What we are reading in September: Smart Biz by Sara Novic
True biz? The students at the River Valley School for the Deaf just want to hook up, pass their history finals, and have politicians, doctors, and their parents stop telling them what to do with their bodies. This revelatory novel plunges readers into the halls of a residential school for the deaf, where they’ll meet Charlie, a rebellious transfer student who’s never met another deaf person before; Austin, the school’s golden boy, whose world is rocked when his baby sister is born hearing; and February, the headmistress, who is fighting to keep her school open and her marriage intact, but might not be able to do both. As a series of crises both personal and political threaten to unravel each of them, Charlie, Austin, and February find their lives inextricable from one another’s—and changed forever.
This is a story of sign language and lip-reading, disability and civil rights, isolation and injustice, first love and loss, and, above all, great persistence, daring, and joy. Absorbing and assured, idiosyncratic and relatable, this is an unforgettable journey into the Deaf community and a universal celebration of human connection.
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The Gloss is so much more than a book club, we start the conversation around books – but it always leads to deeper more meaningful connection and provides the foundation for lifelong friendships. Join us and discover a wide variety of new books, new authors, new friends and enjoy a glass of wine all at the same time. We’re delighted to welcome you into The Gloss!
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6 Comments
I am interested in joining the Manchester book clum
Hi Karen! To join, visit our Manchester page, purchase the book, and if you’d like, reserve a spot for this months meeting on January 31st.
Hi. Are the events face-to-face or virtual? If they are face-to-face where is the venue? Thanks. Jane
We have both in-person meetings and virtual meetings. For the in- person January Manchester meeting, the location is Cosy Club, Corn Exchange, 37 Hanging Ditch, Manchester M4 3TR. For virtual meetings check out our information under the “Virtual+” tab.
Hey! When do you release tickets / post event for the following month? I can see Feb is sold out but would love to join for March
Hi Alex. Events are posted about 1-2 months prior to the event! We are working on posting March’s events now so check back soon!