To continue our monthly series of book lists, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to recommend the following titles about athletes with disabilities.
Now I See by Charley Boswell and Curt Anders. Boswell was planning on a career in professional baseball until he was blinded in 1944. After a painful readjustment, he went on to become a successful businessman, father of three, and sixteen time winner of the National Blind Golf Championship. Cassette book RC 37739. Braille book BR 9370.
Alpine Achievement: A Chronicle Of The U.S. Disabled Ski Team by Lori J. Batcheller. Chronicles skiing with adaptive equipment from its inception to modern day competitions, including profiles of some of the vision-impaired skiers and amputees who participate in the United States Disabled Ski Team. Cassette book RC 55239.
Breaking Through by Harry C. Cordellos. Harry enjoys waterskiing, snow skiing, golf, hang gliding, and bowling. He has swum across the Golden Gate channel, completed the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii, and run over 152 marathons. In this book he discusses how he became an accomplished and confident athlete who happens to be blind. Cassette book RC 20843. Braille book BR 5865.
No Finish Line: My Life as I See It by Marla Runyan. In 2000, Marla became the first legally blind athlete to compete in the Olympic Games. In her memoirs, she discusses overcoming her anger about her vision loss, exceeding expectations, and confronting prejudices on and off the track. Cassette book CBA 7347. Braille book BR 14414.
No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life by Kyle Maynard. Autobiography of a wrestler born without the lower portions of his arms and legs. Recalls his childhood, his illustrious high school athletic career culminating with the Georgia state tournament, and the support of his family and coach that helped him succeed. Cassette book RC 61528.
Touch The Top Of The World: A Blind Man's Journey To Climb Farther Than The Eye Can See by Erik Weihenmayer. In this adventure-packed memoir, the author recalls acquiring a passion for mountaineering and developing the character traits that enabled him to succeed. Covers his climbing exploits and his wedding on top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Cassette book RC 51505. Braille book BR 14512. Large print book LP 17857.
No End in Sight: My Life as a Blind Iditarod Racer by Rachael Scdoris. Author discusses her Oregon childhood, her experience with low vision, her determination to become a professional sled dog racer, and becoming the youngest athlete to win a 500-mile race. Cassette book RC 61948.
Link to previous Recommended Reads.