Here’s a list of 10 most inspiring books for disabled people. These are the books about people who have managed to stop seeing their disability as a limiting factor. Instead they have channelled it into an outlet of love, hope and creativity. Thanks to the tremendous power of books. These books are the life stories that Inspire you to do the same as well.
Most Inspiring Books For Disabled People | Life Stories That Inspire:
The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
Ever since Helen could comprehend the world and make sense of it, she was blind and deaf. Doubly marginalised, and that too in an era when not much was known of disability, Keller showed enthusiasm to learn. This book recounts the first 22 years of her gloriously inspiring life, from her friendships to her education in college. The book, in Keller’s own words, will inspire you to “turn your limitations into beautiful privileges”, whether those limitations be physical or mental, disabilities or not.
The Little Big Things by Henry Fraser
Henry Fraser has spent his life after 17 years of age being paralyzed from the shoulders. This book recounts his experiences as he tried at that tender age to adjust to a new world, and hoe he eventually found a way to spread hope, love and cheer despite his disability. This book is a memoir, but it also classifies as philosophy, because anyone facing anything in life will have something to take away from it.
Special Shoes by Molly Taylor
This is a children’s book about a girl with a disability, called Emma. Emma loves the story that her mother reads out to her every night – the story about a girl with special shoes. This book is sensitive and delicate, but it will inspire you to dream, without letting anything, even a disability affect your ability to dream.
The Sound and The Fury by William Faulkner
This classic follows a dysfunctional family, each haunted by their own natures and experiences. Of these, one is Benjamin Compson, who has a diminished mental capacity. He can barely speak, so it’s narrated in a stream of consciousness style. This book is by no means outwardly inspiring – it is tragic and devastating. But that is exactly why it will inspire you not to liken your situation to Benjy’s in any way. A world without hope is the cause of Benjy’s tragedy.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
This is the heartwarming story of a 15 year old mathematics prodigy with a behavioural difficulty, who witnesses the death of his neighbour’s dog Wellington, and decides to investigate the murder. In the process, he steps into the outside world, faces challenges like never before and discovers himself. This is a beautifully moving tale of not letting disabilities and other peoples’ expectations of you define your abilities and your capabilities.
The Collected Schizophrenias by Esme Weijun Wang
This collection of essays is a medical as well as literary exploration of schizophrenia – one of the most severe psychological disorders. This may or may not classify as a disability, but it is certainly true that it disables the person’s life. This is personal and intimate – Wang draws on her own experiences with schizophrenia to craft this book. But it is also analytical and objective – something that will inspire you to look at your disability with a detached eye.
In Sickness and In Health by Ben Mattlin
This is the love story of a man with spinal muscular atrophy – a condition that confines him to the wheelchair – and his wife. This book will show you that love knows no bounds, and will make you believe that life has wonderful things in store for you, despite where you are today.
Uncomfortable Labels by Laura Kate Dale
This is an intersection of two uncomfortable labels put on Laura’s tag – a disability and a queer gender preference. Laura identifies as a gay autistic trans woman, and in this heartfelt memoir, she describes her life and experiences. This book is profoundly inspiring, for if a doubly marginalized woman can rise above the circumstances that pull her down, so can you.
We Carry Kevan by Kevan Chandler
This is another story of relationships that refuse to be defined by disability. This memoir talks of Kevan’s journey as his friends leave his wheelchair at the airport and instead carry him around during their travels in France, England and Ireland. This is a story of how an indomitable spirit and social support can help you rise above a disability.
There’s a Hole in My Bucket by Royd Tolkien
This non fiction novel feels almost like fiction – it s warm, heart-touching and wonderful. It follows Royd, as his brother Mike is diagnosed with the incurable Motor Neurone Disease. So the up makes a bucket list to fill the little time they have together with adventure, love and cheer. But when Mike passes away, Royd is still inconsolable. That’s when he discovers that Mike had another bucket list, fore Royd after his death. There’s much to learn from Mike – but most importantly, learning to love and care for others, even after your own death.
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