All too often, the stories of disabled and chronically ill people go untold. We rarely see ourselves authentically represented in the media, in popular culture, in day-to-day life, or in the books we read. But while we’re waiting for the world to catch up and realise how marvellous the disability community is, one thing we can all do (whether we’re disabled or non-disabled) is make sure that our bookshelves are made up of diverse reads.
As with anything, it’s not about stamping a box on an equality bingo card. You don’t get to pat yourself on the back and think you’re a benevolent person because you have one book (or even *gasp* TWO books) by disabled voices in your collection. The fact of the matter is that the lived experiences of disabled people often make for some of the greatest, most compelling stories of all.
Disabled and chronically ill writers face many barriers in the publishing world, but thankfully, we’re finally beginning to see some positive changes that enable more #OwnVoices stories to make it onto our bookshelves. Some of these books and collections have validated my own perceptions and made me feel less alone, while others have opened my eyes to lived experiences that are wildly different from my own.
The books I’m featuring today are listed in no particular order, and this is by no means a comprehensive list of every non-fiction book by disabled or chronically ill authors that’s out there. However, these are some of the most treasured books you’ll find on my rainbow bookshelves and the titles I’ll happily to recommend to others. At the end of this blog post, I’ve also listed the relevant books that are currently on my TBR and that I’m looking forward to reading in the near future.
Just a heads-up, most of the links provided for these non-fiction books by disabled authors direct you to my Bookshop.org profile. You don’t have to use these affiliate links, but if you do, I earn some pennies from your purchase (at no extra cost to you), and a percentage of your purchase will go towards an independent bookshop of your choice [ad – affiliate links].
This list highlights non-fiction books by disabled and chronically ill writers, but you can also find some of my fiction favourites here.
Some of the writers on this list have paved the way for people like me: people who are hoping to get into writing or starting out as an author, and wondering whether there’s truly a space for us in the industry. There are still many access barriers in the world of writing and publishing, and I don’t know what the future holds for me, but it would be an honor to be that person for somebody else one day. So while I have you, perhaps you’ll consider taking a look at my own books about chronic illness too? You can find out more about my non-fiction books here!
Anyway… grab yourself a cuppa, browse through the titles below, and take this as a sign to treat yourself to some excellent new reads. I’d love to hear what you choose!
On My Bookshelf
A Still Life by Josie George. A deeply impactful read that’s honest and upfront about the challenges of living with chronic illnesses, but reminds us to keep grounded and focus on finding the joy where we are at this moment. I come back to this book time and time again, whenever I feel consumed or overwhelmed by what may lie ahead. Josie’s storytelling skills are stunning.
Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig. A witty and charming collection of essays communicating Rebekah’s experiences growing up as a wheelchair user in the USA, learning and unlearning ableism from the world around her, and how she’s learning to thrive as an adult even when barriers seem to crop up at every corner.
How To Do Life With A Chronic Illness by Pippa Stacey. A one-stop guide for anybody newly diagnosed with a chronic illness. This book goes beyond the typical conversations about medical elements of long-term conditions (like medication and symptom management) and instead explores broader lifestyle elements like rediscovering identity, adapting hobbies and interests, managing friendships and relationships, accessible goal-setting, and more. This book was informed by over a decade of my lived experiences, and the positive feedback it’s received so far means the world to me.
Within These Four Walls by Mindfully Evie. The first in her evocative series, Evie’s work is made up of beautifully written poems, prose, and short submissions detailing her path to finding joy and gratitude even during the most isolating moments of being housebound due to M.E. and other disabling conditions.
Go The Way Your Blood Beats by Emmett de Monterey. A powerful account of the author’s experiences as a black, disabled, and LGBTQ+ individual and his longing to fit in, in a world that constantly positions him as ‘other’ – an experience that’s particularly profound given Emmett’s unique childhood being portrayed as the ‘inspirational’ disabled person in the media.
Who Wants Normal? by Frances Ryan. This memoir-meets-manifesto is the book the world needs right now. Featuring contributions from over fifty iconic disabled women and and non-binary people, it strikes the perfect balance between relatable wit and humour about the disabled experience and hard-hitting truths and statistics that demonstrate how much further we have to go to achieve equality. An essential read for both disabled and non-disabled individuals.
