UCC’s Pilgrim Press releasing a memoir by one of Cleveland’s “most interesting” people

That Girl’s in a Wheelchair is the title of a soon-to-be released memoir by Clevelander Shalida Askanazi, named one of Cleveland Magazine’s “Most Interesting People” of 2026. The author and activist is “very excited” about seeing her book in print, and said she really enjoyed the process of writing, and working with The Pilgrim Press’ editor Adam Bresnahan.

“We met when Adam and I volunteered together, and he encouraged me to send a proposal to the Pilgrim Press,” she said. “And now that it’s being published I’ve had amazing feedback, and have gotten so much support, I’m a bit overwhelmed, but reminding myself that I wanted this writer’s life! It’s a good busy. This is the writer’s dream. I’m soaking in every minute of it.”

Askanazi uses humor and her experiences as a disabled, Black and Latina woman living in this time, dealing with both racism and ableism, to frame her story. Askanazi has lived in Cleveland her whole life, and has a rare disability called sacral agenesis. Her current job is working for a nonprofit. While she had never written a book before, Askanazi was a blogger and is also a poet.

“People who enjoy poetry will find this a good buy, because I sprinkle my poems throughout the book as well,” Askanazi shared. “Each chapter has a poem that correlates to it.” She will be at Cleveland’s Loganberry Books on Wednesday, February 4, at 7 p.m. to launch the book, where she will be in conversation with another local author, and will sign copies for those who attend.

As the writer of memoir, Askanazi said she’s a bit apprehensive about how the book may be received by those in her life, including those from past relationships and even her mother, but she acknowledges it’s her own story to tell. “I had to be honest,” she said. “Writing this book helped me process a lot of trauma, and work through it. And I had to remember that my mother goes through this world as a Black and Latina woman as well.”

Rachel Hackenberg, publisher of the Pilgrim Press, said this has been a wonderful project. “The Pilgrim Press enjoys building relationships in our local Northeast Ohio community to empower and publish voices for justice. We found Shalida’s story and forthright style to be at once courageous and insightful. Shalida was a joy to work with during the editorial process. We are very much looking forward to the book launch!” 

You can register to attend the FREE book launch at Loganberry Books HERE.

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