ABOUT the book
At the age of 10, Steve DiCesare begins a journey that will slowly reshape his world. In this unique and moving set of true short stories and letters to himself, he documents his experiences navigating the trials and unexpected gifts of hearing loss over the next four decades. He unabashedly shares his darkest moments and his triumphs, maintaining a keen sense of imagination and humor. Following a cochlear implant as an adult, Steve shifts from optimism to despair, resolve, victory and hope. In many ways it is a story of survival. The result is a remarkable exercise in self-discovery and self-healing. The stories provide life-affirming lessons, such as the importance of altering our mindset in the face of adversity. Dear Steve, You’re Going Deaf speaks to a wide variety of people—from the hearing to the hard of hearing; to members of the Deaf community and to those who love them. This book is also valuable for anyone struggling with a life-changing event.
Dear Steve, You're Going Deaf.
Steven DiCesare’s Dear Steve, You’re Going Deaf is an illuminating portrayal of the author’s hearing loss, which began in boyhood and results in his deafness. DiCesare details the challenges of work, fatherhood and his musicianship amidst his hearing troubles, and he mostly stays upbeat despite considerable obstacles.
The author’s wit, and heart, shine through in equal measure.
—Michael Malone, author of the novels Betsy Town and No Never No More
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“This book drew tears as well as laughter. Vividly and unabashedly, Steve DiCesare shares his experiences with hearing loss through entertaining stories and life-affirming letters. I was amazed at his ingenuity in creating music and solving problems as a deaf person in a hearing world and related to his torment around getting the cochlear implant.”
—Amy Gahran, author, Stepping Off the Relationship Escalator
“It's a special read.
Funny, reflective, articulate, authentic, descriptive, poignant.
It's a story of an incredible journey and the indomitable human spirit.”
—Carla White, teacher of the deaf
“Steve DiCesare zeroes in on the struggles Deaf people experience on a daily basis. Those who are hearing-impaired, such as myself, will relate, and the hearing will gain insights from it. The author is a gifted storyteller—likable, humble and funny—and you’ll find yourself rooting for him. Everyone can benefit from these inspirational and moving stories about how one man’s life was turned upside down and he still managed to land on his feet.”
—Josh Valentine, musician & writer
Download a free sample chapter from the book. Chapter 22 Under Houses