Are you in the market for a braille book for yourself or a loved one? Fortunately, there are numerous fiction and non-fiction options available in braille.
Over the past several years, braille books have become quite readily accessible, although the cost associated is typically higher than standard print books.
While there are several major online retailers that specialize in Braille books, a number of braille books can also be purchased from more mainstream retailers.
Where can you buy braille books?
- Audible. I know this is going to be unpopular, but if you want access to the latest best sellers, your absolute best option is Audible. I know they are audio books and not braille books, but the truth is there are A LOT more audio books available than braille books.
- Our list below. We’ve gone through each of the retailers (except Audible) and listed our favorite braille books for adults.
- Amazon. However, most books are tailored towards kids or learning and adult books or even young adult books can be really expensive.
- The Braille Book Store. Even though it’s number 4 on this list, it’s probably the best place to find braille books besides Audible or Amazon.
- Barnes & Noble. Same issues as Amazon.
- Royal Blind (Scottish Braille Press). Magazines and books in braille at a reasonable price. Obviously they are based in Scotland.
- National Braille Bookstore. As long as you’re not looking for fiction they have a pretty good selection.
- Goodreads. Last, but not least Goodreads has a really cool list of popular braille books. The only problem with this list is sometimes it links to non-braille versions.
We previously rounded up our favorite braille books for kids, and now we’re back with our favorite braille books for adults.
8 Best Braille Books for Adults
The “best” book is obviously a subjective mark. This list is merely a compilation of fiction and non-fiction braille books that are both useful and have endured the test of time.
We hope you like it!
1. Burns Braille Guide: A Quick Reference to Unified English Braille
Formerly the Burns Braille Transcription Dictionary, this updated guide is conveniently designed to accommodate Unified English Braille (UEB).
This handy reference guide is must buy for anyone seeking print-to-braille-to-print or print-to-braille conversions, as well general UEB symbols, punctuation, and usage rules. It can be asset to anyone interested in learning Unified English Braille, but the blind and the sighted alike.
2. Braille Bible: New King James Version
Perfect for braille user who wishes to have access to a traditional religious text, the New Kings James version was translated in the 1980’s and is currently available in Braille format.
For blind readers who prefer a different version, the Braille Bookstore offers numerous other translations in braille, including the King James and the Contemporary English version.
3. The Alchemist
The Alchemist is an allegorical novel by Paulo Coelho, featuring elements of fantasy, romance, and quest all at once. This bestseller follows the journey of a shepherd boy who, motivated by a recurring dream which he believes to be prophetic, goes searching for treasure in the Egyptian pyramids.
Initially written in Portuguese and has since been translated widely, including into braille.
4. Chicken Soup for the Soul
Designed to uplift the reader, Chicken Soup for The Soul utilizes 101 unique stories to paint a clear picture of the ties that bind humanity.
Perfect for a quick read or daily dose of inspiration, Chicken Soup for the Soul can be appreciated by readers of all ages and backgrounds. This book is 321 pages and is offered in both original braille and Unified English Braille (UEB.)
5. Tuesdays With Morrie
Tuesdays With Morrie is a bestselling memoir by Mitch Albom, sharing the poignant story of a dying professor delivering his final lesson to an attentive student.
Major themes include the gift of life itself, the importance of the relationships that are forged along the way, and the inevitability of death. Tuesdays With Morrie is 191 pages and is offered in both original braille and Unified English Braille (UEB.)
6. Twilight
The popular Twilight series is ideal for the braille reader desiring an unforgettable mix of romance and adventure!
This series includes four fantasy romance novels, featuring vampires, sex, drugs, and suspense.
While the Twilight novels were written with young adults in mind, this series has been enjoyed by a variety of ages and has been translated into hundred of languages.
7. And Then There Were None
Perfect for the mystery-loving braille reader, And Then There Were None tells of the unexpected meeting of ten total strangers, lies, murder, money, and suspense.
Written by English author Agatha Christie, this mystery novel has been the inspiration for numerous Hollywood horror movies. It remains one of the most popular mystery novels of all time.
8. To Kill A Mockingbird
Harper Lee’s timeless classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, won a Pulitzer prize and has been enjoyed by readers of all ages. This novel tells of Southern life and racial injustice through the eyes of six-year-old Jean Louise Finch.
To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into hundreds of languages and into Braille; it also served as the inspiration for an Academy-award winning film.
What do braille books actually look like?
One more thing to note…
If you’re new to braille books, the book you receive will not look similar to the mass market paperback version.
Most of them are spiral bound journals like this one from The Braille Bookstore below:
Or for example, here’s what Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets looks like:
Be sure to let us know (in the comments below) what some of your favorite braille books have been and we’ll see about getting them added to the list!
Happy reading!
I was thinking of learning how to translate books into Braille. I have a Braille machine. For the purpose of supplemental income. Is that a good idea or is everything done on computer now?
Braille books are definitely still in circulation, but audio books are becoming more and more popular.
Audrie, maybe you can find a way to connect with people that read in braille & translate specific books that intrest them. Supplement income by time, materials, ect. Think with your heart how to solve the problem to help someone & not be driven by earning an income. Do what you love & the money will follow.