December 1995

Moving Violations

This is a captivating memoir of a National Public Radio war correspondent who "happens to be" a T5 paraplegic. John Hockenberry leads the reader through a moving, fast paced, richly detailed description of his injury and subsequent life as a crip and wheelchair user . He offers insight that challenges the American notion of disability. His candor, frankness and humor make this memoir very thought provoking and difficult to put down.

I was injured at the same level and time in life; therefore, the book gave me a unique view into another para's life that few of us ever have. He articulates some of the fears, frustrations and anger that permeate the lives of wheelchair users, though few would find him anything other than a talented man with resilience and tenacity. Hockenberry lets us live, breathe and use the ever present catheter through his many adventures.

John Hockenberry served as an international correspondent following the wars in Bosnia, the Gulf and Somalia. He describes his need to get a job, other than a "crip job", and to go beyond the limited boundaries of wheelchair accessibility.

This book is a must read for those who enjoy a personal, honest glimpse of a reporter covering international battles and wars, with his own views on disability and the world at large. I found myself laughing aloud immersed in someone else's struggles and joys!

Moving Violations: War Zones, Wheelchairs, and Declarations of Independence by John Hockenberry. New York, NY, Hyperion Press, 1995, 371 pages hardbound, $24.95.

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