Blindness in Literature: Best Nonfiction and Fiction
/Blindness in Literature | Nonfiction & Fiction
We’ve talked about Content Creators who make videos or podcasts on the blog before, but we’ve never mentioned literature that has blindness as a theme! There is a wide selection of books all about blindness and low vision whether you’re looking for an inspirational tale or an escape to a fictional world. Almost all are available as audiobooks so you can enjoy them in any format.
1. All the Light We Cannot See
First on our list of must-read books is All the Light We Cannot See. A nonfiction story based in Germany and France during WWII is a New York Times Best Seller. The novel tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy trying to survive during the War. This book will certainly get you hooked!
2. The Story of My Life – Helen Keller Autobiography
Her autobiography is a classic nonetheless, but we couldn’t help but mention it! You’ve probably heard of the Miracle worker, the play and movie adaptation of Helen Keller’s autobiography. Helen Keller was an author, activist, and lecturer. She was a pioneer in advocacy for those with disabilities. We highly recommend her autobiography for anyone interested in disability advocacy and history.
3. Molly Burke Autobiography
A very modern autobiography, but we had to mention the Audiobook by Molly Burke. Molly Burke is a motivational speaker and YouTube sensation. Last year she released her own audiobook on Audible. She depicts her story of losing her sight at 14, and thriving, with such honesty.
4. Lion’s Story by Roy Kumpe
We couldn’t have a list of books without mentioned WSB’s Founder – Roy Kumpe! This book tells the history of Arkansas Enterprise for the Blind. It’s a great look into the history of Lions and World Services for the Blind! You can purchase it on Amazon (and while you’re there, why not donate using our wish list!).
5. Now I see You
Now I See You is a memoir of a woman who lost her sight due to retinitis pigmentosa. Nicole Kear battles at first with her vision loss but eventually, she uses humor to tell her story of accepting her vision loss and still living her life to the fullest.
6. Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero
An inspirational tale for all the dog lovers! Thunder Dog tells the story of Roselle, the guide dog, leading the way during September 11th at the World Trade Center. While Michael couldn’t see what was happening, he was able to trust his guide and be led to safety. This story details the heroism and trust that goes into a guide dog pair.
7. The Unseen Trail
For most people, blind or not, hiking the Appalachian trail might seem impossible. Michael Hanson is not the first blind person to hike the Appalachian trail, but he is the first to use only a GPS and trekking poles to do so!
8. Touch the Top of the World
Another inspiring tale! In this memoir, Erik shares his pursuit of pushing boundaries and push past the limits. While Erik lost his vision at the age of 13, he is pursuing a dream to hike all of the world’s Seven Summits (something only a few hundred have done!).