4 Nonfiction Books for Disability December

Year of the Tiger was definitely one of my favorite books of 2022. I value this book even more now that Alice has passed away. It means so much to document her life in her own words. in Year of the TigerAlice shares her life story, excerpts from articles she has written for various publications, and transcripts of interviews she has conducted over the past few years. I really appreciated her multimedia approach to her memoir. This gives this memoir the unique feel of a snapshot of her life.

Keir Brown, founder of the viral #DisabledAndCute campaign and disability rights activist, shares her story of growing up with cerebral palsy and a non-disabled identical twin (whom people would call “cute”). Brown has learned to love herself and celebrate her life, and encourages other people with disabilities to do the same.

In her memoir, disability rights activist Judith Heumann describes her experience growing up with polio. Being denied basic rights from an early age inspired him to fight for the rights of people with disabilities. Ms. Heumann was a central figure in the disability rights movement until her death several years ago, and her story is memorable and important.

In one of the most fascinating reads of 2024, Johanna Hedova examines what it’s like to live with a disabled body. In her viral essay “Sick Woman Theory,” Hedva explores ideas centered around the question, “What does protest look like for someone who has a disability and is largely homebound?” Crime theory, gender and sexuality, class politics and more, Hedva explores them all throughout the collection.