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jenbsbooks's review
3.5
Sometimes I'll include how a particular book ended up on my reading list. For this one, I was perusing a library book sale and saw several copies of this book (indicating there had been demand for it at one point). It had the "Bestseller" badge, and a quick lookup on Goodreads indicated a high rating.
I'm not a complete novice to deaf culture. My sister learned sign-language (LDS mission) and has been an active interpreter for years (her husband also). I took several ASL classes, through the interpreting level, but never felt I really mastered the language (that, and spelling, finger or otherwise, is a challenge for me, in spite of my reading background).
I did NOT have ANY idea who Nyle DiMarco was ... I don't follow the reality TV shows. Apparently he was on America's Top Model (is it a spoiler to say if he wins or not?) and then on Dancing With The Stars (again ... win?)
This begins with an Author's Note, which IS necessary, but it was a little technical and dry. I realize the irony of listening to an audiobook about deafness, but I had a physical and kindle copy for reference as well. I appreciated the Table of Contents, with descriptive headers, which were included on the audio TOC as well. 20 chapters.
It's always interesting to see how a memoir is set up ... strictly chronological? Arranged per topic? In college, I had an assignment to write an auto-biography, so I struggled with that myself (I have my life history from birth to my 20s ... should update, not for publication, but just for family). This was mostly chronological, starting with his birth and childhood years. His schooling, then his break into modeling and acting. There were some time shifts though, especially when accounting times with his father.
There was a lot of good information about the deaf community. About Deaf (with a capital) and deaf, about other phrases (hard of hearing, etc) which are often offensive. About how signing was NOT encouraged in so many situations (deaf school!) I was familiar with most of this, but still appreciated new knowledge on the subject.
This seemed almost as much about Nyle's sexuality as his deafness. There are some similarities too I suppose. Lots of discussion, and it is labeled as LGBTQ. Also quite a bit of background on reality TV, which may or may not be of interest to readers, I did find it interesting, even though I hadn't ever watched either show (they seriously have the models walk a plank and see if they fall to kick them off the show??) I just might have to search YouTube to check out his final dance on DWTS.
The text copies have some pictures included - which are a fun addition. I think the audio has "supplemental content" but as I already had the text in two formats, I didn't investigate that.
Many resources, ways to continue on with Deaf education were listed at the end.
I'll add this to my little library - it will interesting to see how quickly it might be snapped up (my little library isn't a great gauge, as it's new, and we're a little out of the way). I'll mention this to my sister (the interpreter) as it would be interesting to get her opinion on it from her POV and experience.
Content Concerns - some proFanity (x7), slight sexual content, a lot of discussion of sexual identity/LGBTQ conversations.
I'm not a complete novice to deaf culture. My sister learned sign-language (LDS mission) and has been an active interpreter for years (her husband also). I took several ASL classes, through the interpreting level, but never felt I really mastered the language (that, and spelling, finger or otherwise, is a challenge for me, in spite of my reading background).
I did NOT have ANY idea who Nyle DiMarco was ... I don't follow the reality TV shows. Apparently he was on America's Top Model (is it a spoiler to say if he wins or not?) and then on Dancing With The Stars (again ... win?)
This begins with an Author's Note, which IS necessary, but it was a little technical and dry. I realize the irony of listening to an audiobook about deafness, but I had a physical and kindle copy for reference as well. I appreciated the Table of Contents, with descriptive headers, which were included on the audio TOC as well. 20 chapters.
It's always interesting to see how a memoir is set up ... strictly chronological? Arranged per topic? In college, I had an assignment to write an auto-biography, so I struggled with that myself (I have my life history from birth to my 20s ... should update, not for publication, but just for family). This was mostly chronological, starting with his birth and childhood years. His schooling, then his break into modeling and acting. There were some time shifts though, especially when accounting times with his father.
There was a lot of good information about the deaf community. About Deaf (with a capital) and deaf, about other phrases (hard of hearing, etc) which are often offensive. About how signing was NOT encouraged in so many situations (deaf school!) I was familiar with most of this, but still appreciated new knowledge on the subject.
