Customer Reviews

Reading Between the Lips: A Totally Deaf Man Makes It in the Mainstream

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a fascinating book. I find the writing style a little strange (every sentence is its own paragraph), but very readable -- and Mr. Golan has a lot to say that's worth reading! Mr. Golan tells the story of his own life, the challenges he faced and overcame in carving out a successful life in a hearing world that, while not unsympathetic to him, ultimately judged him by his ability to function in it on its own terms.

Along the way, he gives his strong opinions on education for the deaf, ASL, etc. There are other sides to all of these issues -- and he acknowledges as much -- but he has a valid perspective of his own and makes his case assertively.

I just finished this book and I loved it. It was well-written and extremely interesting. Yes, it's a fact that the author supports oral communication. However, his thoughts on ASL and Deaf culture are supported with fact. His position is that of "whatever works for you" and he never says ASL shouldn't be used. He simply states the benefits of also being able to communicate orally and have a good command of the English language.

As a late-deafened adult, I could really relate to many of the experiences and stories that he tells in his book. I highly recommend it.

I bought this book after recently losing my hearing from NF2. This is a great book that has helped me get out of my "slump" and realize that I can still go on and live a productive life even though I am no longer able to hear. I was shunned by the Deaf community because I was not born that way and I am glad to have had the opportunity to read Mr. Golan's book. Very well written and very enjoyable. I only wish Mr. Golan would write a follow-up.

This book fails to present any interesting story or perspective on the topic within. Lew expresses a distrust and dislike for ASL and Deaf Culture that permeates his work and it's simply unacceptable.