Brian Selznick's Wonderstruck

**Banjo** · 08-05-2011, 11:38 PM

Brian Selznick's upcoming novel, "Wonderstruck" features at least two Deaf characters. Carol Padden and Tom Humphries, two Deaf scholars helped the author fine-tune the experience of the Deaf Culture to ensure that it was true to the core. Ought to be interesting. In fact, I already pre-ordered it as soon as I found out.

Quote:

Got it. Okay, so also, in reading your acknowledgments, I thought, ‘Jeez, it takes a village to write a novel.’

It takes an entire city! There were a huge number of people who helped but that’s my favorite part of the work – the stories I’m telling lead me to research all these elements that I wouldn’t otherwise know about it. I’m constantly struck by people’s generosity. I’m interested in this weird obscure fact or finding out precisely how something looked 50 years ago and people are almost always willing to share what they know. That’s a wonderful thing. Many of the people at the Museum of Natural History provided invaluable help, as did so many people in Grand Marais (Minnesota], the closest town to the actual Gunflint Lake. Carol Padden and Tom Humphries from the University of California-San Diego, two of the leading Deaf scholars in the country, read my manuscript again and again and again to help me fine-tune the experience of the Deaf culture to make sure it was true to deaf people in general and to these two characters I was writing about. They were incredibly generous with their time and there was no way I could have written the book without them.

Where did the idea come from to include deaf characters?

I started what became Wonderstruck while I was still working on Hugo. I had been thinking about Deaf culture after seeing this really, really good documentary, Through Deaf Eyes, which is about the history of Deaf culture. There was a line about how the deaf are a “people of the eye.” Most of the ways they communicate is visually. To me, that was the perfect reason to tell a story about a deaf person through illustrations. I had met deaf people who told me the thing they liked most about Hugo was the silence. Even when you’re reading words, you hear those words in your head but telling a story through pictures, there’s a feeling of silence about that and they really liked that.

There’s also a line in the acknowledgments about being deaf in a hearing family and having to look for one’s culture outside of one’s biological family. This made me think about being gay in a heterosexual family.

Yep. That’s exactly the parallel I was thinking about. In Through Deaf Eyes, there was a young man raised by hearing parents. His parents were great, incredibly supportive, but it wasn’t until he got to college that he became aware he was part of a larger culture that had its own history he could share and be proud of. Growing up gay, there’s this exact parallel. And you don’t have to be deaf or gay to feel like you don’t belong to your own family. So many people have the experience of feeling that the family they were born into is not a good fit: An artist who is born into a family of non–artists, or a kid who is not interested in sports who is born into a family of athletes -- there are a million parallels for that situation. You have the family you’re born into but you have this need to meet other people who are uniquely like you. One of the things that people told me they were most moved by in Hugo was how he creates a new family for himself. That’s a truth for so many people. You leave your family and create a family for yourself that’s often a better fit. Wonderstruck is a more direct way of exploring that same theme.

Q & A with Brian Selznick

Some of you may be familiar with Brian Selznck's popular novel, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret", recently adapted as a film set to be released this year. The movie was directed by Martin Scorsese, marking it as his first children's movie.

**Banjo** · 08-06-2011, 11:29 AM

Okay, it's obvious enough that this thread is not generating any buzz at all. Hardly surprising at all. Over the years, I have observed that the habit of reading is something that is lacking in the deaf community. Yes, some like to read the newspapers, magazines, etc. However, reading novels is a whole different story. Yes, I know there are a number of deaf members here who do read on a frequent basis.

Over the years, whenever I bring up the subject of reading a novel, it's often quickly dismissed. I know very few deaf people who read novels and I mean very few. I have a better chance of getting people interested if I bring up a movie than I do with a novel. I know this is also a problem in the hearing community, but I have found that it is more common in the deaf community.

Maybe it's a touchy subject to bring up, but it's something that has always bothered me on a personal level. Maybe the best way to start a discussion on this subject is to ask why.

So… why?

jillio · 08-06-2011, 08:20 PM

Didn't you post on FB? I distinctly remember replying to it somewhere.

**Banjo** · 08-06-2011, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

Didn't you post on FB? I distinctly remember replying to it somewhere.

Yep, I posted it on FB.

**Beowulf** · 08-06-2011, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo

Okay, it's obvious enough that this thread is not generating any buzz at all. Hardly surprising at all. Over the years, I have observed that the habit of reading is something that is lacking in the deaf community. Yes, some like to read the newspapers, magazines, etc. However, reading novels is a whole different story. Yes, I know there are a number of deaf members here who do read on a frequent basis.

