Book Description
One morning in the park James Sim discovers a man, crumpled on the ground, stabbed in the chest.In the man's last breath, he whispers his confession: Samedi.

What follows is a spellbinding game of cat and mouse as James is abducted, brought to an asylum, and seduced by a woman in yellow.Who is lying?What is Samedi?And what will happen on the seventh day? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Strange world of Samedi makes for intriguing reading...
After reading a review of Jesse Ball's premiere work "Samedi the Deafness," one quickly concludes that they are encountering a unique new talent with the potential to produce even more surprising works of prose in the future.

That expectation does not mean that the present work is not strikingly original in its own right - only that one gets the sense that there is more where that came from...a very encouraging prospect.

"Samedi the Deafness" is a difficult work to categorize, containing a myriad of poetic phrases sprinkled throughout the choppy, occasionally disjointed sentences and paragraphs.Some pages contain only one line, while others are formatted to reveal the dialogue among characters.It is an interesting construct that stops being a distraction after the first chapter and gives the novel a sort of lyrical cadence all its own.

The plot can be a bit difficult to track sometimes, existing as a silver thread woven throughout the dreamlike descriptions of the locations and characters surrounding the narrator.Any detailed summary would reveal too much; suffice to say, the narrator happens upon a dying man in a park who informs him with his dying breaths that the world is in danger from the foreboding character of Samedi and that he must be stopped.

As a result of this chance encounter, the narrator enters a swirling vortex of pathological liars and hidden motives, housed within the labarynthine halls of a mental institution.It is an odd trip to be sure, but the pay off is a good one.

When Samedi's ultimate plan is revealed, it's haunting ramifications echo the postmodern masterwork, "Blindness," by Jose Saramago.This is fine company indeed.

"Samedi the Deafness" is an original and thought-provoking read best suited for those who don't mind being challenged by their fiction.It is a work well worth trying for yourself.

- S.

Sparks from and for the imagination
I will spare you specifics about the book, as this is well-covered elsewhere on these interweb-tubes. Another motivation for this is because I wish for each new reader of Samedi to discover the story on their own terms as much as possible. I was looking forward to reading this novel by the poet Jesse Ball ever since I saw it was to be released. Once I got my hands on the advanced reader's copy, I paused my reading only for sleep and eating. It can go by quickly if you aren't careful to savor it, yet you don't feel as if the book is whipping you along. At the same time, the wonder and preciousness of each moment comes through in the book. The story feels like a distinct character, as if it has it's own life and agency. You come across little wisdoms uttered by the characters which initially feel as if they are meant to remain within the realm of the book, but as the book seeps into you you start to wonder which ones might function well outside the pages. And there are deeper wisdoms here, stretching across pages and sections of the book, which take longer to seep in.

The imagination present in this story is inspirational, as it is not a separate entity but the well up from which the story is drawn. Scenes from the book are still swirling about my head. I say this in contrast to another author whom I enjoy, who blurs the line between reality and the sub-/un-conscious (imaginary?), thus making reality feel unstable and foggy. This is enjoyable on its own merits, if you enjoy such a challenge. Ball's work is assured in its vagaries and imagination, which imparts a confidence on the reader rather than a fog, bringing its own challenges to the reader and reinforcing the reader's suspension of disbelief. While I speak of confidences, I should mention that Ball's writing style makes it feels like the story is being told directly to you, bestowed in confidence not to be disclosed to others. What a feeling to be in collusion with an author while reading their words!

Samedi is a good introduction to Ball's fiction writing style, which has a feel akin to prose poetry. There is talk of another of his novels being released sometime in 2008, which promises to delve deeper into imaginative realms. His other publications are worth your time, including a collection of poetry, March Book, and a collection of short stories/prose poems about an atrocious couple with a stirring joie de vivre, Vera & Linus, written with poet Thordis Bjornsdottir.

I urge you to explore the website for Samedi the Deafness, which includes audio of the author reading excerpts, videos produced by the author, and promotional materials for the populace to spread the word about Samedi. The Flash plug-in is necessary.

Be prepared to be surprised often
On a Sunday morning in a Washington park, James Sim - loner and professional mnemonist (someone who can memorize large amounts of data) - is witness to the aftermath of a stabbing. With his dying breath, Thomas McHale tells James: "I was one of them, but I left, and they didn't want me to leave. Have you seen the paper? Samedi? The conspirators? I was one of them...You must do it. You must expose them." The "them" in question is a group of individuals who commit suicide in front of the White House, one each day, all bearing a message from Samedi of doom to come on the seventh day.

