A review by samantita
True Biz by Sara Nović

emotional informative sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

This was an eye-opening read on the unique stories that deaf teenagers and CODAs face. From not having the resources necessary to thrive in mainstream schools, to deaf schools being shut down, to the debate on whether or not cochlear implants are the solution to allowing deaf people to hear or if all they do is eradicate ASL and deaf culture and create more medical issues. These are not issues that hearing people such as myself have ever had to think about, and I'm grateful to learn about it them in such compelling narrative. 

While the ending was satisfying, it felt a bit quick. However, I could overlook that as my overall reading experience with this novel was enjoyable. I liked that Headmistress Waters' deaf culture lessons and the community ASL lessons were interspersed throughout the book. I thought that was a neat way to incorporate that information in a way that coincided with the narrative.

The way this author revealed her characters through such tiny moments in their lives was so clever and meaningful. I really appreciated the writing.

This is one of those stories that will stay with me.