Scan barcode
emmareviews's review against another edition
3.5
This book was not what I was expecting and I do feel like that was because of the inaccurate descriptions I had heard of it. The tagline and summary that were marketed did not line up with what the majority of this story actually was. That being said, there was a lot I thought was great about this book. This tells the story of a DeafBlind man’s world being opened up when he meets a new interpreter. This also forces him to question some previously held beliefs. This is a coming of age story that discusses love and friendship, but also neglect and spiritual abuse. I will say I have read some different books with ASL or Deaf representation, and this definitely felt like one where its culture and a DeafBlind experience were integral to the story and not an afterthought. Some of the cultural elements also felt relatable to some experiences I have had. I liked the portrayal of ASL in writing (which can often be annoying) and loved how each character’s voice felt distinct. I also was exposed to a lot more detail about what a DeafBlind person may experience and interpreting for a DeafBlind individual than I had been previously. That being said, there were aspects of this story that were less of my personal reading preference. The characters frustrated me frequently and acted incredibly inappropriately. Even if I understood that was the point, it was still frustrating as a reader. This was also a heavier read than I had been expecting (which again has nothing to do with the quality of the book, just how my expectations influenced my experience). I also think that while I enjoyed both perspectives we were following, I would have enjoyed more time following Arlo (the DeafBlind lead) and unpacking more about how he personally grew and changed. All in all, this was a fascinating story, and it has inspired me to want to read more books with Deaf characters as well as Deaf authors. 🗣🫵🏼👥🤕📈🌥️
rainbowbookworm's review
4.0
This was not what I was expecting. I thought it would be a cute love story about a DeafBlind young man trying to reconnect with a lost love. Instead it is a tale of religious zealots controlling a disabled young man's access to the outside world.
When Arlo signs up to take classes at a community college he is assigned a new ASL interpreter. Though Cyril doesn't have much experience with tactile ASL, he takes the job and is immediately appalled by Arlo's how little agency Arlo has. At first Cyril chalks it up to Molly, Arlo's almost lifelong ASL interpreter, but it soon become clear that Brother Birch, Arlo's guardian is the one controlling Molly's strings.
Meanwhile, Arlo is a very passive young man. He was raised Jehovah's Witness and is looking forward to a missionary trip to Latin America. As the book progresses, you see how the belief in an Old Testament God, the one who delights in punishing sinners, has affected Arlo to the point of living a life of acquiescence. However, a writing class opens Arlo's eyes to a world beyond that he has known. That class, its professor, and Cyril will start to chip away at the cocoon Brother Birth tried to keep Arlo in.
You see, there is an event that is hinted at throughout the book. An event that happened when Arlo was younger. Something he is not supposed to talk about... until he does. It is when he opens up to the new people in his life that Arlo begins to seek out answers to questions that had plagued him for years. When he finds out that what he thought had been the aftermath of that traumatic event wasn't the truth, Arlo is desperate to reach out and make amends.
By this point Cyril knows that his bond with Arlo is more personal than professional and Cyril--along with other allies--goes after Arlo to help the young man set things right.
When Arlo signs up to take classes at a community college he is assigned a new ASL interpreter. Though Cyril doesn't have much experience with tactile ASL, he takes the job and is immediately appalled by Arlo's how little agency Arlo has. At first Cyril chalks it up to Molly, Arlo's almost lifelong ASL interpreter, but it soon become clear that Brother Birch, Arlo's guardian is the one controlling Molly's strings.
Meanwhile, Arlo is a very passive young man. He was raised Jehovah's Witness and is looking forward to a missionary trip to Latin America. As the book progresses, you see how the belief in an Old Testament God, the one who delights in punishing sinners, has affected Arlo to the point of living a life of acquiescence. However, a writing class opens Arlo's eyes to a world beyond that he has known. That class, its professor, and Cyril will start to chip away at the cocoon Brother Birth tried to keep Arlo in.
You see, there is an event that is hinted at throughout the book. An event that happened when Arlo was younger. Something he is not supposed to talk about... until he does. It is when he opens up to the new people in his life that Arlo begins to seek out answers to questions that had plagued him for years. When he finds out that what he thought had been the aftermath of that traumatic event wasn't the truth, Arlo is desperate to reach out and make amends.
By this point Cyril knows that his bond with Arlo is more personal than professional and Cyril--along with other allies--goes after Arlo to help the young man set things right.
hroszczyk's review
5.0
4.5 happily rounded up. I love a book that I can’t put down, with characters I hate to leave. Learning a surprising amount about the Deafblind community was a beautiful bonus. Easily one of my favorite books of the year.
sjensenadams's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
I learned so much about the deaf and deafblind communities. It's a great book for discussion.
bookedandstarred's review against another edition
I requested this book since I haven't read any DeafBlind protagonists before and being written by an ASL interpreter himself, this caught my interest.
However, the minute I dove in the story, I was overwhelmed by all the religious discussions in this book. I understood going in that the protagonist is a Jehovah's Witness, but I didn't realize that it would be so heavy with talks of eternal damnation and such if you do this and such. I always keep an open mind when reading, but this was just a bit too much for me.
Still, thank you to Atria Books, NetGalley and the author for the chance to dip into Arlo's story through this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
However, the minute I dove in the story, I was overwhelmed by all the religious discussions in this book. I understood going in that the protagonist is a Jehovah's Witness, but I didn't realize that it would be so heavy with talks of eternal damnation and such if you do this and such. I always keep an open mind when reading, but this was just a bit too much for me.
Still, thank you to Atria Books, NetGalley and the author for the chance to dip into Arlo's story through this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
pentlacj's review
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-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? Yes
4.25
allisonwunderland's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.75
iamanna's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this read (listen)! ♡ Such an underrated book.
The main character, Arlo, is such a misunderstood soul
The main character, Arlo, is such a misunderstood soul