McHale leaves James with a few clues; however, he is loath to get involved until a chance encounter with a young woman spurs him to action. James sets off to follow the dead man's clues and, in the process, ends up a prisoner in an asylum for liars. As he searches for truth amidst the lies, James struggles to find out who Samedi is and what will happen on the seventh day.

Samedi the Deafness is the very strange novel from poet Jesse Ball. As he states in an interview, "Samedi is an investigation of lies and responsibility." Despite this clear statement of intent, and being incredibly easy to read, reality is quickly undermined in Samedi. This is a novel which will frustrate, confound and challenge readers, who will quickly feel as if they've fallen down the rabbit hole, into a David Lynch film where political commentary is provided by Hunter S. Thompson.

The character of Samedi has direct ties to "Baron Samedi," the all-knowing loa of death from the Voodoo tradition, known for disruption, obscenity, debauchery. It should come as no surprise that Ball has chosen to take that disruption and undermine the very concept of the novel.

This is not a comfortable read, just when the reader is sure they've understand what is happening, Ball flips the tables. His underlining message is vital; readers who choose to fall into his dream world will find unexpected and important rewards hidden within.

Armchair Interviews says: The author turns the table on the unsuspecting reader. ... Read more

Product Description
CHOICES IN DEAFNESS, since 1987 the preeminent guide to communication options, is now extensively revised and expanded to provide the complete scope of information parents of children with deafness or hearing loss need.From assessment and diagnosis to medical/audiological treatments, and from the latest types of cochlear implants and procedures to education and technology devices, this new edition presents a balance of research, guidance, and insight from experts and families.Seven new chapters plus an audio CD cover:UNIVERSAL NEWBORN SCREENING (implemented in 38 states, this required screening detects hearing loss much earlier, and has doubled the number of children found to have hearing loss);AUDITORY NEUROPATHY (a cause of hearing loss where the timing of sound is seriously disrupted, and which has only recently been understood);GENETIC CAUSES OF DEAFNESS (describes genetic testing and counseling in light of research that shows over 60% of deafness in children is due to genetic or hereditary causes);THE TRANSFORMATION OF DREAMS (explores a shift in emotional outlook experienced by a parent/clinical psychologist upon learning her child is deaf);IDENTIFYING A PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE (what to look for in an education program for your child in addition to the chosen communication option);COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (services and devices that let deaf people communicate via phone, cell phone, Internet, video);MAKING IT IN COLLEGE (personal accounts of four students about how they communicate and socialize at college);WHAT HEARING LOSS SOUNDS LIKE (a seven-minute audio CD depicts what speech sounds like as it simulates how hearing loss can affect pitch, loudness, and timing). As in the previous edition, CHOICES IN DEAFNESS presents five unbiased approaches to communication--Auditory-Verbal, ASL-English Bilingual, Cued Speech, Auditory-Oral, and Total Communication--and provides parents' first-person accounts of what it's like to use a specific method. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Choices in Deafness
As a mom with a one year old newly diagnosed as severely deaf, I found this book very helpful.After going online and learning of all the controversy surrounding deaf issues,it was refreshing to find a book that gave equal time to differing views.This book led me to making the choice that is right for our child and our family.I loved that it gave professional veiwpoints for each language-learning option, as well as the story of a family that chose each of the various options.

Shane Feldman's my favorite chapter
I think this book is a plus for unsure parents.

Choices In Deafness
This is a great book!!

After our child was diagnosed with deafness, we were overwelmed with so much information, so many decisions to make.This book offers a nonbiased, comprehensive outline of the educational options available for deaf children.I use it as a reference manual and read it three or four times after my son's diagnosis.We're four years down the road now and I'm going to read it again.There is a wealth of information here.It is the first book I recommend parents read after finding out their child is deaf.

Excellent Book
I'm one of the people who was published in this book, under the Cued Speech section, and I did add a supplement to it.I think this book is a MUST read by any new parent of a deaf child.It presents a clear,un-biased outline of all options available for your child, (although I'mbiased and believe that the Cued Speech option is a no-brainer. :-) but itsstill a excellent book and well-written and edited. Kudos to Sue Schwartz!

