Hurt Go Happy

By: Ginny Rorby

Narrated by: Emily Bauer

Thirteen-year-old Joey Willis is used to being left out of conversations. Though she’s been deaf since the age of six, Joey’s mother has never allowed her to learn sign language. She strains to read the lips of those around her, but often fails.

Everything changes when Joey meets Dr. Charles Mansell and his baby chimpanzee, Sukari. Her new friends use sign language to communicate, and Joey secretly begins learning to sign. Spending time with Charlie and Sukari, Joey has never been happier. She even starts making friends at school for the first time. But as Joey’s world blooms with possibilities, Charlie and Sukari’s choices begin to narrow—until Sukari’s very survival is in doubt.

©2006 Ginny Rorby (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“This unusual and emotional story will intrigue animal lovers and those looking for a gripping family drama. The characters are well crafted…The novel is beautifully written and believable.” (VOYA)

“Has the potential to be a classic animal story with wide appeal…Rorby successfully gets to the core of a moving animal-human relationship; she conveys how sign language can liberate those unable to speak or hear.” (Kliatt)

My new favorite book!

This is the absolute best book I’ve read that hasn’t been made into a series. I learned to read at age 3, and my first chapter book was called The Magic Treehouse, which I began reading at age 6. I read every Harry Potter book and a month when I was 7. Now being a young teen, reading this book was a great choice on my part. After so many years of life, I am able to say that this is my favorite book ever. Anyways, I enjoyed the twists and turns and the seemingly well thought out relationships between characters. I loved how this was inspired by a true story. Honestly, I cried when at the end, because of the Epilogue. I definitely suggest this book to readers of all ages above 10. I just love it so much!

Delightful

Great story about the difference in generations are put together to bring joy to both. A wise man who has the heart of gold

Character Review

The relationship between mother and daughter never reaches resolution. It was too harsh of a tone in that respect.

This book is so good

Hurt go happy is an amazing book with many twists and turns. The plot is so unique and every time something intense happened I would need to read faster. Please read this book take it from me, a random dude.

Amazing Book

I read this book in grade school and it was my first introduction to Deaf/deaf and ASL. I was absolutely intrigued and I'm so thankful to have it as an audiobook! This is a story I want to share with my kids as well one day. I have since learned some ASL and plan to become fluent. The story is just so captivating and the narrator does a great job.