Allison’s Book Report - “True Biz” by Sara Nović

I have a confession to make. I almost never re-read a book. There are exceptions to that, my “comfort books” like Harry Potter, “Little Women,” and “Anne of Green Gables” have been read and re-read time and time again. But “regular" books? I'm mostly a once-and-done reader. There are just so many books out there, and new ones are released all the time, making it feel next to impossible for me to pick up the same book twice. However, once in a blue moon, along comes a book that is worth a second look, and “True Biz” by Sara Nović is definitely one of those books.

The students at the River Valley School for the Deaf want what all teenagers want, to pass their history finals, hook up with their crushes, and hang out with their friends. They also want politicians, doctors, and their parents to stop telling them what to do with their bodies. In the halls of this residential school for the deaf, we meet Charlie, a transfer student who has never met another deaf person; Austin, the school’s golden boy; and February, the hearing headmistress fighting to keep her school open and her marriage intact. With a series of personal and political crises unfolding, they are inextricably intertwined and changed forever.

“True Biz” is interesting and fun, and it makes you think about how important and difficult communication is. All of the characters have vastly different communication styles and needs – some speak American Sign Language (ASL), some speak English, and some do not understand the others. Novic shines a bright light on deaf culture. Her unique writing style and witty storytelling make this a quick and juicy read or re-read for an afternoon by the pool. If you enjoyed movies like “CODA” or “The Sound of Metal,” this book is right up your alley. I also think “True Biz” would be a perfect “buddy read" with teenagers or a great book club pick as well.

What are your feelings on re-reading? Do you revisit any old book or just your faves? Pop over to my Instagram @allison.the.reader, and let's talk about it.