A review by niki_swack
Good Kings Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum

emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Good Kings Bad Kings is a reflective piece on the inhumanities and ignorance that befells institutionalization of disabled children. Told through the first person narrative of seven different characters, this story walks you through the trials and tribulations of disabled youths, a disabled adult, and able-bodied workers, as they navigate everyday life at ILLC.

Nussbaum dynamically weaves the lives of these seven characters together, while simultaneously unavailing the inequalities of disabled youths, and the disabled crusaders fighting for de-institutionalization. At the same time, the first person narrative allows an unprecedented and unique glimpse into the eyes of a disabled person, while also give the perspective of someone naive to the disabled world. As someone who was put into a wheelchair later in life, Nussbaum is uniquely qualified for this perspective ability.

Harrowing, disturbing, and eye opening, Good Kings Bad Kings is a must read.