A review by wordswitwonder
The Words in My Hands by Asphyxia

informative inspiring 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? Yes

3.5

The overall idea behind this book was really cool. I liked the art journal aesthetic, and it was awesome to get to read about the d/Deaf community in Australia, even if it was in a slightly dystopian setting. My biggest beef with this book is just how long it took to get the actual plot moving. I almost stopped reading multiple times in the first 3rd, but I'm glad I didn't. I think this is because the setting was very realistic dystopian, meaning it feels like a realistic thing that could happen to society in the near future. I think this meant the author really had to emphasize the differences between reality and the book's setting, which took a lot of time. I also thought there was a side plot with one of the main character's old friends that felt unnecessary and distracting to the story (the plot around Taylor). Regardless, I think this book contained valid sociopolitical commentary, as well as an important discussion of ableism from hearing people towards the d/Deaf community.