Over the years, whenever I bring up the subject of reading a novel, it's often quickly dismissed. I know very few deaf people who read novels and I mean very few. I have a better chance of getting people interested if I bring up a movie than I do with a novel. I know this is also a problem in the hearing community, but I have found that it is more common in the deaf community.

Maybe it's a touchy subject to bring up, but it's something that has always bothered me on a personal level. Maybe the best way to start a discussion on this subject is to ask why.

So… why?

This is the first time I have seen this thread, so don't feel bad.

It is a good question you ask, and I do not have any answer. Just so you know, I have just finished reading a book in one sitting, and I am not embarrassed by the fact it was a Perry Mason book by Gardner.

I read quite a few books over a wide variety of subjects, and like you, I feel if I post about reading something, it would get no more than a few yawns.
Oh well.

**Banjo** · 08-06-2011, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

This is the first time I have seen this thread, so don't feel bad.

It is a good question you ask, and I do not have any answer. Just so you know, I have just finished reading a book in one sitting, and I am not embarrassed by the fact it was a Perry Mason book by Gardner.

I read quite a few books over a wide variety of subjects, and like you, I feel if I post about reading something, it would get no more than a few yawns.
Oh well.

Ah, Perry Mason. I remember the TV show, but I've never read any of the books on Perry Mason.

So I'm not alone on this one then. Good to know.

**Beowulf** · 08-06-2011, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo

Ah, Perry Mason. I remember the TV show, but I've never read any of the books on Perry Mason.

So I'm not alone on this one then. Good to know.

Nope, you are not alone.
Just a few days ago I saw a really mean-looking black guy with tattoos and dreads reading a Harry Potter book. So there's hope for the world.

**Bottesini** · 08-06-2011, 08:48 PM

Wonderstruck seems like it is going to be different , if it is going to be half pictures .

I read novels, but I didn't find any interest in his first book.

Maybe I will read the new one when it comes out.

jillio · 08-06-2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo

Yep, I posted it on FB.

Whew! I haven't lost my mind after all!

**Banjo** · 08-06-2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

Wonderstruck seems like it is going to be different , if it is going to be half pictures .

I read novels, but I didn't find any interest in his first book.

Maybe I will read the new one when it comes out.

His books are more geared toward the children, however I did enjoy reading Hugo Cabret. I really liked the illustrations he did. It's a different way of telling a story. Like the expression, every picture tells a story.

From what I know, the next will be following the same format, at least 400 pages of illustrations.

**Banjo** · 08-06-2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

Nope, you are not alone.
Just a few days ago I saw a really mean-looking black guy with tattoos and dreads reading a Harry Potter book. So there's hope for the world.

Hmm, must had been Bubba.

jillio · 08-06-2011, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

This is the first time I have seen this thread, so don't feel bad.

It is a good question you ask, and I do not have any answer. Just so you know, I have just finished reading a book in one sitting, and I am not embarrassed by the fact it was a Perry Mason book by Gardner.

I read quite a few books over a wide variety of subjects, and like you, I feel if I post about reading something, it would get no more than a few yawns.
Oh well.

The way I look at it, it doesn't much matter what you read. Just that you read.

**Beowulf** · 08-06-2011, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo

Hmm, must had been Bubba.

Bubba Smith? He passed away a couple days ago.

**Beowulf** · 08-06-2011, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

The way I look at it, it doesn't much matter what you read. Just that you read.

Heck, even cereal boxes.

**Banjo** · 08-06-2011, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

Bubba Smith? He passed away a couple days ago.

I heard about his passing the other day. Somewhat sad since I always liked him in the Police Academy movies. He'll be missed.

**Banjo** · 08-06-2011, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

Heck, even cereal boxes.

Or the instructions on the barf bag on the plane.

**Beowulf** · 08-06-2011, 09:00 PM

I just remembered I did not read a book by Hermann Hesse. Woot!

jillio · 08-07-2011, 12:19 PM

If people did a little more reading, they would be able to see the connections between so many things that they deny currently. I find it very frustrating that so many people are unable to see things from a cross cultural and fluid perspective. And they seem to be very vocal in their ignorance.

Please, people. READ. THINK.

**Banjo** · 08-07-2011, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

If people did a little more reading, they would be able to see the connections between so many things that they deny currently. I find it very frustrating that so many people are unable to see things from a cross cultural and fluid perspective. And they seem to be very vocal in their ignorance.

Please, people. READ. THINK.

For instance?

Tousi · 08-07-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo

For instance?

