MOM DAD NOT HEAR

Carolan offers empowering leadership lessons as a Child of Deaf Adults.

The responsibilities of adulthood came quickly to the author, the son of a Deaf mother and father growing up in Saginaw, Michigan, in the 1980s. Some of Carolan’s earliest memories involve serving as an interpreter for his parents, bridging Deaf and hearing communities and learning from both along the way. From facilitating family appointments and important negotiations to smoothing over day-to-day misunderstandings, Carolan discovered strategies for success and communication that are often overlooked in our daily lives. The author has distilled the wisdom he gained into a collection of thirty lessons—one for each day of the month—and grouped them into sections dedicated to Leadership, Life, and Love. Highly relevant to both Deaf and hearing readers, these lessons include advice on managing finances, resisting distractions, betting on yourself, managing criticism, and embracing advocacy. These lessons are supported by fascinating and frequently humorous observations from Carolan’s lived experience (“My father often reminded me that being Deaf doesn’t make you dumb, but it sure can make those around you seem dumb and dumber”) and are listed in summary sections for quick review. Designed to be a practical guide, this easy-to-follow book offers actionable guidance to readers at all stages of their journey. Filled with real-life wisdom, the book derives its title from an encounter with law enforcement that Carolan experienced at only 4 years old; other anecdotes include a well-meaning waitress proudly presenting Carolan’s deaf parents with a braille menu. While such experiences may instill cynicism in some children, Carolan’s tone is always uplifting, emphasizing the good that arises from improved communication and maximizing one’s personal potential. A testament to continued growth, Carolan’s book offers leadership guidance that’s practical, enjoyable, and thoroughly authentic.

Carolan reminds readers that we all have the power to be someone’s superhero.