I got 12% in and could not finish....The Jeohovah Witness aspect of the book was too much for me...,

The writing in this book was well-crafted and uniquely interesting, the character cast dynamic and developed. Thrilled to see a DeafBlind protagonist breaking out and coming into himself at the forefront of a novel, as well, especially paired with a diverse cast of friends and allies. The story tackled a lot of topics and conflicts at once, but I found them easy to follow thanks to the clear perspectives, timelines, and character voices. A SIGN FOR HOME is a tough read at times, and not what you may expect at others, but it’s filled with heart, authenticity, and obvious care for the story and the communities reflected in it.

A huge thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!
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I started learning American Sign Language when I was ten years old in a theatrical review where we learned a song in ASL. Over the years I learned eight different songs, and my love for ASL was set in stone. I took ASL in college and have kept it up since then. I will never reach Cryril's abilities as an interpreter, but I will always have a respect for the language and the Deaf community. I do think it was extremely helpful to have a basis in ASL when starting this novel, as the dual perspectives were easier to grasp. Cyril's chapters are told in first person, while Arlo's are in second person narrative. This is vital as Arlo is DeafBlind, and this second person narrative style is much closer to how ASL would be literally translated into English.
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I expected this to be a road trip romance, but that is far from true. This book tackles accessibility, rights, world discovery, romance, conservatorships, and religion; while there is a romance of sorts, there is no real road trip. There were moments at the beginning when referencing Arlo's being a Jehovah's Witness that turned me off, but that quickly faded as I was so drawn into the story. I was fully engaged and adored Arlo. I wanted so much for him and I loved that the author kept circumstances rooted in the reality of the Deaf and DeafBlind community. Definitely give this book a shot even if you aren't sure it is for you. I didn't know how much I would be moved by it until I turned the last page and was sad it was over.

Another book awakened many different feelings and left me speechless! I laughed hard! I dabbed my tears! I got angry and felt so sad at several chapters! And after reading the ending: I relieved and smiled!

This is heartwarming and also thought provoking journey of a man who is DeafBlind/ Deaf teaming up with his interpreter Cyril by rejecting to be controlled by his uncle who lied to him about his love of his life!

Arlo, only 23 years old, learning to fight against the obstacles life has thrown his way! He needs to find his own wings to freely fly to fulfill his destiny!

After his mother’s sudden death, he’s stuck with strict rules of Brother Birch and his high expectations! Now he finds out the love of his life is alive : that mysterious girl with onyx eyes and beautiful expressive hands, a clever mind that creating amazing stories to tell him is alive! They met in boarding school he’s attended many years ago and he thought he lost her forever!

Now he needs his second chance to find his happiness and he needs his unconventional, polar opposite interpreter and his peculiar Belgian boyfriend to accompany him for being his eyes and his ears!

The sweet friendship, tight bounding of the people who seem like truly opposites truly warmed my heart. Also the educative approach to the daily changes the disabled people encounter in the world were so realistically written.

It broke my heart but it also made me smile and gave me hope. This book definitely touches your heart!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria/ Emily Bestler Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.

Truthfully, it's been quite some time since I've sat down with a book, but I read this one in its entirety in two sittings. While my captured mind may not translate entirely into a love for the author's means of storytelling, I do first have to say that it's apparent Fell has a reverence and respect for his characters and a certain (well-deserved) sense of gravitas for the story he's set out to tell

That said, I can't help but feel that the story falls into some of the old and dangerous trappings of abled paternalism that so often plague writers who set out to tell stories about lived experiences they have never embodied.

What frustrated me the most throughout the story was Fell's insistence on utilizing some bits of ASL syntax -- but only for his Deaf and DeafBlind characters. While this could have been a profound choice had it been well-explained to a (presumably) majority hearing audience, the result seemed to me to have the opposite impact: rather than giving hearing readers a glimpse behind the curtain and a well-deserved lesson on the linguistics of ASL, Fell only succeeded in causing his Deaf/DeafBlind characters to sound juvenile, uneducated, and simplistic, while holding their hearing interpreter counterparts to a much different standard.

