Uhlberg, Myron. Hands of My Father: A Hearing Boy, His Deaf Parents, and the Language of Love

Uhlberg, Myron. Hands of My Father: A Hearing Boy, His Deaf Parents, and the Language of Love
Random House/Knopf/Anchor/Three Rivers 2009 230p 23.00 978-0-553-80688-5 ms/hs

Children’s author tells the story of growing up as the hearing son of deaf parents and the trials, tribulations, and loving memories of being an emissary to the hearing world for his parents. Uhlberg tales evoke not only his life in the 1940 and 50’s, but the hearing world’s prejudices towards deaf people during that time. The expressiveness of his father’s signing as well as his love and devotion to his family and the struggle to provide for them will bring tears of sadness and joy to the reader’s eyes. Uhlberg, an award winning children’s author, tells the story of growing up as the hearing son of deaf parents. He relates the trials, tribulations, and loving memories of being an emissary to the hearing world for his deaf parents. From the age of five, Uhlberg had to be the intermediary between both worlds, a huge job for a small child. Although he is often ashamed of his parents for being deaf, it is because the hearing people exhibit extreme prejudice towards deaf people during the 1940’s and 1950’s. When Uhlberg’s younger brother becomes epileptic, his burden becomes heavier as he has to be a caretaker for him as well for a while. There are humorous parts also, like when Uhlberg has to mime the Joe Louis fight for his father that is being broadcast over the radio or interpret between his parents and his teacher on report card night. Although Uhlberg’s parents depended on him for many things, they also loved him very much and provided a good, loving and solid family life. Uhlberg’s love for his parents is evident in his writing, especially when he describes his father’s expressive signing, his curiosity about things, and is affection for his family. Readers may experience both laughter and tears as they read this memoir. This book would be an excellent addition to both middle and high school libraries. Tina Weinraub