My 2026 Reads
Although my 2025 reading goals weren’t completely met, I accomplished more than not! I have been in a standoff with the rest of my psycho-ed shelf sitters because my love for fiction really took off in 2025. I still did not buy any new books in 2025 and I finished 45 physical books. Any of those that were psycho-ed or memoirs can of course be found in the 2025 review tab. I hit a bit of a burnout with reading in general over the Summer during my fantasy series. That’s what 600+ page books will do to me. However, I’m hopeful that I will gain momentum once again. My goals are renewed to finish the shelf sitters in my office and to continue reading fiction and memoirs that inspire me. I haven’t set a number goal for this year because it doesn’t feel right for this year. More to be revealed for this year’s reading journey!
Deaf Utopia
This memoir caught my eye in the library because of my partial deafness. As a result of a medical procedure in 2020, I completely lost hearing in my left ear. I am fortunate to have hearing in my right ear, but this experience has drawn me to learning more about Deaf folks. In DiMarco’s memoir, he educates his audience on the history of deaf education in the United States and the prejudices that Deaf folks experience regularly. The 1880 Milan Conference designated oralism as preferred form of education over signing which paved the way for the next century of deaf education to be frustrating. Luckily our nation has come a long way in ethics and advocacy to allow for Deaf folks to claim their right to signing. It is unfair to assume that a Deaf person can read lips…they would prefer to communicate with pen and paper with a hearing person. I have learned more about how ASL is structured and it inspires me to follow through with my goal of learning ASL one day. DiMarco also opens up about his experience being in the LGBTQ+ community which is inspiring to learn about. This is a story of pride and resiliency.