In her debut novel, author DeAndra Davis offers a unique perspective to the Black experience. I recently spoke with her about All the Noise at Once.
Tell me about your latest book.
All the Noise at Once is a humorous and heartfelt novel that follows Aiden, a Black, autistic teen, as he tries to get justice after his older brother is wrongfully arrested. It hurts sometimes, but I promise it’s worth it! I like to pitch it as All American meets The Hate U Give, but make it autistic.
Why did you decide to write it?
Too many reasons to count, but the shortest answer is that I am autistic, and I have autistic, black children and I think my concerns and thought processes surrounding those things manifested into this story. I think we have stories about the black experience and the autistic experience, but not many that cover the intersectionality of the experience.
Who is your favorite character and why?
This answer changes for me every time I’m asked because I love all my babies. Today, it’s Isabella. She’s so full of energy and well-meaning. She’s not perfect, and she doesn’t expect perfection. She’s fun, and I think she’s one of the first people to fully respect Aiden regardless of disability.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
As far back as I can possibly remember. My mom says I was reading at the age of three. She says, in many ways, I taught myself. She found me sounding out the words of a book all alone. I have always loved words, books, stories. It’s always been an intrinsic part of who I am.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
Hmm. Something other than the two things I do? I think I’d be a lawyer. I was going be, but then changed my mind. I love the idea of fighting for something, and to be quite honest, I just love to argue, haha. I’m good at that!
What author would you fangirl over?
So many! Tracy Deonn is one for sure, but even some others who I can never meet. Octavia Butler and Toni Morrison. Living, besides Tracy, Angie Thomas, N.K Jemisin, Nic Stone, Tiffany D. Jackson, Jason Reynolds! All amazing authors who I admire.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I am reading Tracy Deonn’s Oathbound right now like the rest of the world haha. And if you aren’t reading it you should be! Outside of that, I just re-read Blood Justice by Terry J. Benton-Walker and loved The Corruption of Hollis Brown by K. Ancrum.
What books are you most excited to read next?
An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole, Eternal Ruin by Tigest Girma, This Could Be Forever by Ebony Ladelle, Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell, An Ocean Apart by Jill Tew, and Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours.
What’s next for you?
I do have another YA book forthcoming that focuses on the Jamaican-American experience, bi-sexual awakening, and identifying across cultures as a first-generation immigrant! And then, everything after is a lot of finger crossing, but I have ideas and hopefully more news very soon!
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I hope that people read the book, and it gives them insight on how to love and respect the people they know with disabilities around them.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of All the Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis.
To learn about author DeAndra Davis, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: deandradavis.com
Instagram and Threads: @deandrawrites