This was so well done and I learned so much. The complexities of speech, language, and syntax; the debate within the deaf community between signing and lipreading/speaking/Cochlear implants; the additional burdens and hoops a deaf person must jump through to schedule interpreters for college classes; the challenge that COVID presented with masks--inability to read lips and muffled speech. Even though I don't currently have any deaf people in my circle, I've downloaded two apps in an attempt to learn at least some ASL.

An excellent read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ecco for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Publishes September 16, 2025.

I will start by saying I am hearing, but I can relatively comfortably converse in ASL.

I ended up DNFing this book. I felt immediately that the author was talking down to me. It felt almost like she was talking down to her parents for not being deaf and therefore not understanding her struggle.

I can’t even pretend like I know what it is or feels like to be deaf. I have participated in Deaf events, and everyone has always been wonderful. However, I do not want to be treated like the enemy when I’m just here to learn. I think the author has unique perspectives and a story to tell, but I wish it came from a place of education and community rather than haughtiness.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
5 stars
Rachel Kolb's Articulate insightfully explores how the label of "deaf"/"Deaf" has affected her and many others' lives and identities through social, cultural, and communal impacts and experiences. As a hearing individual who has never read directly from a deaf voice, I have personally gotten so much from this memoir and would highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of what or how much they already know about Deaf culture. Reading about her experience being a part of the ADA generation showed me a reality and time when accessibility and inclusion weren't immediately expected or enforced as it is today. As someone who was born in the early 2000s, it was sometimes shocking to read about some people's negative perspectives when it comes to communication utilized by individuals like ASL, a language that has always been included and thought was "cool" during my schooling. Regardless of age or previous knowledge, Articulate is a fantastic book to pick up and grow with.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Rarely do we get to learn what life is like day to day in someone’s shoes that is deaf so this book is very unique. I have a much better understanding of what life can be like for those that have to speak and hear differently. I’m left with a feeling of compassion for those people and I have to credit it to this book. This is a must read for everyone whether you can relate to the author or not. Truly an eye opening read!

"Articulate: A Memoir" by Rachel Kolb is a thought-provoking and beautifully written exploration of identity, language, and belonging. As a writer and editor who is deaf, Kolb reflects on her experiences navigating the complexities of communication, culture, and self-expression. With lyrical prose and insightful analysis, Kolb challenges readers to rethink assumptions about disability, identity, and the power of language. This memoir is a powerful and moving exploration of what it means to be articulate in a world that often marginalizes those who communicate differently. A compelling read for anyone interested in memoir, disability studies, and the human experience.