From Writer's Digest

                     2018, Judge 29

 Author Susan Langlois draws us into the story with sound, which is vital and effective throughout the book. She paints sound as a connection, and we are indeed connected to the author’s experience from the start. So much so that we begin assessing our own relationship with sound and with the voices of those we love. It was tremendously moving that the author captured her son’s voice as being so different from how he sounded when she first started losing her hearing. We imagine how we would fare in that same situation. Pace is glorious here. Author has a stellar talent for structuring her story, knowing just when to turn the dial for forward motion, never leaving us wanting more. Some gorgeous phrasing throughout: “despair is the birth of faith and hope” was especially resonant. Very well done. Author’s description of being able to feel music in her fingertips is another fine example of sharing the sensory so that the reader can relate well. Dialogue is written with excellence, as author wisely provides movement, extension, gestures and connection in many dialogue scenes. I appreciated moments when the author inserted pauses and cautiously-delivered dialogue to reflect emotion and comfort or discomfort. Well done. Author has a true talent for layering dialogue scenes. Perfect timing in delivering us back to the implant scene ¾ through the book. Timing is especially effective here, and we’re more than able to reconnect to that scene with greater depth. I loved the repetition of “this is the best day of my life!” throughout the book, an inspiring message that also shows off the author’s positivity and gratitude. This is far beyond a book about overcoming a disability or limitation. It’s an encompassing narrative that layers the love and support of family whose voices count, heard or unheard, in the unspooling of our own gifts. Very well done.