Objective, accurate, readable, thank you, Susan Schwartz!
Second only to Paul Ogden's "Silent Garden" (which treats of a broader range of issues than does "Choices") this is the most balanced and readable book specifically dealing with deaf education andcommunications options that we (hearing parents of profoundly deaf toddler)have yet found. There is a very good mix of professional articles andactual parental stories, recently supplemented by updates from the childrenthemselves, now mostly grown. This is the only book of its kind that wehave seen that provides actual audiograms for most stundets/subjects,something hearing parents MUST have in order to relate the stories in"Choices" to THEIR kids' situation. (I only wish AIDED audiogramshad been consistently included as well, since those are nearly as importantas basic audiograms.)I dont suggest tinkering with success, but I dothink somewhat more information on the failure rates for given optionsshould have been given, since it is far too easy for us as parents toimagine OUR child as being the succesful student portrayed in each section,thus short-chaging the down-side risks of each option. Also, it might havebeen nice if a few more stories of deaf people who DIDNT live in Marylandat some point in their life could have been included. That's hardly a realcriticsm, though, and I conclude by this book highly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Too damn expensive!
How is it that a book with 300 pages can cost $80?I see brand new books in book stores all around the US that cost no more than $30.I guess Ms. Scheetz, along with the publisher, know that college students will berequired to use the book, so why the hell shouldn't they charge $80. Thanksfor making my college years thin on cash! ... Read more

Book Description
From the seventeenth century to the early years of the twentieth, the population of Martha's Vineyard manifested an extremely high rate of profound hereditary deafness. In stark contrast to the experience of most deaf people in our own society, the Vineyarders who were born deaf were so thoroughly integrated into the daily life of the community that they were not seen--and did not see themselves--as handicapped or as a group apart. Deaf people were included in all aspects of life, such as town politics, jobs, church affairs, and social life. How was this possible? On the Vineyard, hearing and deaf islanders alike grew up speaking sign language. This unique sociolinguistic adaptation meant that the usual barriers to communication between the hearing and the deaf, which so isolate many deaf people today, did not exist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Love this book! (a deaf reader)
This is the right attitude toward the deaf people in Martha's Vineyard back in the 17th and 18th centuries. I only wish it was true in USA and elsewhere today but it isn't.

This book also talk of people that aren't deaf, were using sign language to talk to each other - for example, from one boat to another or from the cliff down to the beach or because the high wind was drowning out their voices. I can think of many examples that people can use sign language today. Scuba diving sign language is so limited so why not use ASL? A person can tell a minister of an emergency problem quickly from the back of the church without having to go up to whisper in his ear. One could 'talk' to another person in the next building without opening windows. (Windows can't be opened in some office buildings) I could go on and on.

Today, parents are using sign language with their babies (not deaf). Some researchers are saying that it enhances language, cognitive, and social-emotional development. However, I am sure that at the same time, there are some parents of deaf babies, are being told not to use sign language. There are few schools that are pro-oral. Those deaf babies need sign language even more. Where are their language and social-emotional development?? This is irony and sharp contrast to this book. This book prove that all deaf babies need to be exposed to sign language everyday by comparing the Vineyard Deaf people to the Mainland Deaf people.

I am keeping this book to show others because it does support my view of point on the education for the deaf.

Excellent Book!
I read this book a couple of years ago after reading Oliver Sack's book "Seeing Voices". I read many books each year and I must agree with the other readers here in stating that this is one of the books that has stuck with me. The sense of community and integration encountered by the deaf people on Martha's Vineyard are truley lessons to us all on acceptance and normal treatment of disabilities. I only wish it had a follow up edition.

A book not to be forgotten
There are about 10 books I've read in my life that are vivid years later.This is one of those.We're given the chance to see what it might be like to live in a place without prejudices about people being different because of something like deafness. I learned a tremendous amount about deafness, sign language, and life on a New England fishing island community in bygone years. Don't miss this wonderful book.

An interesting look at a unique deaf cultue
"Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language" is a look at the effect of a large deaf population on Martha's Vineyard.Though a dry read at times, this book gives an interesting look at how for once in the history of deaf culture the *hearing* adapted for the deaf instead of vice versa.While most people might assume that the large deaf population would force a hefty amount of deaf people to adapt to hearing life, the opposite was actually true; the brilliance of Martha's Vineyard was that nearly all hearing people knew sign language to some degree.

