Being a Deaf Sensitivity Reader for Samantha Christy was an absolute privilege.
"You can't do it, can you? If you can't describe noise to someone who doesn't know what sound is, how can you expect me to describe the lack of it?"
Becoming an instant dad to a four-year-old that he wasn't aware had existed meant Blake needed to change from playboy to play dates. But not only did he become an overnight father, he learns that Maisy is deaf and has been severely language deprived. When he meets the deaf mentor that was assigned to Maisy (and him), he realizes that it was the girl from the store. The one he can't stop thinking about. It turns out... she couldn't hear him because she is deaf too.
"All deaf can learn to talk, Blake. It's just a question of whether or not we choose to."Blake immediately sets out to prove to Ellie that he is different from other hearing men and he accepts her for who she is... and who she is, is perfect for him and his daughter.
Adult and Child Deaf Characters
This book is a heart-warming story about a man who is desperate to communicate with his daughter. Learning she needs access to American Sign Language doesn't deter him - he immediately begins researching and taking classes. He gets many deaf accessories (blinking lights, signage about deaf children, loud speakers, etc.) and researches Deaf culture. And as he is learning about the Deaf community and ASL, he is falling in love with the girl he had only seen... until she shows up at his door to help.
Seeing the relationship that is built by the ASL mentor (Ellie) and the child (Maisy) is sweet and full of hope. The reader will feel Ellie's pride as Maisy soaks up access to a language she can understand.
One of the reasons deaf children act out is people are always saying no to them. And no one is filling in the blanks. They are generally left to figure things outs.Not only was the experiences that you could see for Maisy and ones that Ellie mentioned accurate for the Deaf community, but also, Samantha Christy gave detailed descriptions of both history and correct cultural references.
"I'll never think of silence the same way again."There were times reading that I winced in sympathy or had to put the book down because it reminded me of something that I had experienced. I nodded in agreement to many of Ellie's statements and actions as I have done the same things. And in the end, I wanted to have grown up with Blake and Ellie as my dad because of how he accepted both Maisy and Ellie fully - without needing to "cure" their deafness.
"Deaf have to learn to hear. Our brains have to be trained to process sound."I could continue on, but too much more and I'll spoil it all. #spoilers
Overall, if you like a single dad romance, instant lust that turns to love, a reserved child and deaf representation, then this is a DEAFinite read (you see what I did there?)
"You complete me in ways I didn't think were possible. You've taught me how things most people think are a hinderance can actually be a gift. Being able to communicate with you without spoken words somehow enhances our connection... Your silence has opened my eyes....You've taught me that love isn't just saying I love you. It's showing it. It's living it. It's feeling it. Love is much more than words."The book will be available on May 24th on Kindle Unlimited.
*Note, these quotes are from the ARC, they may be changed on publication.
Happy Reading!
Comments