Reviewing Hits Different: ‘True Self-Love Really Does Hit Different’
Hello, I'm Ciara, a 20-year-old content creator and disability activist with profound hearing loss, cerebral palsy, autism, and a wheelchair user. I’m passionate about raising awareness and fostering a community for those navigating an inaccessible world. Recently, I read Hits Different, a poignant book by Tasha Ghouri and Lizzie Huxley-Jones that explores self-love and disability. This book resonated with me deeply, not only for its themes but also for its rare and authentic portrayal of a deaf woman navigating the complexities of love and life.
Introduction to Hits Different
The story of Hits Different revolves around Cassie, a talented dancer who is deaf. It delves into Cassie's journey toward self-acceptance and self-love. I appreciate the increased representation of disability in literature and the importance of positive love stories like this one. In my review, I’ll discuss how Hits Different skillfully explores the nuances of disability and the universal pursuit of self-empowerment.
Cassie's Journey and Challenges
In Hits Different, we meet Cassie, a young deaf woman with a hidden passion for dance. Dance is more than a hobby for Cassie; it’s where she feels most like herself, embracing a freedom that eludes her in other aspects of life. Despite her love for dance, she is stuck in a mundane, minimum-wage job, and her relationship with Mason, her ableist boyfriend, further complicates her life. Mason’s behaviour reinforces a troubling theme that many disabled women face: the feeling of being a burden to non-disabled partners. His neglect is particularly evident in his failure to meet Cassie’s family—he didn’t even attend her going-away party, making no effort to connect with the most important people in her life. His subtle undermining exacerbates Cassie’s imposter syndrome, making her question her worthiness in pursuing her dance dreams.
The Role of Pen and New Beginnings
Amidst these challenges, Cassie’s best friend, Pen, emerges as a crucial source of support. Pen’s unwavering belief in Cassie’s talent leads them to push Cassie’s name forward for a high-profile dance opportunity. This pivotal moment showcases Cassie’s passion and internal and external battles—her love for dance versus the voice inside her (and Mason) telling her she isn’t good enough. Pen’s support contrasts sharply with Mason’s negativity, highlighting the power of genuine friendship and self-belief.
Relationships and Personal Growth
As the story progresses, we see the stark contrast between Cassie’s toxic relationship with Mason and her interactions with others. Cassie’s flatmates each bring their challenges and perspectives. A notable moment occurs when Cassie forgets to mention her deafness to Tyra, a flatmate with epilepsy. Tyra’s misunderstanding leads to an awkward but crucial conversation about disabilities and disclosure. This incident reflects Cassie’s frustration with societal assumptions and her struggle to control how her disability is perceived.
Levi’s Support and the Power of Understanding
In a moment of anxiety, Levi reappears in Cassie's life. After a distressing incident where Cassie panics over potential damage to her cochlear implant, she seeks solace at the beach. Levi finds her there, offering calm and understanding during her vulnerable state. His revelation that he works for Rosa, the singer Cassie is dancing for, adds depth to his character and demonstrates a connection to Cassie’s world.
Levi's sincere efforts to understand and support Cassie starkly contrast Mason's neglect. He even converses with her using sign language, which contrasts with Mason, who has never bothered to learn her first language. Right at the beginning, this considerate act from Levi plants seeds of realisation within Cassie about the deficiencies in her relationship with Mason. Levi's respectful and inclusive demeanour highlights what Cassie has been missing and sets the stage for her internal struggle and desire for change. This moment also resonates deeply with me, mirroring my friends' relationship. Both partners are passionate about accommodating and supporting each other in ways that go beyond the superficial.
A memorable scene unfolds when Cassie’s cochlear implant batteries get wet, leaving her without a backup. In a rush to help, Pen retrieves Levi’s keys to fetch spares, only for Levi to produce a pack of backup batteries he has on hand. This small but profound gesture reflects Levi’s deep care and commitment, mirroring the support I see in my friends’ relationships. His willingness to educate himself and provide unconditional support sets a high standard for what partnerships should aspire to be.