Notice that Fell never used ASL syntax in portraying his hearing characters, even when they were signing. They were allowed full English fluency, an honor never granted to the Deaf/DeafBlind. Worse than that, the author frequently found himself falling into the trap of ascribing an inappropriate English word to an ASL concept, reinforcing the absolutely inaccurate notion that one sign = one English word. The overall impact left me nearly enraged, as it refused to grant full agency to the people who were central to the story itself. In one sentence Fell is telling us these characters are "champ ASL, best ever," and in the other, he's cutting them off at the knees and elevating the hearing to savior status.

Not to mention the fact that the entire story forgives the most egregious and unforgivable violations to the interpreter code of ethics. But it's presumably okay, because Arlo (a man who didn't even know about the Americans With Disabilities Act at the beginning of the story) doesn't care? The whole thing manages to give off the impression that you don't have to be ethical if it's in the name of love, or if your best friend wants to fetishize your DeafBlind client and stroke and make out with his reflection through a glass window?

Sigh.

The story was gripping, though, I'll give it that. There were scenes that were truly beautiful, and Arlo's relationship with his childhood best friends and sweetheart were stand-outs. I wish I would have loved it. It honestly probably does better than most, when held against all the other books about the disabled experience written by those who don't share it. I don't know. If you're hearing, please don't make it the only book you ever read on Deaf or DeafBlind life and culture. But I'm not going to write it off entirely either.

Arlo Dilly is DeafBlind and a Jehovah’s Witness. After his mother got sick, he was taken to live with his uncle, Brother Birch. Birch, as his guardian, is controlling and expects Arlo to be a witness for those who are deaf and blind. His gay interpreter tries hard to help Arlo, but it is not easy for Arlo to get away from Brother Birch and his expectations.
Now in his twenties, Arlo learns the girl he loved at his first school might be alive even though Brother Birch says she died. He will stop at nothing to find her and be with her.
I had empathy for those who are deaf, blind, and deafblind. The book portrayed many frustrating instances where disabled people are trapped and alone. Finding bathrooms, ordering food, transportation issues can be nightmares.
I think we need more books that allow readers insight into the trials of disabled people. There is friendship, love, religion, and the need to see that everyone should have what they need to live a productive life. How much do you share with those around you? Who can you trust? I did get tired of the sexual issues, “jacking off and “sticky pee,” feeling like they were excessive. I appreciate the netgalley opportunity to read this book and give an honest review. I have a new appreciation for those who are deaf or blind.

*KISS-FIST* The Sign for Home by Blair Fell is a romance at its core with layers on layers of diversity. DeafBlind, Deaf, Jehovah's Witness, gay, foreign, disabilities and more provide a literary cornucopia of representation that is not only educational but beautiful in its weaving together. The sighted and hearing may be wondering - how does a DeafBlind person fall in love when they can't see or hear the person on the other end of their affections? What do they find attractive? Just how does it work exactly? It's actually a lot easier than you would think.

Fell teeters back and forth from the perspectives of Arlo, a 23 year old DeafBlind Jehovah's Witness, and Cyril, his new gay atheist interpreter. Seeming polar opposites these two go on a journey of self discovery and growth that will break your heart, rearrange the pieces, and plop it back in again. There is underlying religious trauma and ableism that one would want to believe is fiction, but is an unfortunate reality for people just like the characters in the story.

One of my favorite parts of this book were the descriptions of friendships made at the residential school for the Deaf/DeafBlind because they opened a window into the lives of students discovering themselves and others like them. The relationships felt authentic and captivating, while also being equal parts hilarious and devastating.

As a new American Sign Language interpreter I had high hopes for this book and was able to really click with Cyril. I appreciate Fell infusing facts about the field of interpreting and how they apply in real life scenarios. You can read RID's Code of Professional Conduct and discuss it ad nauseam in interpreter training programs, but until you have to live the scenarios (or learn about them second-hand if you're lucky) it can be difficult to see how often one would be put in ethically ambiguous situations, and then how to escape them with your career and dignity intact. I also love the awareness given to Protactile signing and Haptics as well as the exaltation of DeafBlind accomplishments!

