I have a friend who's disabled and wants to get into reading. Life has really beat him into the ground a recently. To be honest, he's starting to become something of a bitter person because of everything he's dealing with. What books can I recommend him that have a protagonist he can relate to and cheer him up? Something inspirational.
Bonus points if the main character beats the odds after being told he can't do it.
by SamePossibility7469
7 Comments
Seabiscuit! Great read. His rider was partially blind and had serious injuries.
The cormoran strike books by jk Rowling under the pen name Robert galbraith. Strike is an ex military guy who list his leg in an IED blast. The books are awesome, your friend will enjoy
Lincoln Rhyme Saga, Jeffery Deaver
The male protagonist is a former forensic criminalist who is left quadriplegic after an accident at a crime scene. You can only move one finger and from the neck up.
As the saga progresses it gets a little better.
In itself, at home the book helps the police catch overly clever criminals. There are 13 books so far. very good
The Warrior’s Apprentice by Lois McMaster Bujold
It’s very kind and thoughtful of you to support and empower your friend. Also, my deepest condolences to your friend.
My recommendation for fiction is [How to Break a Girl](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241018866-how-to-break-a-girl) by Amanda Sung. Each character suffers from different types of mental disabilities, which are portrayed in a raw, unflinching, and very real and authentic way. Throughout the course of book, you definitely see them struggle, put in the work to rebuild, relapse, rebuild again. It’s a very realistic take on just how we deal with our mental illnesses. Beautiful, cinematic prose, too. You’d feel as if you’re right there with the characters in every scene.
My recommendation for non-fiction is [The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/207567658-the-anti-ableist-manifesto) by Tiffany Yu, who will be serving on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Accessibility Advisory Board. While her book targets readers like HR, hiring managers, anyone in leadership roles who are designing the workplace, she herself is definitely a huge inspiration for anyone who’s physically disabled in any way.
Happy reading and let me know what you think of both books! Hugs to your friend!
Left Neglected.
Loving April by Melvin Burgess
I Can Jump Puddles by Alan Marshall
Let the Balloon Go
Karen and Love From Karen, both by Marie Killilea
Edit: Walk a Crooked Mike by Greg Jones