by Nyle DiMarco
First published 2022
Nyle DiMarco opens his story at a Queens hospital where he "failed" his first hearing test, bringing joy to his Deaf parents who welcomed another Deaf child into their multi-generational Italian-American family. DiMarco traces his path from a boisterous childhood in Queens through his college years as a math major and athlete at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. He describes his leap into entertainment, competing on America's Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars, winning both reality competitions. DiMarco weaves together stories from his own life with those of his Deaf twin, parents, brothers, and grandparents, showing how they navigated a world designed for hearing people. The memoir doubles as a celebration of Deaf culture and American Sign Language, DiMarco's primary language. Through both heartbreaking and humorous episodes, he reveals the unique experiences of the Deaf community while building a case for the beauty and richness of Deaf culture.
Genres: family, autobiography, memoir, non-fiction, biography-memoir, disability
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, overcoming-adversity
Setting: Gallaudet University, Queens
Period: 21st Century
317 pages · Hardcover · William Morrow