The words we write are much more than just sentences pieced together. There is a goal — for a story to be shared, understood, and protected beyond its cover. We are tasked, as readers, to honor the words, and in this particular case, when we deal with sensitive topics regarding disabilities, we are invited to learn. There is such power in personal narrative, and as we discuss the particular subject of deafness, we are unraveling the raw truths and experiences each author wishes to reveal.
Continue reading to learn about a handful of authors who chose to write about their deaf journey and the challenges faced as well as the opportunities granted.
The Deaf Girl: A Memoir of Hearing Loss, Hope, and Fighting Against the Odds by Abigail Heringer
If you are a part of the Bachelor Nation, then you might be familiar with Abigail Heringer and her story. Featured in Season 25, Abigail was one of the first girls to be deaf and searching for love on The Bachelor. While she was on the show, Abigail was able to highlight the struggles she has faced, but also share about the impacts she has made on others by being real with her journey. With her debut appearance on The Bachelor, Abigail gained popularity overnight and became an influence on many young girls and boys who were deaf as well.
Being deaf may be a part of Abigail, but it doesn’t define who she is and what she brings to the table. In her memoir, The Deaf Girl: A Memoir of Hearing Loss, Hope, and Fighting Against the Odds, Abigail shares the struggles she has faced being an introverted girl while also being deaf. While her journey has been hard, Abigail can confidently say she is proud of who she is and embraces the title “deaf girl” as an empowering one.
Deaf Utopia: A Memoir―and a Love Letter to a Way of Life by Nyle DiMarco
Nyle DiMarco is an American model, actor, and Deaf activist who isn’t afraid to have his voice heard. Those dashing good looks and charismatic charm earned him a win on the CW’s America’s Next Top Model in season 22, where he was the first Deaf winner to take home that title. DiMarco is also an actor, filmmaker, and now added to the list of achievements, a New York Times best seller. With a desire to bring awareness to what it looks like to be deaf, Nyle wrote his own memoir capturing his journey.
Dear Utopia: A Memoir — and a Love Letter to a Way of Life shares heartbreaking and humorous stories on navigating a world built for hearing people. Nyle’s memoir dives into his childhood where he grew up in Queens, as well as his collegiate journey from math major by day to college athlete by night. Deaf Utopia prides itself in being more than a memoir, it is considered a cultural anthem and a defiant song of Deaf culture. Woven throughout his book, Nyle has written a love letter to the American Sign Language that is intimate, eye-opening, and a celebration of all that he has accomplished.
A Loss for Words: The Story of Deafness in a Family by Lou Ann Walker
Lou Ann Walker writes a different perspective on deafness as she acted as the ears and voice for her parents who lost theirs at a young age. While she loved both her parents dearly, Lou’s childhood ended early, and she assumed the role of interpreter. Gone were the days when she could play with her dolls or play house, instead she translated doctors’ visits and helped manage her parents’ business transactions. In A Loss for Words: The Story of Deafness in a Family, Lou reveals the realities of growing up in a deaf household. While their home was warm and inviting, the outside world often misunderstood and rejected them.
As Abigail said, being deaf is not something that defines her, but rather plays a part in who she is. By reading about our differences, we can better understand what others walk through, their journey, and how they are an overcomer. There is power in our narratives, and just as these three authors stepped out and shared their stories, don’t be ashamed to share yours!!
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