Train Go Sorry: Inside a Deaf World

Train Go Sorry follows life inside the Lexington School for the Deaf in New York City during the early 1990s. Author Leah Hager Cohen, who grew up at the school where her father was superintendent, documents a year in the institution's history while exploring her own connection to the Deaf community. The narrative centers on two students at different stages of their education: Sofia, a teenage immigrant from Russia, and James, who is approaching graduation. Through their experiences, Cohen captures the day-to-day reality of Deaf education, communication barriers, and cultural identity formation. The book examines major developments in Deaf culture and education, including the rise of American Sign Language, the debate over cochlear implants, and changing attitudes toward deafness in American society. Cohen incorporates historical context about the school's evolution since its founding in 1864, as well as insights into Deaf customs, humor, and social dynamics. This intimate portrait reveals universal themes about belonging, language, and the human drive to connect across differences. The book challenges assumptions about disability while highlighting the richness of Deaf culture and community.

Readers appreciate Cohen's immersive reporting and personal connection to the deaf community through her father's work at the Lexington School for the Deaf. Many note her skill in weaving together multiple student stories while explaining deaf culture and education debates. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear explanations of ASL and deaf culture for hearing readers - Authentic portrayal of students' daily experiences - Balanced discussion of oral vs. signing approaches Common criticisms: - Narrative sometimes loses focus between different storylines - Technical language can be dense for general readers - Some feel it leans too heavily on individual student stories Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,089 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (54 ratings) One reader noted: "Cohen manages to be both objective reporter and compassionate insider." Another wrote: "The technical linguistics sections slowed the pace, but the student stories kept me invested."

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🎯 Author Leah Hager Cohen grew up as a hearing person in New York's Lexington School for the Deaf, where her father served as superintendent. 🌟 The book's title "Train Go Sorry" is a direct translation of an American Sign Language (ASL) expression meaning "you missed the boat" or "you're too late." 🎭 The narrative follows two students, James and Sofia, through their final year at Lexington School, offering intimate portraits of their experiences navigating both deaf and hearing worlds. 📚 The school depicted in the book, Lexington School for the Deaf, was founded in 1864 and remains one of the oldest schools for the deaf in the United States. 🤝 Throughout the book, Cohen explores the fierce debate within the Deaf community between those who advocate for ASL-only education and those who support incorporating oral methods of communication.