and achieved successes as a young woman with cerebral palsy. I have to pay full tribute to my mother, who died in August 2010. From her I learned to listen to my own voice as a guide to making life choices. She taught me to always expect the best from myself.
My hope is that this book will provide insight into the extraordinary possibilities that those who live with disabilities have. I also hope that those without disabilities– rather than putting a focus on our differences – will come to understand what we all have in common. This book is for my mom, with love.
My Review
I, Win is an incredible book by an incredible person. Win Kelly Charles is a bestselling author, fashionista, and journalist. She has recorded over 1,000 episodes of her long running podcast, “Ask Win,” which has a wide reaching fan base of over 10,000 subscribers. Win is also a talented artist and her work has appeared in the hands of celebrities. Many people in today’s world would consider Win to be an “influencer.”
One other interesting thing about Win? She also has Cerebral Palsy. I list this aspect of Win’s life last because, as she shows in this book, she is not defined by her disability. Instead, she is redefining how the world views Cerebral Palsy and disability in general.
In this book, Win recounts her childhood in the beautiful Aspen. She describes the joy of seeing her art in the hands of celebrities as well as the pain of losing her mother. She also shares her triumphs of climbing a mountain and carrying the Olympic torch!
I don’t want to say too much about this incredible little book because I want to encourage you to go read it for yourself. Win’s message in this book is clear; People with disabilities can do the same thing anyone else can do, we just might have to do it a little differently.
For ages, people have told stories about people with disabilities. I’m so happy see authors like Win and her friend, Danielle, who are using their own voices to share their own stories. I strongly recommend this book for fans of nonfiction and memoir.
Author Interview
I had the opportunity to speak to Win and get to know a little bit more about her recently when she interviewed me for her podcast “Ask Win.” On the podcast, we talked about my latest chapbook Through My Good Eye: A Memoir in Verse. I was very happy that Win allowed me to then interview her in turn for this website about her many projects, including her writing and her podcasts.
Rev. Rebecca: I very much enjoyed reading I, Win. One of my favorite parts was your message of perseverance and positivity. How do you stay so positive? What advice do you have for someone who might be struggling with challenges in his or her own life?
Win Kelly Charles: I am not the perfect human. I do have my bad days but I try not to tell people about my bad days. I let let them go best I can.
RR: I know that you are a talented journalist with years of experience. How many podcasts do you have going right now? Can you tell us a little bit about them?
WK: I have four podcasts all together:
A Diary of a Fashionista
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-diary-of-a-fashionista/id1444555159?mt=2
Welcome to Journalism
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/welcome-to-journalism/id1439957354?mt=2
The Fashion School Daily Podcast for the Academy of Art
https://fashionschooldaily.com/
Ask Win
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-win/id1060801905?mt=2
RR: I see that you have published multiple books. Besides I, Win, what is your favorite book that you have written?
WC: My favorite book that I have written is The View from My Heels.
RR: You must be a very busy person, with your podcasts, books, and your work as a student. How do you find time to write?
WK: Just do it!
RR: What advice do you have for aspiring writers, especially writers who have a disability?
WK: I take Sundays and Mondays to write- especially on Sundays
RR: What project that you are currently working on gives you the most joy? What are you most excited about?
The project that I am most excited about is She Is CP. Click here to read more about this exciting work in progress! https://soopllc.com/blog/book-ideas/cp-win-charles/
For more information about her work, check out Win’s Website:
Also, be sure to check out Danielle’s website! Danielle is Win’s best friend and the world’s first adaptive snowboarder.
Do you have a favorite podcast? Let me know in the comments below!
Danielle has written a book entitled, If Dan Can Shred, You Can, Too! I will be reviewing this book in the near future. Please subscribe to this website so you never miss a post!
Rev. Rebecca Writes 
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