Overall this book had me riding a rollercoaster of feelings. I was laughing, on the verge of tears, pit in my stomach, blood pressure rising tense, empathetic, compassionate, curious, downright angry, and grinning from ear to ear proud - all hallmarks of a quality read. I will be buying multiple copies of this book for my own personal library, to give as gifts, and loan to friends and colleagues. If you are in the interpreting field or anyway related to the Deaf community you MUST read this book. If you aren't, you still need to read The Sign for Home and I hope it welcomes you into our world (which is positively sublime.)

Arlo is a BlindDeaf young person who is also a Jehovas Witness. The story perspectives switch between his new interpreter Cyrus and Arlo. Arlo’s speech is modeled after a person who is BlindDeaf and may be difficult to understand initially. I loved the inclusion of this as a seeing, hearing person I make assumptions of how differently abled persons communicate in a written format.

The story follows parts of Arlo’s life, some flashbacks to him growing up and attending the Rose school, as well as Arlo attending a college course. The book is bittersweet and engaging when you are able to navigate the storytelling techniques.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuester for an advanced copy.

This one kept me up, sobbing into my pillowcase so no one else would hear. A great romance with a DeafBlind Jehovah’s Witness Romeo & deaf, Indian-American Juliet, separated by a guardian more controlling than Brittany Spears’ dad. I don’t think I’ve ever learned so much in a story with this much romance. I loved the humanity and depth of the characters drawn from so many different US subcultures (deaf, deafblind, Indian-American, African American, GLBT, urban, suburban, immigrant, ASL interpreters, Jehovah’s Witness).

What a fabulous story. I was sent an invite to read this and I'm so glad I accepted.

Arlo Dilly is a DeafBlind Jehovah's Witness. His life is unlike any others. He now lives with his uncle who is an elder in the church. He lives a very strict and sheltered life. When he gets a chance to take a college English class, he needs a second translator and meets Cyril- a gay red head who is unlike anyone in his sheltered life. His current translator is Molly- another Jehovah's Witness.
Cyril is professional but introduces Arlo to more worldly things and discusses his rights within the ADA. Arlo writes papers on his past, his lovelife and meets Cyrils Belgium best friend. His world has opened to so many new possibilities. Is there more to his small world than his uncle has told him? Has his whole life been lies?
Arlo grows independent and we are just along for the journey...

Arlo Dilly is a DeafBlind man who is struggling with his disability and the fact that he is a Jehova's Witness. He is constantly having "naughty thoughts" and giving himself "Red Stars".

Arlo is also in love with a woman he can never have again and is severely haunted by this fact. He is stuck in his thoughts about the past with this woman and the fact that he felt freedom with her - he wants that freedom back. He doesn't want to be the "DeafBlind voice for the Jehova's God".

This story was an amazing representation of what the DeafBlind community faces in the hearing world and the different ways they can communicate. I had never heard of tactile sign language until this novel. But I did struggle reading this book.

What I didn't like about this book were the chapters written in Arlo's perspective - it was childish writing and the way he kept yelling "Red Star" at himself got old quickly. This novel was also advertised as a romance novel, but it really isn't - it's more of a coming-of-age story about gaining independence despite a disability.

This book was a great concept, just wish it was 1) more interesting, and 2) better executed about a great topic that isn't written about often.

When DeafBlind Arlo gets a new interpreter and begins taking a high level class, he discovers that his Jehovah's Witness relatives have not been completely honest with him. This galvanizes Arlo to seek out an old love that he believed was lost years ago. Don't be fooled by the bright rom-com looking cover. This is a heartfelt, thoughtful, and at times wrenching look at what it's like to be DeafBlind in the United States.

I really enjoyed this book! It was not at all what I was expecting but I honestly think that made me love it even more.

The Sign for Home follows Arlo Dilly, a Deafblind Jehovah’s Witness, on his journey to reunite with his first love, aided by his new interpreter, Cyril, after a college writing class makes him question everything he knows.

While the description makes it sound like a romance, I would definitely consider this book to be a coming-of-age story. And what a story it was! Both Arlo and Cyril were such wonderful characters and it was incredibly rewarding to see them both develop throughout the course of the novel and really come into their own.

I do think the pacing was a little bit off. Without spoiling anything, I think we spent a lot of time building up to the ending of this book only for things to be wrapped up pretty abruptly. Personally, I really enjoyed the majority of the book, but I do feel like so much happened in the last couple chapters that I wish we could have had a little bit longer with the characters.