The book analyses cultural impact of the large deaf population within the Vineyard's communities, which was biologically caused by the genetic predisposition for deafness.The book, largely written like an anthropological study, focuses on both physical and cultural aspect of the deafness in the communities.However, the most interesting implications within the book are those discussing deaf and hearing interrelations.

Inspiring and interesting
This is one of my favorite books of all time.Originally written as an ethnographic study, it is also completely readable for a non-professional popular audience.Basically, it is the story of the islanders of Martha's Vineyard, a large island off the coast of Massachusetts.The islanders originally came from the same 2 or 3 boatloads of colonists from England, by way of Boston and Scituate, from a region in Kent which already seems to have had a high incidence of hereditary deafness.Due to the geographic isolation of the island, recessive genes for deafness, which were already prominent in the original Kentish colonists, came increasingly to the fore.As the proportions of islanders who happened to be deaf gradually increased, what was the islanders' answer?Not shunning the deaf.Far from it.Rather, atradition arose that EVERYONE on the island, deaf or hearing, simply learned sign language as children!

This book is full of fascinating little anecdotes, about how island society worked to include its deaf members.For example, we learn about families and friends, some deaf and some hearing, who would regularly sit next to each other in church.The hearing members would sign the sermons to their deaf friends.Or, sometimes groups of people who could hear perfectly well might be together, for whatever reason, and they might happen to converse by signing just as much as in spoken English.Everyone spoke both languages.

Some of my favorite parts of the book focus on the benefits of signing.For example, perhaps two neighbors wanted to converse, while being separated by 200 yards of noisy space, made vocally impenetrable by sounds of surf and sea.Whether they were deaf or hearing, they could get out their spyglasses (this was a 19th century whaling community, where spyglasses were in every household) and sign to each other across the distance while viewing each other through the magnification afforded by the spyglasses.One entertaining anecdote tells of two young men, who could hear perfectly well, who would use their signing ability to pick up girls off-island.They would pique the girls' interest in them by signing amongst themselves, and would claim that one of them was deaf.After they had secured the girls' interest, they would put on a lengthy, well-practiced charade of deafness to keep the gils curious about them.Do they ever let on that they can really hear?You'll have to read the book to find out!Bwa ha ha haaaa ( that's the sound of an evil laugh).

Those are a few minor anecdotes.The whole book is packed with stories like that, and it's endlessly amazing.The last couple of chapters make excellent, general points about the human issues raised in the book, and about how we as a society think about the "handicapped" -- perhaps, as Dr. Groce points out, we should not use the term in the first place.

Anyway, I'm really pleased to call attention to this book.I wish it were more widely known.If you're reading this because you linked to my reviewer's page from my review of "Jeepers Creepers," or something at a similar level, then, well, I'm just happy you're reading about this valuable story as well as "Jeepers Creepers."Two thumbs up. ... Read more

Book Description
Taking an original approach to American literature, Christopher Krentz examines 19th-century writing from a new angle: that of deafness, which he shows to have surprising importance in identity formation. He demonstrates that deaf and hearing authors used writing to explore their similarities and differences, trying to work out the invisible boundary, analogous to Du Bois's color line, that Krentz calls the "hearing line." Discusses authors including James Fenimore Cooper, Lydia Huntley Sigourney, Herman Melville, and Mark Twain. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Useful Study
This is an informative (and nicely written) look at 19th century American literature in terms of the ways it understands the ideas of deafness and hearing.The theoretical matrix of DuBois's color line may be less necessary and less useful here than the social historicist theory Krentz is developing as a base for reading both deaf and non-deaf authors in their negotiations of the imaginative--and perhaps the real--space of deafness.May be engaging to anyone appreciating American literature and/or interested in concepts of deafness, as well as to academics in these and related fields.

Seeing the Hearing Line
This is an original and provocative book.Addressing W. E. B. DuBois's concept of "the color line" in the 20th century, Krentz argues that 19th century American literature grappled with a "hearing line," i.e. a contested boundary between hearingness (the author's coinage) and deafness.He examines how this hearing line appears in work by deaf authors and also in the canonical authors of the century.The readings of Melville, Twain, Cooper, and others open new perspectives on their works that should be of interest to anyone concerned with the construction of American identity.The deaf authors included are contextualized in their literary and social locations as they articulate a deaf "I" or "we."

