Ryan Rae Harbuck, WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BE A CHAIR: A Memoir

January 23, 2023

Loading player...

Episode Description

Zibby speaks to teacher, swim coach, and writer Ryan Rae Harbuck about When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Chair, a raw, humorous, and profound new memoir about her paralyzing car accident in her teens and the decision to live a life of courage, ambition, and adventure after it. Ryan shares the gut-wrenching details of her accident–the school dance and midnight bowling, the crash on the highway, the spinal cord injuries and broken bones, the loss of her boyfriend, the disintegration of her family, and a new life in a wheelchair. Finally, she explains how swimming, teaching, coaching, and paralympic competitions changed her life. 


Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3R5Dnt9


Subscribe to Zibby's weekly newsletter here.

Purchase Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books merch here.

** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!

** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode.


(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.)


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recent Episodes

Shai Davidai on the October 7 Anniversary
NYT Bestselling Author Michael Lewis on Blockers
Erin Schlozman on the Myth of the Perfect Mom
Hank Phillippi Ryan on Storytelling