Written by baby boomer Angela Muir Van Etten, Dwarfs Don’t Live in Doll Houses—published in 1988—has influenced three generations of readers: baby boomers, Gen X, and millennials. The 2021 e-book release makes discovery by Gen Z possible.
Baby boomer Karen described it as “a great book with pride of place on her bookshelf.” After discovering the book in a secondhand bookstore, Millennial Clinton stated, “We picked up this gem because you learn about identity and your people in history by reading the stories and the books they write.” Jenn responded to his Facebook post saying, “I remember this book from when I was a kid!”
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Indeed the book is my history of growing up in New Zealand in the 1950s and 60s. When introducing the digital edition, I alerted readers to consider it as a time capsule for how little people and their families experienced life prior to disability civil rights laws. I anticipated that readers would recognize that despite passage of laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, human behavior has not changed. Consequently, the book remains relevant for disability issues that continue to this day: acceptance, advocacy, attitudinal and environmental barriers, bullying, dating, dwarf tossing, employment discrimination and reasonable accommodations, inclusion in education et al.
Dwarfs Don’t Live in Doll Houses has led the way in dwarfism memoirs and is probably the first written by a little person. As noted on the back cover it’s “a unique opportunity to see personal, family, school and public life through the eyes of a dwarf from the point of view of a single person.”
At the time of it’s 1988 publication, the memoir was endorsed by a psychologist with dwarfism, Leonard Sawisch; author and anthropology professor, Joan Ablon;the Chairman of the Little People of America (LPA) Medical Advisory Board, Dr. Charles Scott, Jr., and two parents of adult children with dwarfism, LPA National Parent Coordinator, Helen Ference and Elizabeth Elder. Sawisch noted the keen insight into the dwarf experience. Scott applauded the wealth of experience and wisdom made animatedly realistic, personal, revealing and at times humorous. Ablon characterized it as a rare window into the life experiences of a dwarf child, teenager, and young adult. Elder heightened her awareness and confessed to not realistically seeing life as a little person experiences it.
Throughout the years, readers have commented favorably. One mother of a short-statured child told me, “I keep your book by my bedside and refer to it frequently.” Readers with dwarfism report finding wisdom and help. Average height work colleagues appreciated having misconceptions dispelled and being informed of everyday obstacles a little person overcomes. In January 2022, Rebecca wrote on my Goodreads page: “Very thought provoking read. Angela does a good job of bringing the reader into her life. Definitely recommend reading this book to help remind yourself not to “judge a book by it’s cover.”
So how about you? If you’re ready to grab one of the 4,000 print books originally sold, get a used copy at Amazon.com while supplies last.
For more about my dwarfism memoir trilogy read:
- PASS ME YOUR SHOES: A Couple with Dwarfism Navigates Life’s Detours with Love and Faith, https://angelamuirvanetten.com/pass-me-your-shoes/
- ALWAYS AN ADVOCATE: Champions of Change for People with Dwarfism and Disabilities, https://angelamuirvanetten.com/always-an-advocate/
A voice for people with dwarfism & disability guided by faith and justice. https://angelamuirvanetten.com
2 replies on “Dwarfs Don’t Live in Doll Houses: 35-Year Anniversary”
Wonderful book! It’s author proves you can overcome life’s challenges, whether big or small, with faith and tenacity. Love it.
35 Years – wow how time flies!!!
You have been, and are an inspiration to so many people – thank you.
All three of your books are a must read!!!