Throughout the work, Krentz engages current literary theory on gender, race, class, and colonialism.Deaf American culture intersects with these theories, but also presents challenges to them.The similarities and differences between deaf experience(s) and those of other oppressed groups deserve serious thought by anyone interested in the dynamics of self-definition for oppressed groups.Krentz emphasizes the positive sense of deaf identity and community that emerged in the 19th century, as authors responded to the complexities of American identity at that time. ... Read more

Book Description
A young man's quest to reconcile his deafness in an unforgiving world leads to a remarkable sojourn in a remote African village that pulsates with beauty and violenceThese are hearing aids. They take the sounds of the world and amplify them.' Josh Swiller recited this speech to himself on the day he arrived in Mununga, a dusty village on the shores of Lake Mweru. Deaf since a young age, Swiller spent his formative years in frustrated limbo on the sidelines of the hearing world, encouraged by his family to use lipreading and the strident approximations of hearing aids to blend in. It didn't work. So he decided to ditch the well-trodden path after college, setting out to find a place so far removed that his deafness would become irrelevant.That place turned out to be Zambia, where Swiller worked as a Peace Corps volunteer for two years. There he would encounter a world where violence, disease, and poverty were the mundane facts of life. But despite the culture shock, Swiller finally commanded attention-everyone always listened carefully to the white man, even if they didn't always follow his instruction. Spending his days working in the health clinic with Augustine Jere, a chubby, world-weary chess aficionado and a steadfast friend, Swiller had finally found, he believed, a place where his deafness didn't interfere, a place he could call home. Until, that is, a nightmarish incident blasted away his newfound convictions.At once a poignant account of friendship through adversity, a hilarious comedy of errors, and a gripping narrative of escalating violence, The Unheard is an unforgettable story from a noteworthy new talent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

A Fine Appreciation Of The Absurd
What an excellent memoir.While researching my novel, Heart of Diamonds, I spent some time in Zambia but I saw it anew through Josh Swiller's wonderfully observant eyes.He also has a great sense of humor, not to mention a fine appreciation of the absurd, which is a must for travels in Africa.

Swiller is a bold man.Living under marginal conditions during a time of seriously violent unrest is no cakewalk for those with all their faculties.To do so lacking the ability to hear required more than just a sense of adventure.His struggles to do his job and make a difference, even just to get along with his sometimes less-than-helpful neighbors, made for a great story.

Wonderful journey with a skilled narrator
This is a great story of what it is like to be a Peace Corps volunteer and a terrific way to get an understanding of what is like to be Deaf.The author is brave, interesting and can tell a compelling tale.He struggles with the poverty of Zambia and the many cultural differences he encounters.We also learn about his Zambian counterpart, Mr. Jere, and what a remarkable person he gets to work with.Interestingly however, he finds his deafness is the least of his troubles in Zambia.

I'm the mom of a Deaf boy and I loved learning about the journey the author took, stories about his family and all of the amazing things that he has done.I also loved getting an understanding of how convenient turning off your hearing can be!He describes a few situations where he was able to cope with an overwhelming situation by just taking off his hearing aids.

A must read of anyone raising a d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing person.Equally wonderful for everyone.

Truly Amazing Story - Really Makes You Think
What a great book. A true adventure in Africa.Quick and fun reading but with a serious side as well. I dont want to ruin any of the story line (there are lots of surprises), nor do I want to tell all future readers what they will think about when they are done reading (this is a great book to discuss with other readers)... so my simple advice is: Just Read It... you won't regret it.

Incredible story and writing
As a returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in southern Africa at about the same time Swiller did, I was of course compelled to read this book.It's a beautifully written book about his experience for nearly two years in Mununga, a large village in northern Zambia, near the border of Zaire (he was in the first group of PCVs to come into Zambia after Chiluba was elected in 1991).He paints a riveting and vibrant picture of a village, and its people, many of them extraordinary human beings. In retrospect, PC never should have sent a volunteer to this village due to its political instability and accurate reputation as a violent place.His was not a typical PC experience.

