Books Like...
'My Left Foot' by Christy Brown is a heartwarming and inspirational story that provides an inside view into the life of a creative genius who overcame many odds. Through the author's own words, readers get a glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and daily struggles faced by a person with disabilities. The writing style is simple, realistic, and devoid of unnecessary details, making it a poignant and eye-opening read for anyone looking to gain a different perspective on life.
If you liked My Left Foot, here are the top 56 books to read next:
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...- #2
Save:Jessica is a high school track star who loses her leg in a tragic accident, shattering her dream of running. The story follows her journey of recovery, resilience, and hope as she learns to navigate life with a prosthetic leg, with the support of her family, friends, and new relationships. The book delves into themes of overcoming adversity, friendship, and personal growth, providing a heartfelt and inspiring narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.
"The Running Dream" is a poignant and uplifting tale that explores the emotional roller coaster of becoming an amputee and the journey of rebuilding one's life after a devastating loss. Through Jessica's first-person perspective, readers are drawn into her world of despair, courage, and eventual triumph, as she learns to find hope and strength within herself. The book offers a realistic portrayal of Jessica's challenges, from medical procedures to emotional struggles, while highlighting the importance of support systems and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
My eyes flood with tears as Dr. Wells removes the bandages and inspects his handiwork. I turn away, only to see my mother fighting back tears of her own. “It’ll be okay,” she tells me, holding tight t... - #3
Save:Introduced by Alexander Scott. William Soutar was one of the greatest Scots poets of his generation. Tragically he was confined to his bed with a crippling illness for the last fourteen years of his life.
During these years, Soutar kept a day-by-day
... - #4
Save:"Borderline" in the series "The Arcadia Project" by Mishell Baker follows the story of Millie Roper, a borderline personality disorder amputee who gets recruited into a secret agency called the Arcadia Project. The agency manages humanity's relationship with the fae, who are the source of human creativity. Millie, along with a group of misfits with mental health issues, navigates the complexities of Hollywood, fey politics, and supernatural crimes. The writing style is described as fast-paced, character-driven, and filled with clever world-building that blends urban fantasy with elements of the fey.
It was midmorning on a Monday when magic walked into my life wearing a beige Ann Taylor suit and sensible flats. At the time I had more money than sense, and so I had been languishing at the Leishman ... 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly' by Jean-Dominique Bauby is a memoir that tells the story of the author's life after suffering from Locked In Syndrome, where he was paralyzed except for his left eyelid. Despite his physical limitations, Bauby dictated the book by blinking to select letters on an alphabet board. The writing style is described as incredibly beautiful, poetic, and philosophical, offering a unique perspective on his condition and life in general. is short, yet captivating, and provides insights into the author's struggles, imagination, and resilience.
When friends jokingly ask whether I have considered a pilgrimage to Lourdes, I tell them I've already made the trip. It was the end of the seventies. Joséphine and I were in a relationship that was a ...'Gridlock' by Ben Elton is a satirical novel that delves into the consequences of environmental degradation, particularly focusing on the issue of excessive car usage leading to gridlock on the roads. Through a blend of humor and social commentary, Elton paints a vivid picture of a society consumed by its reliance on cars, highlighting the absurdity and consequences of this lifestyle. The book features a mix of political satire, witty observations, and thought-provoking scenarios that challenge readers to reconsider their attitudes towards transportation and the environment.
Before beginning this story proper, a story which has its fictional feet very firmly on the ground, it is worth taking a moment to look upwards, high above the teeming masses of rush-hour London where...- #7
Save:Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius is a remarkable autobiography detailing the author's journey from being trapped in his own body due to a mysterious illness at the age of 12 to regaining consciousness at age 19. The book describes Martin's struggle with locked-in syndrome, his experiences of abuse and mistreatment, and his eventual communication breakthrough using technology. Through poignant storytelling, Martin shares his path to reclaiming his life, finding love, and achieving independence.
Even as I became aware, I didn’t fully understand what had happened to me. Just as a baby isn’t born knowing it can’t control its movement or speak, I didn’t think about what I could or couldn’t do. T... - #8
Save:'When We Were Vikings' is a heartwarming and unique story about Zelda, a 21-year-old with fetal alcohol syndrome, who is on a quest to become a modern-day Viking warrior. Living with her older brother Gert, Zelda navigates life with a tribe of supportive individuals while facing challenges such as sexuality and independence. The book is told from Zelda's perspective, offering a glimpse into her world as she strives to uphold Viking standards and create her own legend, blending themes of disability, family dynamics, and self-discovery in a captivating narrative style.
The Viking my brother got me for my birthday was tall and had muscles. Even if you were not an expert on Vikings and had not read Kepple’s Guide to the Vikings, you would say, that is a Viking. He loo... - #9
Save:'So Lucky' by Nicola Griffith follows the protagonist, Mara, as she navigates a series of life-altering events - from her wife leaving her for another woman to being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and subsequently losing her job. The narrative delves deep into Mara's internal struggles and external challenges, portraying her journey from a confident martial artist to a fearful individual grappling with disability. Through a first-person perspective, the book explores themes of ableism, homophobia, and the complexities of living with a chronic illness, offering a compelling and insightful portrayal of Mara's experiences.
Griffith's writing style in 'So Lucky' is described as incandescent, vivid, and personal. The author's prose is praised for its raw honesty, intelligence, and emotional depth, drawing readers in and keeping them engaged throughout the narrative. is lauded for its ability to shed light on the nuances of privilege, disability, and identity, making it a thought-provoking read that resonates with those seeking to understand the challenges faced by individuals living with MS and other disabilities.
It came for me in November, that loveliest of months in Atlanta: blue sky stinging with lemon sun, and squirrels screaming at each other over the pecans because they weren’t fooled; they knew winter w... 'Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had' by Brad Cohen is an inspiring memoir that follows Brad's journey of overcoming the challenges of living with Tourette Syndrome and becoming an award-winning teacher. The book delves into Brad's struggles with TS from a young age, his experiences navigating school and society's misconceptions, and the pivotal moments that shaped his determination to educate and advocate for others with disabilities. Through heartfelt storytelling and personal anecdotes, Brad offers a unique perspective on living with TS and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
Brad Cohen's writing style in 'Front of the Class' is described as insightful, engaging, and inspirational by readers. The book provides a deep understanding of Tourette Syndrome, offers hope and encouragement to individuals with TS and their families, and sheds light on the importance of acceptance and support in overcoming obstacles. Brad's narrative not only educates readers about TS but also highlights the impact of positive thinking, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in oneself in achieving one's goals despite the odds.
I GREW UP IN ST. LOUIS, Missouri, home of the Arch and home of Cardinals baseball. My parents, Norman and Ellen, divorced very early in my life—so early, in fact, that unlike many children, I was far ...
