Books Summer 2008

Dissonant Disabilities: Women with Chronic Illnesses Explore Their Lives, edited by Diane Driedger and Michelle Owen, is a superb collection of insightful, incisive essays that combine the perspectives of critical disability studies and feminist studies. The essays were written by women who are living with various chronic illnesses. 258 pages. $36.95. ISBN: 9780889614642 Women’s Press

Wheelchair Warrior, by Melvin Juette and Ronald J. Berger, is about a gang member who is shot and paralyzed, and later becomes a star basketball player. However, this isn’t simply a feel-good story about a youth overcoming the odds – the book places Juette’s narrative about race, class, identity and masculinity into sociological context and shows how social and structural forces have shaped his life. 184 pages. $26. ISBN: 9781592134748  Temple University Press

EDITOR'S PICK! We’re big fans of humourist and motivational speaker David Roche here at Abilities, so we’re thrilled to see The Church of 80% Sincerity, the book version of his powerful, hilarious and enlightening one-man show. Roche, who has a facial difference, shares his story of self-acceptance and learning to be true to himself – and it’s a 100% great read. 148 pages. $22. ISBN: 9780399533907 Perigee

Water Learning by Susan J. Grosse is filled with activities that help children develop their physical fitness, social interaction skills and self-esteem – all with a healthy dose of splashing and fun. The book includes an activity finder to help choose appropriate options, as well as an equipment index so that you can use the gear you have. 170 pages. $21.95. ISBN: 9780736067669 Humankinetics.com

KID'S PICK I’m Not Weird, I Have SID, by Edmonton author Chynna T. Laird, is about a girl, Alexandra, who lives with Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Inspired by the experiences of Laird’s daughter, this illustrated book helps children with SID explain the condition to others, and helps their peers understand what it’s like to have SID. 24 pages. $10.99. ISBN: 9781432714727  Outskirts Press

Rachel in the World: A Memoir by Jane Bernstein is a mother’s heartfelt and candid account of helping her daughter Rachel, who has developmental disabilities, find social services, a permanent home and a job – and the challenges, frustrations and unexpected pleasures that their family experiences in the process. Bernstein is also the author of the memoir Loving Rachel. 280 pages. $26.95 US. Available from Amazon.com. ISBN: 9780252032530  University of Illinois Press

Love You to Pieces: Creative Writers on Raising a Child with Special Needs, edited by Suzanne Kamata, is an honest and compelling exploration of the emotional terrain of parenting children with disabilities. It contains numerous stories, essays and poems by authors including Jane Bernstein, Jayne Anne Phillips, Bret Lott, Penny Wolfson and others. 272 pages. $17.95. ISBN: 9780807000304 Beacon Press

Hands Free: David Lega’s Inspiring Journey, written with Petter Karlsson, is about Swedish star athlete David Lega, who was paralyzed at birth and was not expected to sit up without help, let alone earn his first world swimming record at the age of 22. (He took a total of 14 world records and three World Championship gold medals during his career.) Lega shares his triumphs and motivational advice in this new English translation by Clare James. 207 pages. Please contact your bookseller for purchasing information, or inquire at your local library. ISBN: 9789197498951
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