True Biz

Reviews

“Goodness, I can’t even begin to put into words all the feelings this book provoked! . . . An eye-opening and heartfelt story about human connection and the beauty and adversity woven into the deaf community and culture. It is both an educational and electrifying peek into a family’s life as they fight to forge connections even as the outside world threatens to close the door on them. I loved this story so much, it is not one to miss.”—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club April ’22 Pick)

“This important novel should—true biz—change minds and transform the conversation.”—Maile Meloy, The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

“Part tender coming-of-age story, part electrifying tale of political awakening, part heartfelt love letter to Deaf culture, True Biz is wholly a wonder.”—Celeste Ng, New York Times bestselling author of Little Fires Everywhere

“Rollicking, immersive, and boldly, exquisitely felt, True Biz delves into the deepest questions about community, communication, and collective action, inviting the reader into a world of language made new.”—Alexandra Kleeman, author of Something New Under the Sun

“Sara Novic is one of the best writers of my generation—not just the novelist of Deaf culture, but of human nature writ large. Do yourself a favor and get this book—it is inimitable.”—Ilya Kaminsky, author of Deaf Republic and Dancing in Odessa

“This is my favorite kind of novel, fascinating and smart and brimming with contrasts. It’s a coming-of-age story but also one of anarchy and protest. It’s about belonging versus conforming, individual strength alongside solidarity.”—Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of This Is How It Always Is and One Two Three

“Reading True Biz was a transformative experience—it’s as important a book as I’ve read in years. I was in awe of the care and love and hard-won wisdom that went into the writing of it. Sara Novic is the real deal.”—Jami Attenberg, author of All This Could Be Yours

“True Biz is exquisitely crafted and absolutely riveting.”—Vendela Vida, author of We Run the Tides

“In confident, funny prose, True Biz asks the question of all questions: Who are my people? And then, with enormous attunement to the embodied experience of being deaf and being human, answers it.”—Emma Copley Eisenberg, author of The Third Rainbow Girl

“Sara Nović’s gifts for character, story, and language are evident from the first page. True Biz feels like the discovery of a new written form, a love letter to language itself.”—Liz Moore, New York Times bestselling author of Long Bright River

“This is brilliant.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“[A] touching and witty celebration of Deaf culture . . . moving and revelatory.”—Booklist (starred review)

“A coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of community and the ways in which language defines us.”—Kirkus Reviews Expand reviews