REVIEW: True Biz

Here's the low down on this book: I loved it. I specifically loved the amount of information and glimpses into deaf culture this Sarah Novic provides in TRUE BIZ. For example, even the title is a phrase used to ask someone if they want the full truth.

A character driven novel with a lot of heart, you'll be introduced to Charlie (who has never met another deaf person), Austin (who basically has only been around deaf people), February (who lives in both the hearing and deaf worlds), and more. They all have a lot of growing to do, and the problems they face will either bring them closer together or drive them apart.

As someone who has worked with many students with cochlear implants, this book had me intrigued from the start. I found it to be a slow burn, but the character development was 100% worth it for me. Charlie specifically grew so much as an individual, and I love how she took what she learned to challenge the world around her.

One aspect worth noting is the way Sara Novic expertly wove in deaf culture in this book. Each piece she included helped you understand something that just occured in the novel, or was about to happen. I learned so much. Also, each chapter heading tells you exactly which character's point of view you will be reading by using either the letter of their first name or the sign for their character. I did have a couple unanswered questions at the end, but the amount of learning wrapped within this fictional tale blew me away. The slow burn was worth it, and I am sure it will end up being a top read at the end of the year.

This book was so well done, and I believe it is worth your time and energy to read! I'm so glad I took a chance and selected it as my Book of the Month selection back at the beginning of the year (snag your first book here for five dollars!).

4.5/5 Stars Content Warnings: sex, drug use, abelism, medical trauma, dementia, death of a parent