This seemed almost as much about Nyle's sexuality as his deafness. There are some similarities too I suppose. Lots of discussion, and it is labeled as LGBTQ. Also quite a bit of background on reality TV, which may or may not be of interest to readers, I did find it interesting, even though I hadn't ever watched either show (they seriously have the models walk a plank and see if they fall to kick them off the show??) I just might have to search YouTube to check out his final dance on DWTS.
The text copies have some pictures included - which are a fun addition. I think the audio has "supplemental content" but as I already had the text in two formats, I didn't investigate that.
Many resources, ways to continue on with Deaf education were listed at the end.
I'll add this to my little library - it will interesting to see how quickly it might be snapped up (my little library isn't a great gauge, as it's new, and we're a little out of the way). I'll mention this to my sister (the interpreter) as it would be interesting to get her opinion on it from her POV and experience.
Content Concerns - some proFanity (x7), slight sexual content, a lot of discussion of sexual identity/LGBTQ conversations.
kelsie17's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
jojodoug55's review against another edition
4.0
I first came across this book in a galley, but decided to purchase it when it came out because I knew that I would enjoy it, as I am a fan of Nyle's work–I have been following his career since ANTM and Switched At Birth.
Despite originally wanting to read his memoir because of the career he has led, I found myself more so enjoying the personal stories that he shares about growing up as a Deaf kid in a hearing world. I learned so much valuable information about Deaf culture and history, Deaf education, Deaf languages (beyond ASL), Deaf experiences, audism, and more! Nyle writes with a clear, authentic voice that speaks truth into the hearing space about the reality of Deaf life. What he has to share has been well researched and written (in his second language yet!). I love that he is inventive with the words in his writing, manipulating idiomatic expressions that use words like "voice," "mouth," "tongue," "hear," "sound," etc. and alters them to match his experience as a Deaf community member. It is not only creative, but also indicative of how relative basic life experiences can actually be. In this way, among many others, he explores the theme of perspectivism, giving a point of view that is often lacking in the hearing world; additionally, he navigates themes of language deprivation, trauma, abuse, childhood, growing up, relationships, the entertainment industry, reality television, and so much more....
Despite originally wanting to read his memoir because of the career he has led, I found myself more so enjoying the personal stories that he shares about growing up as a Deaf kid in a hearing world. I learned so much valuable information about Deaf culture and history, Deaf education, Deaf languages (beyond ASL), Deaf experiences, audism, and more! Nyle writes with a clear, authentic voice that speaks truth into the hearing space about the reality of Deaf life. What he has to share has been well researched and written (in his second language yet!). I love that he is inventive with the words in his writing, manipulating idiomatic expressions that use words like "voice," "mouth," "tongue," "hear," "sound," etc. and alters them to match his experience as a Deaf community member. It is not only creative, but also indicative of how relative basic life experiences can actually be. In this way, among many others, he explores the theme of perspectivism, giving a point of view that is often lacking in the hearing world; additionally, he navigates themes of language deprivation, trauma, abuse, childhood, growing up, relationships, the entertainment industry, reality television, and so much more....
orchidsandclouds's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
bibliovino's review
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Deaf icon Nyle DiMarco sets the record straight in this informative and inspiring memoir chronicling his journey of self discovery as a Deaf human, a queer man and a talented performer. Filled with humor, hope and heart, this book opens a world many of us still find mysterious, a place with an absence of sound but no shortage of life and joy. I really appreciated the chance to learn about Deaf culture in a space that felt safe to both the author and myself. Such an enlightening read!
okinmybook's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
brookey8888's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This was good! I knew about him when he was on Americas next top model and dancing with the stars( but I literally forgot I watched that). So it was interesting to see the behind the scenes of those shows and his experiences during them. My favorite part was honestly just learning more about the deaf community and the stereotypes and how naïve people can be. Nyle taking about his sexuality and coming out experience and how that relates to deaf culture was wonderful as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Medical trauma, Alcohol, and Bullying