paperback, 280 pages

Published Sept. 30, 2019 by Renaissance.

ISBN:
978-1-987963-66-3
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4 stars (1 review)

“Can you recommend fiction that has main characters who are like us?” This is a question we who are disabled, Deaf, neurodiverse, Spoonie, and/or who manage mental illness ask way too often. Typically, we’re faced with stories about us crafted by people who really don’t get us. We’re turned into pathetic, tragic souls; we merely exist to inspire the abled main characters to thrive; or even worse, we’re to overcome “what’s wrong with us” and be cured.

Nothing Without Us combines both realistic and speculative fiction, starring protagonists who are written “by us and for us.” From hospital halls to jungle villages, from within the fantastical plane to deep into outer space, our heroes take us on a journey, make us think, and prompt us to cheer them on.

These are bold tales, told in our voices, which are important for everyone to experience.

1 edition

Hard, but thought-provoking

4 stars

Confession time: I normally read fiction as a relaxing break from my non-fiction reading, but this book really isn't that. There were a couple of points when I almost gave up, but I'm glad I persevered. Lots to think about here plus, for me at least, a useful gateway into more diverse Canadian writing.