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My interest in sign language and the deaf community started when I was a teenager. There were two deaf men in our church. My husband’s aunt knew sign language and signed all the church services for them. She started sign language classes for anyone in the church that wanted to attend. I took her weekly class for at least a year. I still remember some of it, and have taught my kids a few signs over the years.
So when I got the chance to receive Finding Zoe: A Deaf Woman’s Story of Identity, Love, and Adoption I was very interested.
Finding Zoe: A Deaf Woman’s Story of Identity, Love, and Adoption
By: Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
Foreword By: Marlee Matlin, Academy Award-Winning Actor
Brandi Rarus was just 6 when spinal meningitis took away her hearing. Because she spoke well and easily adjusted to lip reading, she was mainstreamed in school and socialized primarily in the hearing community. Brandi was a popular, happy teen, but being fully part of every conversation was an ongoing struggle. She felt caught between two worlds—the Deaf and the hearing.
In college, Brandi embraced Deaf Culture along with the joys of complete and effortless communication with her peers. Brandi went on to become Miss Deaf America in 1988 and served as a spokesperson for her community. It was during her tenure as Miss Deaf America that Brandi met Tim, a leader of the Gallaudet Uprising in support of selecting the university’s first Deaf president. The two went on to marry and had three hearing boys—the first non-deaf children born in Tim’s family in 125 years.
Brandi was incredibly grateful to have her three wonderful sons, but couldn’t shake the feeling something was missing. She didn’t know that Zoe, a six-month-old Deaf baby girl caught in the foster care system, was desperately in need of a family unafraid of her different needs. Brandi found the answer to her prayers when fate brought her new adopted daughter into her life.
Set against the backdrop of Deaf America, Finding Zoe is an uplifting story of hope, adoption, and everyday miracles.
I loved Finding Zoe! The book starts with her story, how she went deaf, what it was like to be a deaf child in a hearing family, and her struggle to find out where she belonged. Because she was oral, she felt like she didn’t fully belong in the deaf community. And because she was deaf, she didn’t feel fully at home with her hearing friends, either. She shares how she learned to fit in in elementary school, high school, and college.
Brandi became Miss Deaf America in 1988, and met her future husband, who is also deaf, during her reign. They went on to get married and have 3 sons, all hearing. Brandi had always dreamed of having a little girl, though. She even knew in her mind’s eye how her little girl would look.
The second section of the book starts with the story of a young mother that chooses to place her daughter up for adoption. This section tells her and her family’s story, along with the baby’s father and his family’s story. This section really conveys the struggle of placing a baby up for adoption, for both the mother and the father. This section also coverings the heart breaking story of a family that wanted to adopt their baby, but felt they couldn’t meet the babies needs, and gave up the baby. Instead of feeling like they were at fault, their story leaves the reader feeling sad for them, and that they made the right decision for themselves, and for the baby.
In the third and final section of the book, Brandi and her husband find out about baby Zoe. And finally bring her home. And she looked like the little girl in Brandi’s dreams!
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I loved reading Finding Zoe: A Deaf Woman’s Story of Identity, Love, and Adoption. It shows the struggle that some deaf children and their families go through. It also shows the heartache of placing a child for adoption. I think the authors showed the birth mother’s and the birth father’s story equally. You will also see the joy of being able to finally adopt the child of your dreams.
Enter to win a copy of Finding Zoe: A Deaf Woman’s Story of Identity, Love, and Adoption! You will be able to choose a hard cover book, or a PDF. Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below! Open to US & CAN, but make sure to read the terms and conditions on the form.
*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): I received a product sample for review purposes. I received no other compensation. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions are my own. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.”
*This post contains an affiliate link. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.
Vera Wilson says
I have a friend that went to classes with her daughter that couldn’t talk. It’s amazing how they can communicate. Would love to read this book.
Jeremy Murphy says
As an adoptive father who also adopted from China, I’m really looking forward to reading this book, especially after watching/hearing Gail & Brandi’s video presentation on this book/subject recently on G+. Adoption is important and not enough people know about it.
DARLA KIDDER says
I want to read this book because I have moderate hearing loss in one ear and am completely deaf in the other ear.
Wehaf says
I ove memoirs about unusual life stories, and this one seems to fit that perfectly!
Nancy says
I’d like to read this book because I taught children who were deaf.
Mippy/Sabrina says
Hi Linda! 🙂
I would love to read this book for a few reasons. During my childhood I attended a church where there was a little girl who was deaf. All the children were taught to sign some of our favorite songs during song time. I loved learning how to sign the songs. Later on as a teenager I met a deaf child who was a neighbor to my father and step mother. He re-taught me to sign and I learned new words to sign as well. I actually chose to do an oral presentation in school about American Sign Language. As an adult I worked with a toddler age program through a university where we helped to get children with special needs integrated and prepared for mainstream pre-school. We had a little deaf girl in that class. So again, knowing some sign language has come in handy. There have been many instances in my life where knowing some sign language has been beneficial for me. I have always been drawn to learning and knowing how to communicate with those who are deaf. I also have hearing loss in one of my ears and cannot hear speech tones, so I lip read a often. Those reasons alone make me interested in reading this story. But adoption is another whole different reason I would like to read this book. I have made this comment long enough already, though. 😉
Jill H says
I love to read inspirational stories. What many see as handicaps are just the opposite a gift to the rest and a opportunity to learn.
Kathleen Kennedy-Leon says
I am always looking for a good read and as an adoptive and bio Mom – I can identify with the pull!! thanks for the giveaway!
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Tara says
I took sign language in college so this book would take me back a few years! I love reading inspirational books.
Vicki G says
This looks like an inspiring book.
Sandy Klocinski says
I would love to read the book because I have an interest in Deaf culture. Struggle, love, and hope are universal. I keep hearing about this book and how great it is.
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EMMA L HORTON says
THIS SOUNDS LIKE A VERY MOVING AND LOVING STORY THAT I WOULD LIKE TO READ AND PASS ALONG TO MY NEIGHBOR
Marjorie Roy says
The storyline is one that will inspire anyone.
Leela says
It sounds like quite a journey. We have quite a few members in our family who are also deaf.
marnie ward says
As a birth mother I have never gotten over my loss. The right choice and I don’t regret what I needed to do for my child but your heart is for ever wounded. I like to read about wonderful lives adopted children have.
Sue Hull says
I like reading stories that are inspiring.This sounds like a wonderful story. Thank you for the chance 🙂
Kathryn says
sounds great !! love to read