Books matching: living with disability
100 result(s)
Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-first Century is a powerful anthology that brings together a diverse group of individuals with disabilities to share their personal stories and experiences. Through a collection of short essays, interview transcripts, articles, and creative prose, edited by Alice Wong, the book celebrates the universal nature of the disabled experience. Readers are taken on a journey that is raw, painful, beautiful, and inspiring, shedding light on the challenges, joys, discrimination, and resilience faced by those with disabilities in the modern world. The book is structured across four sections - Being, Becoming, Doing, and Connecting - each contributor leaving a piece of themselves within the pages, offering distinct voices and vivid experiences that highlight the intersectionality of disabled lives.
He insists he doesn’t want to kill me. He simply thinks it would have been better, all things considered, to have given my parents the option of killing the baby I once was and to let other parents ki...'Too Late to Die Young: Nearly True Tales from a Life' by Harriet McBryde Johnson is a collection of autobiographical essays that provide a powerful insight into the disability rights movement. Johnson's writing style is rich in humor, honesty, and pointed truth-telling, allowing readers to connect deeply with her feelings, doubts, and experiences. covers Harriet's experiences living with a disability, her encounters with discrimination and ableism, as well as her interactions with prominent figures like Peter Singer. Through her stories, Johnson challenges stereotypes and advocates for equal rights for disabled individuals.
I’m watching an old Dracula movie on TV. I’m twelve, old enough to know this is cheesy pop culture, and yet it speaks to me. Like any preteen I pick up, without fully understanding, the latent sexual ...'Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot' by John Callahan is a raw and candid memoir that delves into the life of the author, detailing his experiences as a quadriplegic and recovering alcoholic. The book offers insight into the challenges faced by disabled individuals, including abuse from caregivers, struggles with the welfare system, and the importance of humor in coping with adversity. Callahan's writing style is described as honest, humorous, and inspirational, showcasing his journey of resilience and determination in the face of life-altering circumstances.
The book not only explores Callahan's personal experiences but also sheds light on broader issues such as the portrayal of disability in society, the power of humor in overcoming obstacles, and the complexities of navigating the healthcare system as a disabled individual. Through his witty observations and candid storytelling, Callahan provides a poignant and thought-provoking account of his life before and after his accident, emphasizing the message of hope and empowerment in the face of adversity.
It was 11:00 A.M., a hot July 22, 1972. I had no idea where I’d been the night before. Past experience told me I had an hour or so of grace before withdrawal symptoms set in. So I was a man of leisure...Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha is a powerful exploration of disability justice, ableism, healing, and community care. The author delves into the struggles faced by disabled individuals in a world plagued by ableism, while also highlighting stories of resistance and hope within the disabled community. Through personal stories, essays, and discussions, Piepzna-Samarasinha offers a radical perspective on social change and the importance of creating inclusive and supportive communities for disabled individuals.
The book provides a deep dive into the intersection of ableism and racism in North America, offering practical models for care that challenge traditional structures of support. It emphasizes the need for radical social change and advocates for a more inclusive and accessible society where disabled individuals are valued and supported. Care Work is described as a cathartic and healing book that not only validates the experiences of disabled individuals but also offers a roadmap for building a more caring and connected community.
- #5
Save:"Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life" is a powerful memoir by Alice Wong, a notable disability activist. This book is not a typical inspirational memoir; instead, it offers a raw and honest account of Alice's life as a disabled woman of color navigating the world. The writing is non-linear and features a mix of essays, interviews, and social media posts. Alice addresses the realities of living with a severe disability, especially during the pandemic, sharing her experiences and those of others within the disabled community.
Alice's humor shines through in her storytelling, making readers laugh while tackling serious topics like access, education, and discrimination. She emphasizes the importance of amplifying the voices of disabled people, especially disabled people of color. The memoir is enlightening and challenging, inviting readers to reconsider their understanding of disability. Overall, it’s a remarkable read that combines humor, reflection, and activism, making it essential for anyone interested in Disability Rights and Culture.
'Waist-High in the World: A Life Among the Nondisabled' by Nancy Mairs is a memoir that delves into the author's experiences living with a disability, particularly multiple sclerosis. Mairs skillfully intertwines personal anecdotes with thought-provoking discussions on disability rights, societal attitudes towards the disabled, and ethical dilemmas such as the right to die. Through her candid and wry writing style, she offers readers a glimpse into the challenges and joys of navigating life from a wheelchair, while also shedding light on the broader issues faced by individuals with disabilities in society.
- #7
Save:In 'Craving His Mate', Trudy, a human sold into slavery, finds hope when she meets Qhenno, an Atari warrior searching for lost humans to rescue. Qhenno is protective and caring, bringing light into Trudy's dark reality, showcasing their fated mate bond. The story is filled with action, romance, and emotional depth, portraying the struggles and strength of the characters as they fight bad guys and escape captivity. The writing style is engaging, quick-paced, and heartwarming, with a focus on the relationship between the disabled heroine and her gentle alien mate.
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Save:"Rules" by Cynthia Lord follows the story of 12-year-old Catherine, who is trying to navigate life with her younger brother David, who has autism. Catherine creates a list of rules for David to follow in an attempt to help him behave better in public. Throughout the story, Catherine meets new friends, including Jason, a boy in a wheelchair who communicates using word cards, and Kristi, her new neighbor. As Catherine's perspective on normalcy and disabilities is challenged, she learns important lessons about acceptance, friendship, and embracing differences.
Cynthia Lord expertly addresses themes of family dynamics, disabilities, friendship, and self-acceptance in "Rules." Through the eyes of Catherine, readers witness the struggles and growth of characters dealing with various disabilities, highlighting the importance of understanding, empathy, and breaking societal norms. delves into the complexities of relationships, both within the family and with newfound friends, ultimately leading to a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and acceptance for Catherine.
“Come on, David.” I let go of his sleeve, afraid I’ll rip it. When he was little, I could pull my brother behind me if he didn’t want to do something, but now David’s eight and too strong to be pulled... 'Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me' by Ellen Forney is a graphic memoir that delves into the author's personal experience with bipolar disorder. Through text, drawings, charts, and lists, Forney vividly portrays the ups and downs of living with manic depression, while also exploring the link between creativity and mental illness. The book presents a mix of fiction and creative nonfiction in a visually appealing and educational manner, making it a must-read for those interested in understanding bipolar disorder and the struggles of maintaining mental health.
Forney's memoir not only provides insights into the challenges of balancing mental health and creativity but also tackles important themes such as the stigma surrounding mental illness, the impact of medication on artistic abilities, and the journey towards self-acceptance. With a blend of humor, sensitivity, and honesty, Forney's storytelling captures the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, offering a relatable narrative for readers who have experienced similar struggles or wish to gain a deeper understanding of mental health issues.
Judith Heumann's memoir, 'Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist', delves into her personal journey as a disability rights activist, shedding light on the early beginnings of the CIL movement and her pivotal role in advocating for disability rights both nationally and internationally. Through her compelling narrative, Heumann recounts her struggles with polio, the discrimination she faced, and the crucial moments that shaped the Disability Rights Act, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and equality for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. The book not only serves as a memoir but also as a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals in the face of adversity.
I must say right up front, though, that it wasn’t actually an “I,” it was a “we.” For any story of changing the world is always the story of many. Many ideas, many arguments; many discussions; many la...
