The Sign for Home by Blair Fell

Such an enjoyable and informative read - one of the best of my summer! Here is a synopsis from publisher Simon & Schuster:

Arlo Dilly is young, handsome and eager to meet the right girl. He also happens to be DeafBlind, a Jehovah’s Witness, and under the strict guardianship of his controlling uncle. His chances of finding someone to love seem slim to none. When Arlo learns the girl he thought was lost forever might still be out there, he takes it as a sign and embarks on a life-changing journey to find his great love—and his freedom.

The characters in this coming-of-age book were so authentic and engaging. I would love to be friends with them all. In addition to enjoying the slice of their lives, I learned so much about the Deaf community and specifically about Arlo’s journey through the world as someone DeafBlind. Experiencing his world through his thoughts, actions and communication enabled me to empathize with him and ponder how I take my abilities for granted. It also made me consider what my own father is going through as he loses his hearing in his later years.

I heartily recommend reading this book.

Lynda Austin