Stim by Lizzie Huxley-Jones. A collection of creative works by a diverse range of neurodivergent contributors, sharing not only impactful thoughts and perceptions of the everyday challenges they face as an autistic person, but also the pure joy and deep sense of belonging to be found in the autism community.
Some Of Us Just Fall by Polly Atkin. Polly Atkin weaves her personal story of chronic illness into her perceptions and deep appreciation of the natural world around her. Beautifully written and explores many key areas, including a deep dive into The Nature Cure from somebody who feels most at home in the natural world and yet knows it cannot fully heal them.
Enemy For A Brain by Zara Beth. It was great to read Zara’s origin story and find out a little more about her experiences of unmasking and embracing her disability as she finds her place in the world. I especially valued reading about her diverse lived experiences of Tourette’s syndrome and how this affects her in day-to-day life. I had known very little about Tourette’s before, but I now feel much more equipped to be a friend and ally to anybody living with the condition.
My Body Is A Meadow By Bethany Handley. This book is a stunning exploration of longing for freedom, finding a home in your body and walking your own path in life even when physical and social barriers can make it seem like an impossible feat. Handley’s writing powerfully dismantles the idea that interdependence is something we should fear, and instead shows us how the human condition is intertwined with the natural world and reflects its own fight for survival during these pivotal years.
Unlearning Ableism by Celia Chartres-Aris and Jamie Shields. A thorough exploration of ableism and the way it manifests in all different areas of life, and how everybody can be an ally. To me this one feels more like a textbook rather than a book you’d read cover to cover, but there’s some great content in there for people looking to deepen their understanding of disability and ableism in all its forms.
This Is Body Grief by Jayne Mattingly. As somebody with an energy limiting condition that requires careful pacing, “what will I get out of this, and what will it take from me?” is the hero quote from this book for me. An interesting and original look at the relationship we each have with our bodies and the different stages we move through as we inevitably deal with the changes and disturbances our physique experiences as we move through life.
You Are The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread by Samantha Renke. On the surface a sassy and humorous read about Samantha’s incredible life so far, but also full of real depth and bold discussion around often-taboo subjects such as sex and relationships, body image, and being unapologetically imperfect in a world that constantly expects you to fit into one pre-defined mould.
Pace Yourself by Amy Arthur. Every person with an energy-limiting condition should be given a copy of this book when they’re first diagnosed. Amy puts forward clear, evidence-based recommendations to demystify the often-hazy concept of pacing, and guides readers to make realistic adjustments to their pace of life and sense of wellbeing. Contains some real nuggets of wisdom and important reminders, even for those of us who are years into our chronic illness experience – I’ve had one particular quote from this book pinned up next to my desk ever since it was released!
To Exist As I Am by Grace Spence Green. A fierce memoir documenting Grace’s journey towards accepting and celebrating her disabled identity. I loved the way the story touches only briefly on the origin of her disability, an event that has repeatedly been sensationalised and placed at the centre of her story by others, and instead focusses on her mission to reclaim her narrative, live boldly as her unique self, and call for global equality in every sense of the word.
University and Chronic Illness: A Survival Guide by Pippa Stacey. This book was written for anybody starting or returning to higher education alongside managing a chronic illness, diving into not only the academic side of university but also the broader elements of the student experience – managing your money, socialising and exploring new friendships, living independently for the first time, what to do when things go wrong, and so much more. Through these chapters you’ll find bespoke tips and advice you won’t find elsewhere, useful resources, and personal stories and anecdotes from the author. Who may or may not be me.
The Words That Saved Me by Sarah Mozer. An insightful collection of poetry chronicling the author’s time lived with Severe M.E. The pieces explore how Sarah found comfort within seemingly impossible circumstances and the ways she held onto hope, even during the most difficult and excruciating times.
Be Patient by Tilly Rose. Tilly’s story paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to exist in a medical system that simply isn’t equipped to accommodate rare diseases. The struggles she’s faced make this one feel like a difficult read in parts, especially for readers who’ve also experienced medical gaslighting in some shape or form, but it’s so important that stories like these are told. An absorbing book that I hope has a place on every medical professional and policymaker’s reading list.
