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The Transcriber
Louis's sister, Emily, is blind. She’s also in the marching band, sculpts, and has the biggest bedroom in the house to accommodate her Braille machine. Everyone thinks her accomplishments are extraordinary, and most think that she can do no wrong. The single person who doesn't feel awe--or pity--for her is Louis, who wishes people would just stop comparing them. He wants his own life. Only a family tragedy can begin to bridge the widening gap between brother and sister. Part of the Gemma Open Door Series, originally designed for new readers, these books confirm the truth that a story doesn't have to be big to change the world. The Transcriber is specifically created for young adult readers.
- GenresFiction
100 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 9, 2022
I stumbled upon these tiny books when receiving new additions to the collection at the public library where I work. How did I never know about the Open Door series?! Gemma Media has released "early reader" type books for adults. The subject material is adult, with complex ideas and interesting characters. However, the format does all it can to make itself approachable.These books are about the size of a pamphlet with large text and wide margins. Attempting to make yourself unintimidating could also come across as condescending, but that is not the case with this series. These books are perfect for adults new to the language who want to become more comfortable with English. Really, these are books open to anyone who wants to improve their reading and needs a good place to start without compromising on subject material.
I originally chose The Transcriber since it is from the POV of the younger brother of a blind girl. The books opens a stark discussion of disability and the absurdity of an ableist society. I can't recommend it highly enough!
I originally chose The Transcriber since it is from the POV of the younger brother of a blind girl. The books opens a stark discussion of disability and the absurdity of an ableist society. I can't recommend it highly enough!
November 2, 2020
The Transcriber is a wonderful book that captures the nuance, humor, and heart of childhood and growing up. Kristen Witucki covers so much ground in this book—family, disability, illness, sibling relationships, ableism, and more—yet does so with such swiftness and grace, you don’t even realize how much real-life space you have traversed until you step back and marvel at the whole project.
September 17, 2024
Absolutely loved it. So sad though! I wasn't expecting that. Growing up with the author gave me a bit of a cheat when reading this book, which is heavily autobiographical, but the changes made to tell the story and the perspectives.... well done Kristen. Can't wait to read more!
March 1, 2022
Both a mystery and a romance; but not a typical romance. There's a bad marriage and a drug murder and the romance doesn't end up in forever! the audio reader was good.
June 21, 2016
Disclosure: the author is a friend of mine.
Because this book is in a series geared toward increasing young adult / adult literacy, it's shorter than usual and the plot and writing are somewhat simpler, even compared to the average young adult book. There's definitely still a lot to appreciate, though. Witucki has an impressive ear for language, and, while it would definitely be readable by a struggling reader, the writing doesn't come across as stilted or overly simplified, which I found very impressive. The plot might not contain as much as usual in the way of concrete incidents, but there's still a lot packed into such a small space, particularly in terms of characterization and psychology. The narrator is a vivid character with a very strong voice, and his and his family's struggles with his sister's blindness and other issues are well realized, which is impressive in so short a work. The narrative voice is a blend of humor, sarcasm, and grappling with serious issues. I laughed at times and was moved at others.
While there are few other characters in the book and they are all seen through the narrator's eyes to an even greater extent than is usually the case, they still come through as distinct. What I most appreciated about the book is the matter-of-fact and insightful way it approached disability issues. There's only as much explaining done as is necessary, because the book is less about "a person with a disability" than it is about a family that happens to have a person with a disability in it. True, Emily's blindness is a major thread in the book, but the author makes it fairly clear that that's not all that's important. Again, for a book this short, that's very impressive.
I think Witucki did great work here, especially considering the constraints of format and audience. I'll definitely be looking for more of her work. And I'd definitely recommend this book to teachers or parents of young adults with reading difficulties or as a resource for some education about blindness.
Because this book is in a series geared toward increasing young adult / adult literacy, it's shorter than usual and the plot and writing are somewhat simpler, even compared to the average young adult book. There's definitely still a lot to appreciate, though. Witucki has an impressive ear for language, and, while it would definitely be readable by a struggling reader, the writing doesn't come across as stilted or overly simplified, which I found very impressive. The plot might not contain as much as usual in the way of concrete incidents, but there's still a lot packed into such a small space, particularly in terms of characterization and psychology. The narrator is a vivid character with a very strong voice, and his and his family's struggles with his sister's blindness and other issues are well realized, which is impressive in so short a work. The narrative voice is a blend of humor, sarcasm, and grappling with serious issues. I laughed at times and was moved at others.
While there are few other characters in the book and they are all seen through the narrator's eyes to an even greater extent than is usually the case, they still come through as distinct. What I most appreciated about the book is the matter-of-fact and insightful way it approached disability issues. There's only as much explaining done as is necessary, because the book is less about "a person with a disability" than it is about a family that happens to have a person with a disability in it. True, Emily's blindness is a major thread in the book, but the author makes it fairly clear that that's not all that's important. Again, for a book this short, that's very impressive.
I think Witucki did great work here, especially considering the constraints of format and audience. I'll definitely be looking for more of her work. And I'd definitely recommend this book to teachers or parents of young adults with reading difficulties or as a resource for some education about blindness.
March 1, 2018
For sighted people it is hard to imagine the life of a person that is blind since birth. Not only does Kristen succeed at giving us a fair idea, but she also creates a completely convincing sighted protagonist to do so. Brilliant move! This I call harnessing the small miracles of fiction. I'm very much looking forward to the next book, "Outside Myself".
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February 20, 2013I liked the book. I went to high school with the author so I pictured her as the main character and her home as the setting. I don't know if she was going for that or not. But as always, I am so impressed with her work.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews