Suitabook

The Words in My Hands

Asphyxia

Reading: Read alongside the visual details rather than treating them as decoration. Pause after the environmental or access-related material to ask what the book is explaining, what it is urging readers to value, and whose perspective remains less visible.
Themes: Deaf identity and belonging: Piper is Deaf and raised orally; Marley introduces her to Australian Sign Language and to his Deaf mother, prompting questions about identity, language and belonging. The book presents this favourably.
Environmental and political pressure: In a near-future Australia, Organicore dominates food provision and propaganda; Piper responds to scarcity by learning to grow food, with practical composting and garden ideas included. The corporate food system and political situation are presented critically, while growing food and community action are given constructive attention.
Harm, access and relationships: The story includes Deaf interactions with the police and a friend in an abusive relationship, alongside changing relationships between Piper, Marley and the wider hearing and Deaf communities. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
Worth knowing: Give attention to the book’s treatment of Deaf and hearing worlds, especially how Piper’s oral upbringing contrasts with Marley’s signing Deaf family. It also touches on police interactions, food insecurity and a friend’s abusive relationship.