Of Sound Mind - Softcover

Ferris, Jean

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0374455848 ISBN 13: 9780374455842

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 2004

Synopsis

A poignant novel partially set in a world of silence

High school senior Theo is fluent in two languages: spoken English and sign. His parents and brother, Jeremy, are deaf, but Theo can hear, which has over the years cast him in the role of interpreter for his family. Unfortunately, it's not a welcome duty, especially in the case of his mother, Palma. She is a successful sculptor who, being deeply suspicious of "hearies," expects Theo to act as her business manager. And Jeremy relies on Theo for company and homework help. It's become especially frustrating lately because Theo has met a fascinating new girl at school, Ivy, with whom he wants to spend as much time as possible. Theo's father, Thomas, is the only one who has never burdened him, but that changes when Thomas has a stroke. Palma, frightened and self-absorbed, cannot bring herself to nurse her husband, leaving Theo with the full burden to bear. But with the help of Ivy and some of her friends, Theo is finally able to change his family's dynamics and find time to plan his future.

About this title

Review:

Jean Ferris gives the tried-and-true coming-of-age story an unusual and refreshing twist with this young adult novel about a high school senior who is the only "hearie" in his deaf family. Frustrated daily by his family's demands and depressed by the silence that dominates his house, Theo seeks solace with thoughtful, purple-haired Ivy. Ivy, also the hearing child of a deaf parent, understands better than anyone what Theo is going through. But after his dad suffers a stroke, Theo fears that his wants and needs, especially concerning Ivy and college, will be swallowed whole by the responsibility of caring for his egotistical artist mom and clingy younger brother. Does Theo have the strength to change his fate? By turns both comical and gut-wrenching, Of Sound Mind joins the ranks of other stellar quirky teen boy novels like Rats Saw God and Tribute to Another Dead Rock Star. (Ages 12 and older) --Jennifer Hubert

About the Author:

Jean Ferris is the author of many novels for young people, including Bad, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. She lives in Coronado, California.

About this edition

• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0374455848
• ISBN 13: 9780374455842
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224