I've got to give props to Nyle DiMarco. I literally paused the audiobook halfway to binge-watch the entire season 22 of America's Next Top Model out of curiosity. Well-done.

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As far as celebrity memoirs go, this book isn't too revolutionary or impressive. However, I will say that Deaf Utopia serves as an excellent introduction into the Deaf community and their culture. It's a valuable, non-intimidating read that may be a little too repetitive (at times) but also highlights great points on inclusivity, ASL as a real language, and everyone's right to accessible communication.

There are numerous limitations with this memoir, especially since a lot of it is anchored to Nyle DiMarco's experiences on reality TV. While I personally enjoyed the behind-the-scenes tidbits regarding both shows (America's Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars), I can understand other reviewers' criticism on the book's choppiness in writing and limited depth in certain discussions or arguments made in the text. However, I think that these flaws were heavily outweighed by DiMarco's enthusiasm, optimism, and unwavering, heartfelt commitment to the Deaf community. He's done amazing, awe-inspiring work and continues to do so.

My only reservation with this book is that, in questioning and exploring his sexuality, there are a few offhand comments made in the text that require further inspection and may be jarring to queer readers. I personally didn't find them to be problematic or harmful, but I do believe that prospective queer consumers deserve a quick heads up.

At the end of the day, this isn't academic writing - and I don't think that this book's intention is to provide readers with a graduate degree in Deafness and Deaf Inclusivity. (Marginalized folks don't exist to educate, btw.) Instead, as clearly explained by the title, Deaf Utopia is very much a love letter - and an endearingly genuine one at that.

Recommended with caution.