Scan barcode
augustar14's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
A wonderful dive into Deaf culture and life at a Deaf residential school. The cast of characters is diverse and well developed, each with their own experience of and relationship with their community, culture, and ability (or inability) to assimilate into the hearing world. I found the perspective of the main character stepping into the Deaf world for the first time to be a great way to transition the reader into a culture they may know little about. The interludes between chapters that provided more information about ASL were the perfect level for beginners. I especially appreciated, as one listening to this as an audio book (ironic, I know, but it's the most accessible way for me to read lately), the added noise of hands signing when the text was meant to be signed ASL as opposed to spoken English. It would not have been the same experience otherwise.
Highly recommend this book both to those who have experience with Deaf culture, and those who have none at all.
Highly recommend this book both to those who have experience with Deaf culture, and those who have none at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Drug use, Medical trauma, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Cursing, Religious bigotry, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Child abuse, Death of parent, Drug abuse, and Medical content
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Racism, Racial slurs, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, and Dementia
Audism
More...