No Walls of Stone: An Anthology of Literature by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Writers

As a contributor to the book (short story, "Inner Ears"), my review obviously does not include my own work. This book is unique, edited by an anthropologist who was looking not for one story, but a compendium of views and feelings of many people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Jill Jepsen (editor) looks not at a "deaf culture" but at many experiences with deafness, a generous decision. Some deaf people live with signing, others with hearing aids and other mechanical devices, some with tinnitus and some without. Jepsen knows there is no ONE deaf culture, but many individuals who experience their handicap by fight or flight. Helen Keller said if she could have one sense back it would be hearing--blindness separates one from things; hearing separates one from people. Keller's view threads this anthology: the separation from people is the hardest part of deafness. This anthology is a remarkable compilation, in my humble opinion.