The book is not easy to read, although darkly hilarious at times. It reveals the brutal truth of life (and death) in much of Africa, and is often painful and heart-breaking. He learned, as Peace Corps Volunteers, or anyone who lives for a time in an impoverished place, do, to be grateful for every moment of life.

It brought many personal memories back as many of his experiences were similar--the remote village, the insatiably curious children, the transportation issues, ndoshi/witch doctors, the too young mothers, the alcoholism, the sometimes maddeningly slow pace at which things get accomplished or don't; cultural differences that made communication and connection challenging.Some things I feel he didn't quite "get" as a man; didn't have a window into; but still it is a compassionate and an absolutely extraordinary piece of writing and experience.

Although he is deaf and this is somewhat central to his narrative, much of his experience transcends this.

Thank you, Mr. Swiller, for bringing your extraordinary experience to life in this beautifully written book.

Riveting
This book is truly inspirational. It tells a fascinating story while offering intimate insight into the daily trials of dealing with deafness. It certainly helps to put things in my life into perspective. ... Read more

Book Description
This is an introductory text to mental health and deaf people for care workers and mental health workers, both those familiar with deaf people but not with mental health and those familiar with mental health but not with deaf people. The first section, Assessment, includes topics ranging from child and adolescent psychiatry, adult psychiatry, children who are deaf and have multiple disabilities, addictive behaviour and deafness, to maltreatment of deaf children. The second section, Management and Intervention, discusses subjects which include: interpreters in mental health settings, educational interventions, family therapy and drug treatments. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

A welcome and much-needed contribution
Edited by professors Brenda Jo Brueggemann and Susan Burch, Women and Deafness: Double Visions is an anthology of essays by learned authors discussing deafness and deaf identity in the context of women's studies, and vice versa. Pieces contemplate why Hellen Keller, perhaps the most famous deaf woman of all, is remembered primarily as a champion specifically of the blind; the issue of mothers raising their children according to oralist dictates "like ordinary hearing children"; the significance and impact of the Deaf American Beauty Pageant, and much more. A welcome and much-needed contribution addressing serious gaps in both women's studies and deaf studies reference shelves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This book literally changed my life
I grew up hard of hearing and never had any contact with the deaf community before age 19. In 1981 I lost two jobs because I was unable to communicate effectively with customers. My hearing loss was progressive; at the rate it was going, I fully expected to become completely deaf by age 30.

After wondering what I would do in the future as a deaf man, I went to the library to learn what I could, and discovered this book. It was my first exposure to deaf culture and deaf education. I learned about Gallaudet - then known as Gallaudet College - University while reading Dancing Without Music, and made up my mind to go there. If I was going to become deaf, then I would go live with deaf people and learn from them.

I followed through and attended Gallaudet at age 19, and I've never regretted that decision. After 25 years of deep engagement in the deaf community, it is my home now. I came in as an immigrant, was taken in and embraced, and every year since has been rich and rewarding. I shudder to think different my life might be if I had not read this book.

There are more current books available now about the deaf community, but this one does a terrific job of documenting the community's emergence at a time when ASL began earning respect as a genuine language. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to understand what deaf culture means, what the deaf community is, and how it began in America.

great book!
This is an awesome book, i totally recommend it! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

deaf education
This book is definatly typed as a textbook is but is full of great information regarding Deaf culture.I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Deaf culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Book Club Loved it!
We chose this book for our book club and EVERYONE LOVED IT! What great insights into the deaf culture.

honest and open
Honest, open, and very well written.Authors parents and my parents are long time friends. Although I do not know the author, we probably met as kids.The deaf community is a very close knit group.Deaf parents are very caring and loving. It's a one day, cover to cover read.

Boring
I was supposed to read this book for my Sign Language class, but I started the first chapter, and was incredibly bored. This book is slow, and boring.

Candid, Easy Reading
I went to high school with Lou Ann.We were not good friends, but I knew her parents were deaf.At that time, I felt that Lou Ann was diligent with her studies and way too mature for us to be friends.I read this book many years ago.I loved the book and knew some of the people she mentioned.I am in a book club now and I am going to recommend this story.I think it is a good read for anyone.Lou Ann was a kind person and I'm sure she has helped many people in the deaf community.Even today, I think there is a great variance in how different members of the deaf community interact with the hearing population.

