Title: Signs
Author: Anna Martin
Genre: Contemporary, New Adult
Length: Novel (195 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (20 Mar 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: After spending most of his life in special schools, Caleb Stone now faces public high school in his senior year, a prospect that both excites him and threatens to overwhelm his social anxiety. As a deaf teenager, he’s closed himself off to the world. He speaks a shorthand with his parents and even finds it hard to use American Sign Language with people in his local deaf community. But Caleb finds comfort in his love of photography. Everything he can’t express in real life, he posts on his Tumblr.
Struggling to reconcile his resentment for his father’s cruelty with the grief of losing a parent, Luc Le Bautillier scrolls through Tumblr searching for someone who might understand his goth look and effeminate nature. When Luc reblogs a photo by Caleb, sparking a conversation, they both find it easier to make friends online than in person.
Luc and Caleb confront their fears about the opinions of the outside world to meet in New York City. Despite Caleb’s increasing confidence, his parents worry he’s not ready for the trials ahead. But communication comes in many forms—when you learn the signs.
ISBN:978-1-63216-811-5
Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Reviewer: Prime
Review: This is one real heart warming story. This is the story of two young men, recently turned 18 and starting to think about college and the future. They meet online by chance and beautiful relationship blossoms. Much of the story is told from Luc’s side. He’s a native New Yorker with a complicated home life, though he loves his big sister and she supports him throughout. Then there is Caleb, he lives somewhere in or about Boston – he may be deaf but he is also a gifted photographer. Caleb is also blessed with amazing parents.
This is just sweet and simple: its two boys growing up into men with their own set of complications, as well as these boys getting to know each other and falling in love. I really loved both MCs and they were easily relatable and felt real. I really loved who Anna Martin was able to articulate Caleb, which I am certain is more than tricky when he communicates only using American Sign Language. This is also a whole major thread of the book and it really does show that love is a fantastic motivator and that angst isn’t a requirement of a young adult story. Best of all, there is a happily ever after!
This is an excellent read and not just for young adults, anyone can enjoy this one. I think everyone at some stage feels like a Caleb yearning for their Luc (of course, not in the literal sense!).