Book of the Month Winner

The votes have been counted and "Dear isn't Dumb" by Tara Chevrestt is the best book of May! 

You're stupid. You're retarded. You shouldn't have this job. These words lit a fire of determination in one deaf woman who set out to prove to the aviation world…and the world in general that deaf isn't dumb.

Deaf Isn't Dumb is a motivational story of a young woman, Tara, who faces the challenges of growing up "hearing impaired" in a hearing world. Follow her as she recounts everything from childhood bullies to work related restrictions, and funny misunderstandings from mispronounced words to fear of Federal Air Marshals. In this tale, straight from the heart, learn that simply because one is deaf—contrary to popular misconception—it doesn't mean they are dumb.

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A Facebook Affair by Tara Chevrestt

A FACEBOOK AFFAIR BY TARA CHEVRESTT

Word Count: 38,221 

Heat Level: Flirty

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Breathless Press

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When Kelly and Brandon rediscover each other on Facebook after twenty years apart, it sparks an attraction that even distance can't extinguish. Do they truly have a future, or is this just a Facebook affair?

Kelly Littleton takes the plunge and finally joins Facebook to socialize without the limits that her hearing impairment gives her. On a whim, she looks up a childhood friend. In sending him that first message, she ignites the memories of a crush from twenty years ago. But will they turn into the flames of romance, or end up the ashes of a Facebook affair?

Brandon Hopkins has a lot on his plate. A recent divorce, a pregnant sister, and now, he realizes he's in love with a woman who lives states away. Can he overcome the boundaries of internet romance to make this desire turn into something real, or will adversity and distance be their undoing?

***

A Facebook Affair centers on the rekindling of a friendship between a young hearing impaired woman and a sweet man who knew each other in elementary school. The tale seamlessly transitions from the past the the present. The element of having a deaf heroine brought a sense of realism to the world of erotica, which can sometimes be a bit far-fetched. There were many funny one-liners, and I found myself smiling while reading several times. The heroine is a strong woman, something I love to see in romance, and the hero is quite the gentleman. There was hot build-up and delivery of sex scenes, and non-awkward discussions about using condoms. The one thing I didn't like about the book was that there was head hopping, most notably during one of the sex scenes. I found myself distracted and wondering "Wasn't this just in her point of view?". Regardless, I enjoyed this story and look forward to more from the author.

B

Deaf Isn't Dumb by Tara Chevrestt

Death Isn't Dumb by Tara Chevrestt

Heat Rating: Innocent
Word Count: 30,391
Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
Publisher: Breathless Press

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You're stupid. You're retarded. You shouldn't have this job. These words lit a fire of determination in one deaf woman who set out to prove to the aviation world…and the world in general that deaf isn't dumb.

Deaf Isn't Dumb is a motivational story of a young woman, Tara, who faces the challenges of growing up "hearing impaired" in a hearing world. Follow her as she recounts everything from childhood bullies to work related restrictions, and funny misunderstandings from mispronounced words to fear of Federal Air Marshals. In this tale, straight from the heart, learn that simply because one is deaf—contrary to popular misconception—it doesn't mean they are dumb.

***

After reading the blurb for 'Deaf Isn't Dumb' I was quite interested in taking a look at Tara's story. Having grown up with a relative who was deaf, experiencing auditory and speech issues when I was younger and ear problems still as an adult, I related to some of the stories Tara had faced in her life, especially when it came to the childhood incidents: the operation and her reactions, the teasing by other children, the lack of peer respect and friendships. There were times I was moved and wanted to reach through the pages to give her a hug and others where I wanted to reach through and ask the people she had to deal with–like the gray-haired man in the men's store where she tried to work and Rat Bastard at another job–how they could treat anyone the way they did. She infused just enough humor into her recounting to make the serious subject of being deaf in a hearing world approachable and, aside from a few minor stylistic/editing choices, a very easy read.

'Deaf Isn't Dumb' was an enjoyable, inspirational memoir that teaches one to be more aware of who they're dealing with, that obstacles can be overcome and nothing/no one should get in the way of reaching one's dreams. Thank you, Tara, for taking a stand in your life and sharing your story with the world.

A-