Other than that, the only thing that threw me off a little bit was Arlo’s pov being in second person. I haven’t seen a ton of people mention it in their reviews and overall it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book too much, but it definitely took me a couple chapters to get used to.

Overall, this was a great read and I recommend it!

Full disclosure, I requested this book because I am deaf and it is rare to find books with deaf characters. I wish I could say I loved this one but I found it to be only okay. A lot of the issues I had were from the beginning. I found the Jehovah Witness side of it to be a little too preachy and that's the biggest thing that turns me off a book. There were some funny and lighthearted moments and I loved how the characters grew as the story went along. The fact that the author has Arlo's voice using ASL syntax throughout was a nice surprise and I hope people are able to learn from this. I just found Arlo to be way too immature for 23 and this may have been the author's point but it just started to grate on my nerves and I wasn't able to enjoy the book as much as I wanted to.

A DeafBlind man embarks on a learning adventure that leads him to a life-changing journey toward a more independent life in Blair Fell’s The Sign for Home.

At twenty-three years old, Arlo Dilly takes a small step to expand his small world offered under his uncle’s guardianship and the rules of being a Jehovah’s Witness by taking a writing class at the local community college. As a DeafBlind man, Arlo enlists another interpreter to aid his long-time interpreter Molly to help manage the increase in work; enter Cyril, a man who quickly won Arlo over by interpreting everything said in his presence. While struggling to complete a writing assignment that explores a day or event that changed your life, Arlo battles against his promise to not remember his past with a girl, S, he loved at his old school five years previously. As these buried memories resurface and Cyril highlights ways that Arlo’s access to and options for the world around him could be improved, Arlo questions what he’s been told throughout his life. Once he learns that his love isn’t dead as he was led to believe, he comes up with a plan to go visit her with the help of an unlikely group of supporters and is determined to succeed despite any setbacks they may face along the way.

The story is captivating, touching, and draws you in as it explores the emotional turmoil that Arlo experiences while battling with himself to reconcile his love of S and staying true to the rules laid out by his faith and guardian as well as Cyril’s outsider perspective and emotional growth with periods of irritation from withheld information, both in what’s being kept from Arlo about what his life could be like and what Arlo is keeping from his friends about his past. The writing vividly describes senses and ways of experiencing the world that those who are sighted and hearing may overlook or take for granted, such as sense of smell, which can strongly evoke memories; though it took a bit of reader adjustment to get used to Arlo’s voice, it was enjoyably unique and portrayed his personality well. The story offers educative insight, which is at times incredibly frustrating, about the challenges of access that those who are deaf, blind, or both encounter in a world that isn’t particularly accommodating. While the synopsis and cover make this story seem as if it’ll be a generally light love story it is much more a weightier coming of age as it explores a variety of heavier, more serious topics that includes manipulation and abuse.

Overall, I’d give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This title caught my eye because my sister is an ASL interpreter and her daughter is Deaf. Representation of Deaf characters in literature is pretty sparse and an author who is also an interpreter seemed like a hopeful sign for having Deaf characters accurately depicted.

Arlo is a DeafBlind college student who is also a Jehovah's Witness. His new interpreter Cyril accepts the job purely for the money and as a stepping stone to his next job. He is also gay, which sets up a conflict between Arlo's religion and his second interpreter who is a grumpy Jehovah's Witness. As Arlo enters college, Cyril realizes how little access Arlo really has and how past and current interpreters have contributed to this limitation; gradually he begins to open up Arlo's world and help him gain independence. Chapters alternate between Cyril and Arlo, with some of Arlo's chapters flashbacks to his time at boarding school where he fell in love years ago.

I thought Arlo's voice was particularly well-done and it was also fascinating (as a former foreign language teacher) to read these chapters in ASL syntax. I learned a lot about accommodations available to the Deaf and DeafBlind and thought the author did a great job exposing readers to the strengths and struggles of people in this community. Not knowing much about Jehovah Witnesses, it's hard for me to know how accurate that aspect was represented. It was great to see Arlo's "coming of age" as he becomes aware of possibilities available to him and begins to pursue his dreams.

