True Biz by Sara Novic on February 28, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Coming of Age, Fiction / Disabilities, Fiction / Literary
Pages: 416
Format: Audiobook
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True Biz was an interesting and informative book about the deaf community that I didn’t know I needed. Novic created a well-written book that included a mini ASL lessons and history regarding the ASL community. Combining elements of a tender coming-of-age narrative, an electrifying political awakening, and a heartfelt homage to Deaf culture, TRUE BIZ captivates on every front. Sara Novic delves into the intricate ways in which language can shape, isolate, or empower one’s sense of self, while also exploring the essence of establishing a meaningful space in a world that may perceive you as different.
Charlie, a deaf student grappling with the challenges of using a cochlear implant and adapting to mainstream education, faces a new set of hurdles when she transfers to River Valley School for the Deaf. Here, she encounters a different set of obstacles: she is unfamiliar with American Sign Language (ASL) and has never been immersed in the deaf community. As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and takes charge of her own future, Charlie navigates these transformations, and the typical transformations many teens go through, with determination and resilience.
I was unfamiliar with the deaf community or deaf schools so this was very eye opening to me. I can’t imagine being a teenage girl and having to go through all that Charlie did and also having the hormones to deal with on the side. Austin’s story was also captivating. Charlie, Austin, and their friends highlight the inherent challenges faced by the deaf community, yet they also serve as shining examples of how these obstacles are continually surmounted. The students’ lives and their school experiences serve as remarkable platforms for engaging conversations about language, accessibility, cultural diversity, and the importance of acceptance.
I wasn’t as interested in February’s story. But I can see how they needed an adult’s side of the story in this book. But her concern for her students was rewarding.
I want to express my gratitude to Sara Novic for shedding light on the deaf community and its culture. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge, and in addition, the story itself is captivating and compelling. I think this should be required reading.