Uh Oh!!

jillio · 08-07-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo

For instance?

Trying to get me into trouble, here!

For instance, the inability to apply concepts from sociology or anthropolgy or psychology to Deaf culture.

I am thinking specifically, right now, of the inability to see the connections between Nazi philosophies and eugenics as applied to the Deaf, and the unability to apply developmental psychology to the development of a Deaf identity.

**Banjo** · 08-07-2011, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

Trying to get me into trouble, here!

For instance, the inability to apply concepts from sociology or anthropolgy or psychology to Deaf culture.

I am thinking specifically, right now, of the inability to see the connections between Nazi philosophies and eugenics as applied to the Deaf, and the unability to apply developmental psychology to the development of a Deaf identity.

Ah-a, gotcha!

Yes, I know what you are referring to. Although I often try to steer clear of Godwin's Law, but sometimes we have to say it.

**Banjo** · 09-26-2011, 09:39 PM

Banjo's World: Wonderstruck!

**Bottesini** · 09-26-2011, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo

Banjo's World: Wonderstruck!

Interesting review you gave there. I will make it my next book purchase.

Buffalo · 09-26-2011, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

If people did a little more reading, they would be able to see the connections between so many things that they deny currently. I find it very frustrating that so many people are unable to see things from a cross cultural and fluid perspective. And they seem to be very vocal in their ignorance.

Please, people. READ. THINK.

I do see the harry potter books as a parallel to the deaf life. People are afraid of witches/warlocks so the witches/warlocks have to keep it low profile. Some people think it is cool to be a witch or warlock. The witches/warlocks attend a school of their own kind just like some of us attended a school for the deaf.

Do tell us what books you are talking about so I can check them out once you are back on AD.

Banjo, I will check out the Wonderstruck. Thanks for the head up.

**rivenoak** · 09-29-2011, 02:07 PM

Banjo,
thank you for this thread. I just ordered Wonderstruck from Amazon.

It'll be here Sat. and waiting for me to get home from camp. Can't wait to read it.

Buffalo · 10-08-2011, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalo

I do see the harry potter books as a parallel to the deaf life. People are afraid of witches/warlocks so the witches/warlocks have to keep it low profile. Some people think it is cool to be a witch or warlock. The witches/warlocks attend a school of their own kind just like some of us attended a school for the deaf.

You know what? A friend gave out this link at FaceBook. I am not the only one who see the parallels. Understanding Harry Potter: Parallels to the Deaf World

08-06-2011, 08:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
Bottesini Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 34,254 Blog Entries: 1	Wonderstruck seems like it is going to be different , if it is going to be half pictures . I read novels, but I didn't find any interest in his first book. Maybe I will read the new one when it comes out. __________________ ♥Owl Sock♥

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08-06-2011, 11:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
Banjo Expelled Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 11,650	Okay, it's obvious enough that this thread is not generating any buzz at all. Hardly surprising at all. Over the years, I have observed that the habit of reading is something that is lacking in the deaf community. Yes, some like to read the newspapers, magazines, etc. However, reading novels is a whole different story. Yes, I know there are a number of deaf members here who do read on a frequent basis. Over the years, whenever I bring up the subject of reading a novel, it's often quickly dismissed. I know very few deaf people who read novels and I mean very few. I have a better chance of getting people interested if I bring up a movie than I do with a novel. I know this is also a problem in the hearing community, but I have found that it is more common in the deaf community. Maybe it's a touchy subject to bring up, but it's something that has always bothered me on a personal level. Maybe the best way to start a discussion on this subject is to ask why. So… why?

08-06-2011, 08:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
jillio Banned Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 60,296	Didn't you post on FB? I distinctly remember replying to it somewhere.

08-06-2011, 09:00 PM	#17 (permalink)
Beowulf Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 10,486	I just remembered I did not read a book by Hermann Hesse. Woot!

08-07-2011, 12:19 PM	#18 (permalink)
jillio Banned Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 60,296	If people did a little more reading, they would be able to see the connections between so many things that they deny currently. I find it very frustrating that so many people are unable to see things from a cross cultural and fluid perspective. And they seem to be very vocal in their ignorance. Please, people. READ. THINK.

09-26-2011, 09:39 PM	#23 (permalink)
Banjo Expelled Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 11,650	Banjo's World: Wonderstruck!

09-29-2011, 02:07 PM	#26 (permalink)
rivenoak Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 150	Banjo, thank you for this thread. I just ordered Wonderstruck from Amazon. It'll be here Sat. and waiting for me to get home from camp. Can't wait to read it.