5 Summer Reading Picks for Wheelchair Users

Summer is finally here, and there’s no better time to enjoy that stack of books you’ve been meaning to read. To help get you started, our NM staff shared a few picks from our lists.


1. True or False: A CIA Analyst’s Guide to Spotting Fake News & At the Speed of Lies by Cindy Otis

Book Cover True or False: A CIA Analyst’s Guide to Spotting Fake News & At the Speed of Lies by Cindy Otis

As the only NM contributor I know who also worked as a CIA analyst, Otis has skills in all types of different areas. The juxtaposition of these two books is more proof. True or False is a must-read nonfiction guide to the all-too-fictitious world we live in, while At the Speed of Lies is her first foray into young adult fiction (and features a cool disabled protagonist).
— Ian Ruder


2. An Unspeakable Hope by Leon Ford

Book Cover: An Unspeakable Hope

Leon Ford became a wheelchair user in 2012 when he was shot by a Pittsburgh police officer in a racially-profiled case of mistaken identity. Since then, Ford has become a powerful social activist dedicated to bridging the gap between the police and the communities they are supposed to serve. His new memoir is an honest reflection on processing trauma, finding forgiveness and working toward a better future.
— Seth McBride


3. Access Your Drive and Enjoy the Ride by Lauren “Lolo” Spencer

Lolo Spencer in book cover with big smile for camera

Actress, model, and disability lifestyle influencer Lauren “Lolo” Spencer gives us a candid look inside her life while providing a guide to help others achieve their dreams. Spencer’s engaging personality shines through for an insightful and delightful read.
— Teal Sherer


4. We’ve Got This: Essays by Disabled Parents by Eliza Hull

We’ve Got This book cover

Parents who identify as Deaf, disabled or chronically ill discuss the highs and lows of their parenting journeys and reveal that the greatest obstacles lie in other people’s attitudes. I love that it normalizes the disabled parenting experience, which is often a taboo topic.
— Shannon Kelly


5. Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life by Alice Wong

Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life - yellow book cover with red illustration of tiger

Disability advocate Alice Wong refuses to shy away from the hard truths as she looks back on her previous works and dives deeper into themes like access, power, care, the pandemic and more with new original essays. Starting with her origin story, Wong’s book explores her life as an Asian American disabled activist and the ups and downs of her ongoing battle against ableism.
— Hilary Muehlberger


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