Here are some comments from a few of the
folks who’ve read my book, “MindField”:

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed Mindfield. The story is a compelling tale that puts a unique spin on terrorism. It really made me think about what would happen should a large part of the population go suddenly deaf and how everyone would react to this situation.

Most of the entertainmnet we see or read regarding deaf people shows them as token handicapped characters. By contrast, your book portrays deaf people as sensitive heroes that are not handicapped at all! I hope many people get a chance to read Mindfield, because the story really brings to light the way the hearing world views deaf culture.
Eric Rankin, Writer

My name is Julie Storck and I am a student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, as well as a tutor for the American Sign Language department there. I recently read the MindField and would like to encourage others to take the time to do the same. MindField enlightens the world of Deaf and hearing culture without any “preachy” undertones.

I like that the author chose to write a fictional book to express his views. It allows the reader to truly become engaged in the subject. One doesn’t even realize that they are learning while they enjoy reading this novel.

I think the best part of this book is that it allows the reader to question his or her current way of thinking. A hearing reader may begin to realize how much hearing individuals and organizations rely on hearing. As many individuals in this book become deaf questions start to arise such as “how would I feel if I was deaf?”, “would I be limited?”, “how would I communicate with family and friends?”, “how would I want others to treat and view me?”. I think these are all important questions so that one may come to a better understanding and respect for Deaf culture.

MindField also displays some of the techniques hearing individuals use to “improve” deaf people. American Sign Language, although becoming more popular, was often shunned and oral education and other “cures” pressed upon individuals. Even in times of emergency when much of the population in this book was becoming deaf, no deaf individuals were included in the “recovery process”. What a perfect resource…left untouched. Issues like this are addressed indirectly throughout the story.

MindField is filled with suspense and enjoyment while still addressing an important issue. Enjoy!
Julie Storck

I just finished your book and I loved it. Thank you so much for the book, I will give it to my wife to read next.
Kirk Boyer

What a great story it turned out to be! CONGRATS. We will need to continue to find ways to broaden this project so we have hundreds of you around the U.S. Thank you very much!
Larry Bos

John Egbert’s MindField is a must read novel. Some of the best and boldest writing about what if our nation turned deaf? Hilarious and relevant, full of political games and yet passionately honest, this book represents the best of contemporary Deaf literature.

I sat on the edge of my chair, immersing myself in everything in it. All roads in this book lead to The White House where they get educated about the language and culture of the Deaf, namely, American Sign Language, and its communication antitheses. Imagine listening to this media presentation: “Most of you are newly deaf.”

From Audism to Oralism, John Egbert introduces numerous stereotypical terms not found in contemporary dictionaries and encyclopedia. No one’s ever written this way about the real Deaf world before. Maybe it was because no one’s ever understood.
Carl Schroeder, Owner of Kalalau’s Korner

Hi - I got your autographed book as a Christmas gift from my parents, Bonnie Jo and Steve Gemmill. Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know I really enjoyed your book. Just finished it this morning. Grin. Hope you will write more of the same - I’m a sucker for conspiracy theories.
Stevie Naeyaert

Posted on August 19th, 2007 by egbertpress
Filed under: Uncategorized