Book cover of The Barefoot Lawyer: A Blind Man's Fight for Justice and Freedom in China

Book description

“[Chen’s] story is a reminder that the desire for basic human rights . . . arises from the deep well of the human spirit.”―The New York Times Book Review

It was like a scene out of a thriller: One night in April 2012, China’s most famous political activist―a blind, self-taught…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Barefoot Lawyer as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is a truly remarkable memoir about an extraordinarily courageous blind political activist and self-taught lawyer who fought for rights and justice for the disabled against insurmountable odds in present-day China.

Parts of the memoir read like a thriller; other parts recount truly shocking and disturbing events. I was hooked from the first page–I don’t think I will ever read a more exciting account of an escape from detention.

If you love The Barefoot Lawyer...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like The Barefoot Lawyer?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Barefoot Lawyer.

Browse books like The Barefoot Lawyer

Book cover of The Emperor's Feast: A History of China in Twelve Meals
Book cover of River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze
Book cover of Myself a Mandarin

Share your top 3 reads of 2026!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

186

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Barefoot Lawyer, you might also like...

Book cover of Creativity, Teaching, and Natural Inspiration

Creativity, Teaching, and Natural Inspiration by Mark Doherty,

I have woven numerous delightful and descriptive true life stories, many from my adventures as an outdoorsman and singer songwriter, into my life as a high school English teacher. I think you'll find this work both entertaining as well as informative, and I hope you enjoy the often lighthearted repartee…

Book cover of AcClaim

AcClaim by Jean Thesquare,

AcClaim is a dark, high-society romance about Beatrix Winslow-Hale, a successful romance author who believes desire can be negotiated and controlled—until enigmatic billionaire Dorian Wolker crosses the line between consensual surrender and violation. Publicly humiliated and emotionally shattered, Beatrix turns to Manon de Rochemaure, her fiercely loyal best friend and…

5 book lists we think you will like!