While I appreciated how the author treated ASL (using italics and appropriate ASL grammar), there were aspects of this book that I found absolutely maddening. This is a chaste, under-developed book about a Deaf boy and a hearing girl finding each other. Barrett's character is a bit more developed than Payton's,* but not by much. The author did a great job with ASL grammar, and with demonstrating how important Deaf culture is (and how hearing people get it wrong so often--viewing being deaf as a deficit, rather than just a way of being, or even a point of pride). The author even briefly touched on the CI controversy, though MUCH more information is available online, for anyone who is interested in seeking it out.

*EDIT: The female main character is called Presley, which goes to show you how well-developed the character is that I cannot remember her name. Even right after reading it.

This was fantastic! I loved the story, the characters, and the writing. I'd read it again and suggest it to others.

"Life isn't about getting the things you deserve. It's about what you do with the things you don't."

I am moved beyond words right now. I'm looking in my Thesaurus for a better word for beautiful, but that's what this was. Beautiful!! It's a story of selflessness, compassion, and acceptance.

We are dumped into the world of Barrett in such a unique way. This author chose to write in the ASL style, as far as the interactions with Barrett, and I think it made the story that much better. I never knew or comprehended what ASL was truly like and how difficult it is to translate that into the English language. It was a true portrayal of all hurdles a deaf person, and even someone who interacts with a deaf person, encounters.

I found myself in tears several times throughout reading this, just from the magnitude of emotions I felt - be it sadness, happiness, or just having a profound moment of realization. Barrett was such a strong, resilient and proud young man. And Presley was a kind, selfless, pure soul. Together they were perfection.

I won't recount the story, because it is best left for you to take the journey on your own and discover the beauty of what the Silent Song means.

4 1/2 Stars! I have never read a book like this before.

Barrett is in high school and is raising his little brother since his mom died and his father became an alcoholic ... Oh yeah, and he's deaf. Presley comes from a family of doctors and she doesn't fit their mold of what they want their daughter to be. Presley loves music and wants to use music to help heal the disabled, so she is in college for Music Therapy. When they meet, it isn't love at first sight ... Presley just wants to help Barrett and he just wants to be left alone and keep his world exactly as it is. I don't want to say too much more about the story to wreck it for others.

I must say I learned a lot in this book about deafness and how the deaf community communicate. At first I found it really hard to read ASL language, but the book just wouldn't have been the same if it was written all in English. This book makes you stop and think what the world must be like if you were deaf. And I liked the fact that Barrett and Presley didn't fall in love right away, instead they become friends and get to know one another. The only thing I had a hard time with was that Barrett was only 18 and he seemed to talk and act like he was well into his 20s. I know he had to grow up quick with his family situation, but he just seemed to have way too much wisdom for his years. This book will make you think and I highly recommend it ... believe me, you will come out of it more knowledgeable than when you went in.

I received this ARC courtesy of BooksGoSocial through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Two languages – ASL, English – two worlds, two communities, two cultures, two ways of thinking. This is a powerful depiction of deafness and the deafness culture and community and what it means to sign in ASL and write in English and to live and function in these different dimensions.
It’s also a beautiful story about love – between Barrett and Presley, between two brothers and his uncle.
I am so glad that I’ve read this story, I feel it’s the first time I have an accurate vision of what it is like to be (proudly) deaf.

Firstly, the authors foreward explains her choice to write in the grammar of sign language and goes on to justify this choice. Whilst I do not think justification is needed it was helpful to have the explanation of how this shift can impact on communication. The choice to write this way was definitely important to the story and the characters and made for a far better work. Although there were no surprising plot twists the whole novel was engaging and the characters worth investing in, in fact it was hard to put down and, though once or twice dipped into some cliche, generally went beyond a typical romance. I was hooked and flew through the novel in one sitting (leaving me sad it’s all over.... what’s next from this author?)

Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC

Right from the intro this book totally blew me away.

Barrett is a deaf guy, working after school as a mechanic and drag racing to earn some extra money to support his little brother.
Presley ran away from her Ivy League home to study music therapy miles away.
The way they end up together is priceless. And so the journey begins.
It's a moving story. I laughed my eyes out but also had to swallow my tears here and there.
It's an easy read with a big message. Not all deaf people are the same, just like not all hearing people are.
Nothing new there right? Well, this book will show you. It's emotional yet magical. I was especially impressed with the sign language on paper. It takes a bit getting used to, but it gave me a new insight in deaf people's communication. Kudos!
This book is beautifully written, entertaining and educating. A Must Read!

Jack Wheeler, you write from the heart. Your writing style is amazing. It makes you feel like you’re in the actual book.

Silent Song
Barrett and Presley lives are two totally different worlds. What happens when they meet MAGIC. Without giving a lot away, let’s just say never let someone tell you who to love.

Racing and his brothers have always been his motivation. Barrett has a hard time asking for help but when he meets Presley all she wants is to care for him.
She wants to show him affection that he’s not use to having.