As lockdown continues, we all need to find other ways to keep ourselves entertained. As we can’t visit our favourite attractions at the moment, why not escape into someone else’s life with a good book? We’ve put together a list of our favourite #ownvoices non fiction books to help the time pass.

In case it isn’t a term you’re familiar with, a book is considered to be #ownvoices, when the author shares a marginalisation with the protagonist or are writing about something they personally experience. The # was created by Corrine Duyvis, an author, and can help you locate other works that share your experiences. When it comes to books, it is always amazing to see your experiences reflected on the pages, which is why supporting #ownvoices authors is so important. The following books feature memoirs and essays that celebrate our differences and much more.

  • We are never meeting in Real Life – Samantha Irby
    This collection of essays describes living with Crohn’s Disease as well as every day life with hilarious honesty.
  • (Don’t) Call Me Crazy – Various
    This anthology aimed at young adults and teens features a collection of essays from top YA authors talking about mental health including bipolar disorder among others and combatting the stigma behind mental illness.
  • Golem Girl – Riva Lehrer
    Riva Lehrer is an artist with spina bifida and in this book, she talks about her childhood growing up with parents who didn’t fully understand the condition, as well as her life now as part of a creative community of disabled artists.
  • Fierce and Delicate: Essays on Dance and Illness – Renee K Nicholson
    As a ballet dancer, being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her twenties was a blow for Nicholson, in her book she talks about reinventing herself in a lyrical and beautiful way.
  • A face for Picasso: Coming of Age with Crouzon Syndrome – Ariel Henley
    This memoir explores societies feelings about beauty and identity while living with Crouzon syndrome and the treatments that go with it.
  • Sitting Pretty – Rebekah Taussig
    A memoir from the Instagram influencer, Rebekah Taussig that deals with her paralysis and how she fit into society.

Do you have any #ownvoices recommendations? You can get in touch with us and share yours on Twitter or Facebook.

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