Honest insight into our world
As the oldest child in a family with deaf parents, I can totally relate to what the author went through.I was disturbed by a few of the reviews I read though.People are so quick to judge when they don't have a clue about the world that hearing children of deaf parents live in.I went through all the same experiences that the author did as well as many more.As the oldest child I too was responsible for all the interpreting and basically felt as though I was "raising" my parents instead of the other way around.It is not a fun way to grow up.I found myself annoyed by the reviewer who said they found deaf people to be "fun" and that the author was too dour and negative about the deaf culture.Don't be so quick to judge until you walk in our shoes.The deaf community I was exposed to was not a "fun" one.They were, as a whole, a very distrusting, backstabbing, and gossipy group. I am NOT saying all deaf people are this way!I can only relate what MY personal experiences were.The reviewers who said that it seemed to be the author's own "personality quirks" that made her experience life with deaf parents the way she did don't have a clue either.We are basically products of our upbringing and the life we live as a child.Yes, we can choose as adults to move forward and overcome much of the damage that may have been done, BUT you cannot change who you are nor can you erase the person you are completely.And much of that is formed in childhood, a childhood that is VERY different from mainstream society if you grow up as a hearing child with deaf parents.I suffer from anxiety I believe it is because of the overpowering sense of responsibility I was burdened with as a child, which I cannot seem to shake as an adult and mother of 4.Anyone studying ASL or truly trying to gain insight into the deaf world would definitely benefit from reading this novel. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
This edited volume picks up where Psychological Perspectives on Deafness, Volume 1 ended. Composed of review chapters that reflect cutting-edge views from well-known international researchers within the field, this book surveys issues within the field of deafness, such as cognition, learning disabilities, social development, language development, and psychopathology. It also highlights the many new and exciting findings currently emerging from researchers across a variety of disciplines--psychology, education, linguistics, and child development. The chapters will engage, challenge, and lead the field on to productive empirical and theoretical work relating to the broad range of questions which concern the psychological perspectives on deafness.
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Book Description
Throughout history there have been efforts to help deaf children develop spoken language through which they could have full access to the hearing world.These efforts, although pursued seriously and with great care, frequently proved fruitless, and often only resulted in passionate arguments over the efficacy of particular approaches. Although some deaf children did develop spoken language, there was little evidence to suggest that this development had been facilitated by any particular education approach, and moreover, many, even most deaf children--especially those with profound loss--never develop spoken language at all.Recent technological advances, however, have led to more positive expectations for deaf children's acquisition of spoken language: Innovative testing procedures for hearing allow for early identification of loss that leads to intervention services during the first weeks and months of life.Programmable hearing aids allow more children to make use of residual hearing abilities.Children with the most profound losses are able to reap greater benefits from cochlear-implant technologies.At the same time, there have been great advances in research into the processes of deaf children's language development and the outcomes they experience.As a result, we are, for the first time, accruing a sufficient base of evidence and information to allow reliable predictions about children's progress that will, in turn, lead to further advances.The contributors to this volume are recognized leaders in this research, and here they present the latest information on both the new world evolving for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and the improved expectations for their acquisition of spoken language.Chapters cover topics such as the significance of early vocalizations, the uses and potential of technological advances, and the cognitive processes related to spoken language.The contributors provide objective information from children in a variety of programming: using signs; using speech only; using cued speech, and cutting-edge information on the language development of children using cochlear implants and the innovations in service provision.Along with its companion volume, Advances in Sign-Language Development of Deaf Children, this book will provide a deep and broad picture of what is known about deaf children's language development in a variety of situations and contexts.From this base of information, progress in research and its application will accelerate, and barriers to deaf children's full participation in the world around them will continue to be overcome. ... Read more

Book Description
Two seven-year-old girls find themselves smothered in sunshine, and knee deep in sand, during their family vacations.Prudence Parker is an imaginative and excitable seven-year-old, whose encounters with physically disabled children make way for valuable lessons in communication and empathy.Haley is deaf.Frustration turns to triumph when Prudence uses her limited knowledge of sign language as the segue for a new friendship with Haley.Flattered by Prudence's animated enthusiasm, Haley graciously uses a "follow the leader" type game to teach Prudence a new vocabulary. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

very cute & sweet without being syrupy or preachy
Very well written and beautifully illustrated.Sign language alphabet included in the back.Helps to spark discussions with your child on deafness and sign language. ... Read more