True Biz

True Biz by Sara Nović
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I like that this was written about the deaf community by someone in that community. I learned a lot about cochlear implants, pros and (mostly) cons. Novíc also included some informational pages at the end of chapters that explained more about sign language and how it's spoken. I was intrigued by subjects such as the difference between white and black sign language and the history of a (mostly) deaf community in Maine. The informational pages had exercises that made it seem like Novíc would expect this book to be taught in schools, which I think there should be more literature taught about other-abled individuals. But her characters have sex, take drugs, and are involved in terrorist like activities (thieving, blowing things up, making bombs--she even includes a recipe to make a bomb in one of her "informational" bits). There is no repercussions for these activities and even commendation for it. Not something we need in schools right now (or ever) no matter how "noble" the cause. Also the book ends at a weird spot with almost no resolutions for any of the problems she introduces. No relationships changed, no plans for the future mapped out, etc. This would be a one star book if it didn't also give good information about the deaf community.

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