58 pages • 1 hour read
393
Novel • Fiction
Cleveland, Ohio • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
True Biz by Sara Novic follows Charlie Serrano, a Deaf girl adjusting to life at River Valley School for the Deaf after her parents' divorce. She grapples with her uncomfortable cochlear implant and her strained relationship with her mother. Alongside headmistress February and peer Austin, Charlie learns about Deaf culture and activism, leading to a dramatic protest against cochlear implants. The novel includes themes of family conflict, bodily autonomy, and the Deaf community.
Informative
Emotional
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Inspirational
76,112 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sara Novic's True Biz has garnered significant praise for its rich, authentic portrayal of Deaf culture and the experiences of its characters. Critics appreciate the emotional depth and the educational value it brings to readers unfamiliar with the Deaf community. However, some found the narrative pacing uneven and felt that certain plot elements could be more fully developed. Overall, it is a compelling and enlightening read.
A reader who would enjoy Sara Novic's True Biz is likely captivated by immersive narratives that explore rich cultural contexts and social issues. Fans of The Deaft House by Joanne Greenberg and Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick will appreciate the nuanced portrayal of Deaf culture and the compelling character dynamics in this novel.
76,112 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
393
Novel • Fiction
Cleveland, Ohio • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
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