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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Amazing, read it in one sitting. I found this book randomly in my library but so glad I did! A slay for sure
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Alcohol
This novel completely blew me away. Sara Novic’s True Biz is an incredible primer on deaf culture and deaf history in the United States. But the book isn’t just informative, it’s genuinely a gripping read. Replete with fully-fleshed out characters, engaging plots and sub-plots, and captivating dialogue, I found myself enjoying every moment of this story. Despite being a 10 hour audiobook, I couldn’t put it down, and finished it in about 3 days. I would strongly recommend if you’re even mildly curious about this topic, or just want an attention-holding thrill ride of a novel.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
informative
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Plot: 0.5
Characters: 0.5
Setting: 1
Writing Style: 1
Pacing: 0
Themes: 0.5
Originality: 1
Emotional Impact: 0.5
Overall Enjoyment: 0.5
Ending: 0.5
Total: 5.5/10 (⭐️⭐️.75)
Spice Level: 🌶🌶 (yes, this isn't a romance but there is a fade to black scene)
Looking at the average rating it would seem I'm in the minority when it comes to this book, but it just really didn't work for me. While I did learn so much about the Deaf and hard of hearing community and culture (a vastly under—and often poorly—represented group of people), I felt as the story progressed, it just slowly imploded on itself.
So many of the most interesting characters ended up being one note or caricatures. One of the main POVs slowly descended into something that was somehow both boring and incredibly messy. And the central themes, that had so much potential and emotional depth, just. fizzled. into a confusing and too quick ending after meandering for too much of the book. I understand the choice of an ambiguous ending. I don't typically like them. But I understand them. However, this one just felt rushed.
Things I liked: Reading about the dynamic between Charlie and her hearing parents. Austin & his family dealing with the addition of a new hearing baby to their historically Deaf family (except I didn't love how it turned to another talking point regarding cochlear implants. I understand why. I just thought the storyline was more compelling when it was going in the other direction) , the politics surrounding the Deaf school, and the conversations around cochlear implants.
I also really liked the writing style, like how ASL was differentiated between verbal dialogue. The sprinkles of information about ASL and Deaf history were very interesting & informative. I really appreciated their inclusion. And the author's voice was so distinct throughout. Normally when I read about hearing characters I "hear" their voice in my head, but in this one, it was almost as though I could see them but not hear them. And I think that was beautifully done.
Characters: 0.5
Setting: 1
Writing Style: 1
Pacing: 0
Themes: 0.5
Originality: 1
Emotional Impact: 0.5
Overall Enjoyment: 0.5
Ending: 0.5
Total: 5.5/10 (⭐️⭐️.75)
Spice Level: 🌶🌶 (yes, this isn't a romance but there is a fade to black scene)
Looking at the average rating it would seem I'm in the minority when it comes to this book, but it just really didn't work for me. While I did learn so much about the Deaf and hard of hearing community and culture (a vastly under—and often poorly—represented group of people), I felt as the story progressed, it just slowly imploded on itself.
So many of the most interesting characters ended up being one note or caricatures. One of the main POVs slowly descended into something that was somehow both boring and incredibly messy. And the central themes, that had so much potential and emotional depth, just. fizzled. into a confusing and too quick ending after meandering for too much of the book. I understand the choice of an ambiguous ending. I don't typically like them. But I understand them. However, this one just felt rushed.
Things I liked: Reading about the dynamic between Charlie and her hearing parents. Austin & his family dealing with the addition of a new hearing baby to their historically Deaf family
I also really liked the writing style, like how ASL was differentiated between verbal dialogue. The sprinkles of information about ASL and Deaf history were very interesting & informative. I really appreciated their inclusion. And the author's voice was so distinct throughout. Normally when I read about hearing characters I "hear" their voice in my head, but in this one, it was almost as though I could see them but not hear them. And I think that was beautifully done.