Books matching: powerful personal stories
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A must-read, compelling collection that will challenge, move, and expand your understanding - everyone should pick up Disability Visibility at least once.
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...June 2020•230 pages- #2
Save:Powerfully honest and intensely personal, this memoir oozes vulnerability and inspiration - even if its rawness isn’t for everyone. If you need a reminder that it’s okay to be messy and human, give it a try.
On Being Human: A Memoir of Waking Up, Living Real, and Listening Hard by Jennifer Pastiloff is a raw and intimate memoir that delves into the author's struggles, fears, and journey towards self-acceptance. Through powerful personal stories, Pastiloff shares her experiences of facing her vulnerabilities, conquering fears, and embracing humanity. The book is described as a survival scream, a heart that refuses to give up, and a deep exploration of being human, filled with candid, honest, and truthful reflections.
The writing style in On Being Human is praised for its lyrical, stunning, and vivid prose that immerses readers into the author's world. Pastiloff's storytelling is described as visceral, evocative, and intimate, offering a glimpse into her personal treasure chests and pandora's boxes. The book is commended for its ability to make readers feel seen, heard, and understood, while encouraging self-reflection and self-discovery.
BEFORE I WAS BORN, I was a memory. A feeling my mother once had, her grandmother Rose holding her in her lap, before Rose had the breast cancer, before it ravaged her body, before her broad shoulders...June 2019•349 pages - #3
Save:A fast, eye-opening read that shines a light on why the boring parts of government matter - equal parts fascinating, alarming, and sobering, even if it sometimes feels like two books smushed together.
'The Fifth Risk: Undoing Democracy' by Michael Lewis delves into the transition and political appointments made during the Donald Trump presidency, focusing on key government agencies like the Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Commerce. Through personal stories and detailed examinations, Lewis highlights the detrimental effects of Trump's appointees who lacked relevant experience and understanding of the agencies they were tasked to lead. underscores the risks posed by incompetence and ignorance in government leadership, shedding light on the essential functions of various federal agencies and the potential long-term consequences of neglecting their operations.
ON THE MORNING after the election, November 9, 2016, the people who ran the U.S. Department of Energy turned up in their offices and waited. They had cleared thirty desks and freed up thirty parking s...October 2018•256 pages - #4
Save:An essential slice of American history - moving, imperfect, and eye-opening. Read it to meet the real Sojourner Truth, but be ready for some rough edges and editorial influence.
'Narrative of Sojourner Truth' by Sojourner Truth, written by Olive Gilbert, is a powerful narrative that tells the life journey of an African American woman who was a prominent activist for women's and African Americans' rights and equality. delves into the hardships Sojourner Truth faced as a slave in the state of New York, her struggles with being illiterate, her religious journey, and her fight for freedom and justice. The narrative, dictated to Olive Gilbert in 1850, provides a glimpse into Sojourner Truth's life and her unwavering dedication to advocating for social change.
c.1797 The woman who will later be known as Sojourner Truth is born in Ulster County, New York, and named Isabella. Her parents, Elizabeth (Betsey or Mau Mau Bett) and James (also called Bomefree) are...1850•170 pages Joyful, wise, and fiercely honest - this memoir will have you thinking, laughing, and seeing the world through new eyes. Highly recommended for anyone ready for a sharp, unforgettable ride.
'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...April 2005•272 pagesEngineer meets self-help: 'Solve for Happy' offers practical, logical tools for more joy - especially for analytical readers - but may feel familiar or out of touch to some. Worth a read if you want a fresh perspective on reprogramming your mindset and boosting happiness.
Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy by Mo Gawdat is a thought-provoking book that delves into brain management, mindfulness, and the pursuit of happiness. The author shares insights on observing and controlling internal dialogue, debunking illusions, and navigating through tough times by recognizing the origins of negative emotions and arguments. Through a blend of analytical discussions and softer examples, Gawdat guides readers on understanding the lens through which their brain views the world, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment and fostering a positive mindset.
Gawdat's writing style is described as heartfelt and relatable, offering practical tips on managing thoughts and behaviors to maintain a state of happiness. The book touches on brain training techniques, the impact of gratitude on happiness, and the significance of focusing on the process rather than the end results. Readers are encouraged to develop an arsenal of happy thoughts, challenge negative assumptions, and cultivate mindfulness to enhance their overall well-being.
Understanding the difference between those states and the reasons you end up in one or the other will help you build a solid happiness model—one that will lead you to happiness every time you apply it...March 2017•368 pages- #7
Save:A smart, fast-paced, and believable disaster novel that shines on the human level - engaging, but not quite a must-read unless you love character-focused apocalyptic tales.
