Growing Up Deaf

by Rose Pizzo

This book is my life story. I am the only Deaf person in my hearing Italian family. I was surrounded by loving, chattering relatives I never understood. My school, P.S. 47 in NYC, was oral, but I learned American Sign Language (ASL) from older Deaf students. My husband, Vincent Pizzo, is Deaf; our children and grandchildren are hearing. I signed my story in ASL to my friend, Judy Jonas. She interpreted onto audiotape, then typed it. We worked together for over a year until it was right. Growing Up Deaf has short sections describing my different life experiences. Some parts are funny; others are sad and some reflect happy times in my life. You'll read about my struggles to communicate, make friends and have an independent life in New Jersey. Growing Up Deaf shows my frustrations and joys in two Deaf and hearing. When I grew up there were no interpreters in classrooms or TV closed captions. You will understand why American Sign Language (ASL) is so important to me. Enjoy learning about Deaf culture from an insider's perspective. Rose Pizzo; (2001) 131 pages; soft cover

Genres: Biography

132 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Kristy Lichtenfeld]

It's very good book. I would recommend to ASL Students so that can see Deaf perceptive side.

[Katie]

If I didn't HAVE to read it, I might never have...even though I've had my copy for 4 years. If I didn't HAVE to read it, I also wouldn't have finished it. Most disjointed piece of writing I've read maybe ever. (and that includes Catch-22 AND Slaughterhouse 5!) Luckily this was a very quick read.

[Tricia Seymour]

My boyfriend's mom is deaf and she gave me this to read so I could better understand what it is like for a deaf person to live in a hearing world. If you want to know more about the deaf community and their stuggles, read this book. It's a quick read too.

[Jacqueline115]

Met and chatted with the author. Pleased to sign my book, such a sweet woman. I read this book for Deaf Women Studies course.