TRAIN GO SORRY: Inside a Deaf World

TRAIN GO SORRY: Inside a Deaf World

Publisher
Vintage
Published
1995
Pages
296
ISBN-13
9780679761655
Format
other
Language
English

TRAIN GO SORRY: Inside a Deaf World Cohen, Leah Hager [Used - Fair] [Softcover]

Book Summary
Leah Hager Cohen's TRAIN GO SORRY is a candid, immersive memoir of her years as a hearing child in a Deaf world. Blending personal recollection with cultural insight, it explores language, identity, and belonging. This used Fair softcover edition offers an authentic, eye-opening read for anyone curious about Deaf culture and the complexities of communication.
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About TRAIN GO SORRY: Inside a Deaf World

In TRAIN GO SORRY, Leah Hager Cohen recounts her childhood as a hearing daughter of Deaf parents, moving between the hearing and Deaf worlds with unusual fluency. The title comes from a childhood misunderstanding—she thought the train announcement 'Train go sorry' meant the train was apologizing—and becomes a metaphor for the gaps and miscommunications between cultures. Cohen interweaves her family's story with the lives of students and staff at a school for the Deaf, offering a richly textured portrait of a community often misunderstood by outsiders. First published in 1994, the book remains a classic of disability memoir and cultural reportage, praised for its honesty and empathy. This used Fair softcover edition is complete and readable, though it may show signs of wear.

Who should read TRAIN GO SORRY: Inside a Deaf World?

This book is essential for readers interested in Deaf culture, disability studies, and memoirs of family and identity. It will resonate with hearing children of Deaf adults (CODAs), educators, and anyone who has navigated between two languages or cultures. Book clubs will find rich material for discussion, and students of sociology or communication will appreciate its firsthand perspective. General memoir readers seeking a compassionate, well-told story will also be moved.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • ✓ Offers rare insider perspective on Deaf culture from a hearing child's viewpoint
  • ✓ Beautifully written, with vivid anecdotes and emotional depth
  • ✓ Challenges common misconceptions about Deafness and communication
  • ✓ Balances personal memoir with broader social and educational insights
  • ✓ Includes memorable characters and a strong sense of place
Cons
  • ✗ Some readers may find the narrative structure meandering
  • ✗ Published in 1994, so some cultural references and terminology may feel dated
  • ✗ Focus on one school and family limits broader representation
  • ✗ Emotional intensity may be heavy for some readers
  • ✗ Used Fair condition means possible wear, markings, or aging
Frequently asked questions
Is this book a memoir or a study of Deaf culture?
It is both: a personal memoir of growing up with Deaf parents and a journalistic exploration of the Deaf community, particularly through the lens of a school for the Deaf.
What does the title 'Train Go Sorry' mean?
It comes from a childhood misunderstanding: the author thought the subway announcement 'Train go sorry' meant the train was apologizing, which became a metaphor for miscommunication between Deaf and hearing worlds.
Is this edition suitable for a book club?
Yes, the book raises many discussion-worthy themes about language, identity, family, and education, and this used Fair softcover is affordable for group reading.
What condition is this used copy in?
It is listed as Used - Fair, meaning it is readable but may show significant wear, such as creasing, markings, or a worn cover.
Does the book include any updates or a new introduction?
This is a standard softcover edition; it does not include later updates or a new introduction unless specified by the seller.

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