The Lip Reader: A Novel About Love and Courage

In 2004 I wrote an inspirational essay about my fiancé, Jila. At the time, I had known her for five years and was impressed with her loving nature and devotion to family. Growing up deaf and Jewish in Iran would have been difficult for anyone, but Jila didn’t become bitter or angry. She provided love and guidance for her younger siblings and a trail of friends and relatives who respected her. The essay reported on all this and the hardships Jila faced and how she persevered. I entered the essay into the 74^th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and won first place and $1000. 

I knew there was a novel ready to jump out of that essay, but it would have to wait. At that time in my writing career, I was writing articles for magazines, developing the Koolura Series, and working on a book that one day would be entitled, Goodbye, Tchaikovsky, a novel about deafness. It wasn’t until after Jila’s death after a five-year battle with colon cancer did I begin to think about writing her life story. 

My lawyer daughter warned me to change all the names, which I did. I figured I’d also fictionalize Jila’s (now Zhila) story to make the novel more engaging for my readers, but throughout, I kept the tale in line with Jila’s personality and her overwhelming kindness to others. After four years and buckets of tears, the first draft of The Lip Reader was complete. It took another year for an editor to condense the original 300 down to 250 pages. I also had to find an agent for representation and or a publisher. 

Finding an agent is like trying to find a nugget of gold in the flood control channel known as the Los Angeles River. After contacting close to 75 agents and rejected by 35 of them (the others didn’t bother responding) I also looked for a publisher. I lucked out when I found Paper Angel Press. Their email acceptance explained why they gave the nod to The Lip Reader:

The Paper Angel Press Acquisitions Editor wrote: It’s so vivid, so earnest, so honest, so full of love and luminous intelligence, so lacking in mean spirit even as it treats some of the deepest horrors of life with total clarity and resolution. I’m not ashamed to say that even this much-scarred, stoical woman is weeping freely. The world must have this book.

I haven’t met this woman yet, but when I do, I plan on giving her one of Jila’s famous hugs. 

The publisher’s managing editor, Steven Radecki, quickly created a digital copy of The Lip Reader, which I distributed to writers and influential readers. Here’s what a few had to say about my novel:

I Love Unique Books had this to say: “The Lip Reader is a masterpiece you wouldn’t want to miss for anything!”

Natalie Soine from Reader’s Favorite gave this 5-star review: The Lip Reader by Michael Thal is well researched and written with a wonderful variety of characters, places, and events. Zhila’s bravery, dedication, and determination are beautifully captured. I especially enjoyed the smooth flow of the story and the constant pace throughout, following the lives of Zhila, her friends, and her family. The novel is well edited and easy to read with vivid descriptions and scenes which make it easy for the reader to form a visual of the story. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable novel, highly recommended.

Rod Little, author of The Whisper Killer wrote, “I recommend this book for anyone
who enjoyed Terms of Endearment or Grapes of Wrath. Sometimes tales of
tragedy are needed to bring us more understanding. An excellent read.” 

Kirkus Reviews had this to say: “An absorbing story of resilience in the face of challenges.”

The Lip Reader was published November 1, 2021 in digital, paperback, and hardback. The digital copies cost $3.99, the print book runs for $12.99, and the hardcover is $22.99. Here are the links:

Amazon: Available in paperback and Kindle at: https://amzn.to/3GDmhx0

Barnes & Noble: Available in paperback and Nook at: https://bit.ly/2ZCwid4

Kobo: Available only in digital at: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-lip-reader

Apple Books: Available only in digital at: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-lip-reader/id1590870715

Smashwords: Available only in digital at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1110158

Google Play: Available only in digital at: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=IktKEAAAQBAJ

There are future plans for an audiobook copy of The Lip Reader.

The Lip Reader was my way to deal with a tragic loss and your opportunity to meet an extraordinary woman. The concept of a saint does not exist in Judaism. Instead, we honor Tzadikim meaning, righteous ones. It is said that every generation gives rise to at least thirty-six Tzadikim, and through them our world receives the divine vitality that pushes it forward and away from the abyss. I always felt certain that Zhila was a Tzadikim, paving a righteous path toward love, honesty, and justice. She was my gem of peace. Read, The Lip Reader, and let me know if you agree.