'Aurora' by David Koepp revolves around a catastrophic event where a Coronal Mass Ejection from the Sun causes a global blackout, leading to the collapse of power grids worldwide. The story follows a group of interconnected individuals navigating life without electricity, focusing more on the characters and their relationships than the disaster itself. The plot delves into family dramas, survival, and the importance of human connections in the face of adversity.
The author, David Koepp, presents a character-driven narrative that explores the personal experiences and challenges of the main characters, Aubrey and Thom, as they try to cope with the aftermath of the apocalypse. The writing style is described as engaging, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on a post-apocalyptic scenario that is both entertaining and enlightening.
The thing about Norman Levy was that everyone knew Norman Levy. As a college professor at the University of Chicago, he’d been a magnetic force for talented and curious people and could always spot a...June 2022•296 pages - #8
Save:A fun, fast-paced tower climb that's perfect for LitRPG and progression fantasy fans - the first two books shine brightest, while the finale moves quickly to wrap things up. Worth a shot if you love power-ups, clever strategies, and "save the world" stories, but temp your expectations for the ending.
Towers of Heaven by Cameron Milan is a LitRPG series that follows a compelling plot where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to monster waves from mysterious towers. The main character, Jason, is one of the last champions who is given a second chance to prevent this apocalypse by going back in time, armed with the knowledge gained from his previous life. The first two books in the trilogy are well-received, noted for their engaging storytelling and balanced game mechanics, but the third book is described as rushed, lacking character development and the depth that made the earlier books enjoyable.
The writing style of Milan has been seen as both engaging and accessible. Many readers appreciate the straightforward narrative that doesn’t overwhelm with complex details while providing enough action and character dynamics to keep the story moving. Some critiques mention awkward characterizations and a fast pace, particularly in the final book, but overall, the series has captured attention for its creativity and entertaining premise.
After several hours of intense fighting, only five humans were left. They were above superhuman, possessing abilities beyond their peers. It was no wonder they were the last ones standing. All of them...2019•277 pages - #9
Save:A thought-provoking, history-rich read that will win over book lovers and historical fiction fans - even if the modern storyline doesn’t fully dazzle, the journey of the Sarajevo Haggadah is unforgettable.
'People of the Book' by Geraldine Brooks is a captivating novel that follows the story of Hanna Heath, an Australian rare book expert, as she is tasked with restoring the famed Sarajevo Haggadah, a Jewish text with a rich history. Through Hanna's meticulous conservation work, she uncovers tiny artifacts within the book that lead her on a journey to unravel its mysteries and trace its origins over 500 years. The book weaves together historical narratives and modern-day discoveries, offering readers a glimpse into the book's past and the lives of those connected to it.
The novel is structured around the reverse chronological order of the Haggadah's history, with each chapter revealing a different episode tied to the book's journey through time and different locations. As Hanna delves deeper into the book's secrets, readers are taken on a compelling exploration of religious persecution, survival, and the interplay between different cultures and faiths. Brooks skillfully blends imagination with historical facts, creating a story that is both educational and engaging, with a focus on the themes of preservation, connection, and the enduring power of storytelling.
I like to work alone, in my own clean, silent, well-lit laboratory, where the climate is controlled and everything I need is right at hand. It’s true that I have developed a reputation as someone who...January 2008•459 pages - #10
Save:A quirky, mysterious coming-of-age tale with gothic vibes and a pinch of magic - imperfect, but charming for fans of emotional family drama and secrets.
'The Book of Tomorrow' by Cecelia Ahern is a coming-of-age story set in Ireland at the turn of the twenty-first century. The book follows Tamara Goodwin, a sixteen-year-old girl who, after her father's suicide and family's financial downfall, moves to live with her distant relatives in a crumbling castle. Tamara discovers a magical diary that predicts the events of the next day, leading her to uncover family secrets that will change her life forever. The story is narrated in the first person by Tamara, who is portrayed as a snooty and vulnerable teenager, making her character relatable and authentic. As the plot unfolds, Tamara's interactions with various characters, including her aunt Rosaleen and Sister Ignatius, reveal layers of mystery and intrigue, keeping readers engaged till the very end.
The writing style of Cecelia Ahern in 'The Book of Tomorrow' is captivating and unique, blending elements of humor, sadness, suspense, and magic. The book's narrative tackles themes of love, betrayal, family secrets, and bereavement in a fast-paced and fascinating manner. Despite some inconsistencies in editing and language, the story unfolds smoothly, with intricate character development and an engaging plot that keeps readers immersed in Tamara's journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Many won’t struggle to believe it, though, for their minds have been opened; unlocked by whatever kind of key causes people to believe. Those people are either born that way or, as babies, when their...2009•366 pages