The Pretty One by Keah Brown. Written by the founder of the viral #DisabledAndCute hashtag, Keah shares a collection of essays about being black and disabled in the USA alongside a non-disabled twin sister, learning to celebrate herself, and how her love of pop culture has influenced the person she’s become.
Vagina Problems by Lara Parker. This book, written by a prominent own-voices journalist, bravely dismantles the taboo around painful conditions such as endometriosis, vaginismus, and other disabling women’s health issues, especially those that arrive hand-in-hand with severe medical misogyny when people attempt to seek the support they are entitled to.
A Girl Behind Dark Glasses by Jessica Taylor Bearman. A well-established voice in the ME/CFS community, Jessica’s three books bravely chronicle her story. This first read details the onset of her illness and her excruciating search for answers, exposes her unacceptable experiences of medical abuse at a time when she was at her most vulnerable, and takes us along her journey of adapting to her new normal, finding love and belonging, and ultimately beginning to fulfil her biggest ambitions.
Dear Chronic Illness compiled by Pippa Stacey. A short collection of letters written by people with various long-term health conditions, addressed to their former selves, sharing what they wished they could go back and tell them based on what they know now. This book was published in 2018 and there’s much I would change if I were to do it again, but once more, you’ve got to back yourself right?
Recognise ME by Anneke Vliegen. Anneke’s memoir shines a powerful light on the far-reaching complexities and trauma of medical gaslighting that often present themselves alongside stigmatised conditions. She doesn’t shy away from revealing the difficulties she’s faced over the course of her life so far, but offers hope and encouragement to anybody facing similar struggles today.
The Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu. A powerful read and call-to-arms packed full of useful information and resources, especially for non-disabled people. This book warmly welcomes readers into the world of disability, challenges their unconscious bias through regular activities and opportunities for reflection, and provides genuinely actionable ways we can all work towards a more inclusive world.
Driving Forward by Sophie L. Morgan. Presenter Sophie Morgan tells her story so far with fervour and authenticity, shying away from no subject as she explores how her car accident as a teenager and consequent paralysis have (and haven’t) influenced the person she is today. Even if you don’t personally relate to Sophie’s specific experience of disability, this book will hit you right in the heart and stay there for a long time. An incredibly impactful read.
The View From Down Here by Lucy Webster. Such an important read sharing the author’s experiences of not only functioning but thriving alongside living with a severe disability, the complex emotions behind requiring care workers to live the life you choose, and celebrating the self-love and immense joy of female friendships to be found along the way.
All Tangled Up by Charli Clement. Charli’s debut book explores the various intersections between autism and chronic illness, incorporating powerful research findings with their own lived experiences and subject expertise. The book has received widespread positive acclaim from other neurodivergent people who are living with chronic illness, but also makes for a really interesting and insightful read for those of us who want to be better allies.
Currently On My Pre-Order & TBR (To Be Read) Lists
Dyslexia And Me by Onyinye Udokporo
Occupational Therapy, Disability Activism, and Me by Georgia Vine
I’m consciously looking for more own-voices books by Disabled People Of Colour and have sometimes struggled to find them, but recently spotted this social media post from the Valuable 500 which contains titles I’ll definitely be adding to my TBR!
~
I’ve listed as many of these books as possible on my Bookshop.org affiliate profile. You can only link traditionally published books on their platform, but don’t forget to look out for and support self-published disabled authors too. Where possible, make sure you purchase their work directly through their own websites and platforms, as this is often the platform where they benefit most from their sales. You can shop my own books and eBooks here!
This list highlights non-fiction books by disabled and chronically ill authors, but you can find some of my fiction favourites here!
Hope this post helps you to find some new favourite reads! I’m always on the lookout for new reads by disabled authors, especially those from BIPOC disabled writers, whose stories aren’t told anywhere near as much as they should be. Do you have a non-fiction recommendation by a disabled author that’s not on this list? Do tell – I’d absolutely love to hear about it!
Where To Next?
- Read other book-related posts and reviews on my blog
- Head to my profile on Bookshop.org
- Watch bookish videos on my YouTube channel
- Connect with me on Goodreads
- Say hello on Instagram!