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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
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.
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I learn a lot about the deaf culture. It was very eye-opening
Two stars means it was OK. I was fascinated by all of the deaf culture that I learned and I thought it was a pretty interesting book concept but I cannot support nor get behind some of the deeper messages the author was sending about cultural change. She even made very unnecessary political asides that had nothing to add to the plot. Other reviews have also criticized the author for representing a deaf culture opinion that is not universal but staging it as if it is. I’d be curious to have more conversations with other people to see what they think.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No