My main criticism of the book is that the male perspective is written a little too directly and authentically. I got very very tired of reading conversations about masturbation and if I never read the phrase "sticky pee" again, I will be very happy. Obviously, that will not bother everyone. It was just too much for me personally. I think I also prefer a writing style that is a bit more reflective and more along the lines of literary fiction so it did not totally satisfy me in that department either.

Definitely check this one out if you're looking to find books that authentically represent Deaf characters!

The Sign for Home by Blair Fell is a nice coming of age story. It also gives the reader insights into the world of a deafblind young man named Arlo. The book gave insight on how to treat a person that is deaf or deafblind. I have had trainings on how to treat people with various disabilities and this book gave me more ideas on how to be sensitive in situations that I have had very little experience with. The book also talks about the Jehovah Witness faith. I do have a couple of friends that are part of this religion. I have not experienced the overbearing behavior of Arlo's uncle but religion can bring out the best and the worst in people. Plus, some people may have the best intentions but fail when they are put into practice. I do enjoy learning about different faiths even if I am not going to follow their teachings.

Arlo and his seeing eye dog Sniff are likeable characters that I had to root for. The story with the two interpreters, Cyril and Molly , Cyril's inappropriate friend, Hanne, and a college English professor come together to help Arlo find love and friendship. All of the people in Arlo's life have pretty big skeletons in their closets that are revealed through out the book. The book moved along quickly and held my attention. One thing that I did not particularly care for is I felt the end of the book got a little far fetched in my opinion. The book is a stand alone book but I think the author left herself open to writing more about Arlo and his future after The Sign for Home ends.

I recommend reading The Sign for Home. It is an enjoyable and entertaining plus, I learned a few things along the way. I did receive an advance copy of this book for an honest review so I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. #TheSignforHome #NetGalley #BlairFell

💙 THE SIGN FOR HOME 💙

Blair Fell has written a wonderful and very original debut novel using his own experience as an ASL interpreter.

Arlo Dilly, our Deafblind, Jehovah's Witness protagonist, enrolls in a college writing course to improve his English. Through his interaction with a new, open-minded interpreter, Cyril Brewster, and his engagement with a personal writing assignment for his class, he uncovers the secrets that have been kept from him by his guardian about his past trauma and current accessibility options. 

I have never read anything quite like this book. It combines an original cast of characters, a compelling plot, excellent narration from both Arlo and Cyril, and information about the Deafblind community. The author writes dialogue communicated in ASL with the accurate grammar and spells out words that are finger-spelled, which is an excellent detail. I was really impressed by the character development, and the conflicts are very real as everyone fights for what they believe is best for Arlo, as Arlo discovers the agency to fight for what he wants. This book is so human and provides an honest look at the experiences of the Deafblind community. The second-person writing for Arlo's chapters allows the reader to step into Arlo's shoes and understand how he understands his world and experiences his wide range of emotions as he uncovers secret after secret. I was really invested in the relationship between Arlo and Cyril as they work to understand each other, and as Cyril faces ethical dilemmas while knowing he must advocate for Arlo. I was rooting for Arlo to win his freedom and his love! I loved that the ending leaves us with an awareness of the unknown and a warm heart. This is a unique and educational coming-of-age story that I absolutely recommend.

Pub date: 04/05/22

Many thanks to Emily Bestler Books / Atria Books, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed this story a lot! Talk about "representation"!! It's all about a DeafBlind, Jehovah's Witness youth (Arlo), who's working with a gay ASL interpreter (Cyril) in a real "coming of age" type story - awesome!! The author obviously know his stuff, as the information on the DeafBlind community was so very well done - so detailed. Really interesting and also authentic that Arlo's POV was written in ASL. There is some abuse explored, so be aware if that's a trigger. Highly recommend! My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this "read now" story that I received a complimentary copy of. This in no way affected my voluntary review.

4.5 Stars. I don't think I can express in words how truly special this book is. This is written from dual perspectives of Arlo, a young DeafBlind man and his interpreter Cyril. I love nothing more than a coming of age story and this one was so unique and beautiful and incredibly inspiring. Arlo's strength and character was so hopeful and it was incredible everything he was able to overcome and accomplish with the right push. I truly loved both his and Cyril's characters so much. This is a must read. Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.