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101st out of 309 books
—
150 voters
The Ladies Auxiliary
by
Tova Mirvis
When free-spirited Batsheva moves into the close-knit Orthodox community of Memphis, Tennessee, the already precarious relationship between the Ladies Auxiliary and their teenage daughters is shaken to the core. In this extraordinary novel, Tova Mirvis takes us into the fascinating and insular world of the Memphis Orthodox Jews, one ripe with tradition and contradiction. W...more
Paperback, Ballantine Reader's Circle, 336 pages
Published
September 5th 2000
by Ballantine Books
(first published 1999)
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I really enjoyed this book. About a convert to Orthodox Judaism who moves with her daughter to a small Orthodox community in Memphis after her husband dies. She tries to fit in.
As an LDS reader, I found it fascinating. Lots of interesting questions: How often are we like the Mrs. Levys in this novel? Are we so stuck in our customs that we forget about our religion? How can we raise our children when the world lives so differently than we do?
As an LDS reader, I found it fascinating. Lots of interesting questions: How often are we like the Mrs. Levys in this novel? Are we so stuck in our customs that we forget about our religion? How can we raise our children when the world lives so differently than we do?
The Ladies Auxiliary is essentially the Jewish version of Relief Society, complete with all the gossip, the cleaning fetishes and the casseroles. It's at once hilarious and heartbreaking. Narrated (brilliantly) in the first person PLURAL, it underscores the insider/outsider mentality. The main character is an artist from New York who moves into an Orthodox Jewish community in Memphis. It echoes in many ways my experience moving to Utah, this artist from California, and frequently feeling like an...more
May 31, 2008
Vanessa
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Vanessa by:
Rachel
Shelves:
book-club-books
This novel is set in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee. The story begins when a single mother moves into the neighborhood in hopes of starting a new life after the passing of her husband. She is a convert to Judaism, but as a fellow Orthodox Jew, she is confident that she will be welcomed to the community. Things begin to unravel from there.
This book is written in first person plural voice, which is unusual, but you get used to it very quickly. It is as if "The Ladies Auxilia...more
This book is written in first person plural voice, which is unusual, but you get used to it very quickly. It is as if "The Ladies Auxilia...more
Apr 15, 2009
Kristine
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
all lds women
Recommended to Kristine by:
Brandy Sims
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
3 likes
·
like
· see review
I loved this book. I think it was because I could relate to so much of the story. Small communities are like that, hiding problems and protecting the status quo at all cost. What I love best about Oakland is that we celebrate diversity and seem to thrive on uncovering dirt to discuss.
And I loved the references to Jewish tradition. Although I was raised in a Reform congregation, my grandparents were very much a part of that Orthodoxy. And we all stuck together, supporting each other, even when it...more
And I loved the references to Jewish tradition. Although I was raised in a Reform congregation, my grandparents were very much a part of that Orthodoxy. And we all stuck together, supporting each other, even when it...more
I had a hard time getting into this book and never really did. The Ladies Auxiliary were just a bunch of gossiping busybodies. They drove me crazy with how judgmental they were. There group reminded me of an LDS ward were everyone knows your business. I did like how it raised the question of do we practice our religious beliefs out of tradition or because we truly want to draw closer to God.
I wish I could be at book club to discuss the book with you gals.
I wish I could be at book club to discuss the book with you gals.
2 likes
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like
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This book surprised me how it sucked me in. The characters were so complex and well-developed. I especially liked how the author dealt with prejudices within a close-knit religious community. She treats the topic with sensitivity, but a certain amount of irony and sarcasm. Reading this book helped me take a look at my own hypocrisies and prejudices, especially those that masquerade as religion. Mirvis really brings home the idea that being religious for appearance's sake can be soul-deadening an...more
While reading a fun story about a close-knit community of women, I learned something about Orthodox Judaism. Neat.
Oct 22, 2010
Shauna
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Shauna by:
Carol Goodsell
Shelves:
favorites
This was such a good book. Even though this deals wiht a Jewish community. It really can apply to any community that is not very tolerant of others. I am Morman, but did not grow up in a Morman household. Living in Utah is not very easy for those who are not of the Morman faith. I did not find my faith until college, so like Batsheva, I chose this and was not raised with this. There were many characters in this book who remind me of the people I now live around. I know what it is like to move in...more
2 likes
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like
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I so wanted to like this book more than I did. I was expecting light-hearted sisterhood stuff, but, instead, I got so upset every time I sat down to read it. It made me so mad and even furious at times! A great example of religion taken to the realm of zealot and the ugly nature of women involved in everyone elses business but their own. A good lesson in beam and mote ideology. This isn't just a Jewish problem tho, I see it in my own religion. Especially living here in Utah. Anyway, I just wante...more
I have to admit that I liked this book a lot more than I expected to on first glance. I am completely guilty of judging books by their covers...and I really wasn't attracted to this cover at all. It's a little funny considering that it's the story of a community who is quick to judge a new member who is not like them.
What I really enjoyed about this book was that it was told from the perspective of the community. That alone gave this book an incredibly unique voice.
I found the ending to be a bit...more
What I really enjoyed about this book was that it was told from the perspective of the community. That alone gave this book an incredibly unique voice.
I found the ending to be a bit...more
I simultaneously loved and hated this book through a lot of it, and here is why. AS a person preparing to convert to Judaism, I strongly identified with the protagonist, her enthusiasm for Judaism, her outsiderhood and her search for acceptance within a close-knit Jewish community. I strongly identified with this "convert out-Jews the Jews" phenomenon - the difference between people who follow conventions because it's "what they've always done" and people who choose to follow them because they f...more
Nov 23, 2008
Angela
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone who is a convert to any religion or faith, anyone who wants a glimpse into the Jewish culture
Recommended to Angela by:
Cindy Rees
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Batsheva moves with her daughter Ayala from NYC to the Orthodox Jewish community in Memphis, TN. Her husband, Benjamin, who grew up there, died in a car accident. Bathsheba converted to Judaism and went through a rough patch after his death. She had an affair with her husband's best friend and was not totally religious. She hoped that the community in Memphis would accept them. She is artistic and enthusiastic about her observance of the laws and rituals. The community slowly comes to accept her...more
I know, kind of a low rating. It's not that it's a bad book; in fact, in some ways it is very like the kind of books that make classics. Storywise, anyway. There was nothing technically wrong with the writing either. So why the low rating? I just didn't like it. I learned some things about Jewish Orthodoxy, which was good ~ I always enjoy learning about cultures and religions. And although the book was steeped in the Jewish Orthodoxy that shaped Mirvis's childhood, that wasn't really what the bo...more
The Ladies Auxiliary is our May book club selection. It took me about a week finish (long for me), even though I did find most of it quite interesting and thought provoking.
The Orthodox Jewish community of Memphis, Tennessee, is shaken when Batsheva and her daughter move in. Batsheva claims to be a convert, but she doesn't act the same way everyone else acts. Her clothing isn't quite as modest. She has a tattoo. She sings too loud. Her many faults are glaring and the women of the community don't...more
The Orthodox Jewish community of Memphis, Tennessee, is shaken when Batsheva and her daughter move in. Batsheva claims to be a convert, but she doesn't act the same way everyone else acts. Her clothing isn't quite as modest. She has a tattoo. She sings too loud. Her many faults are glaring and the women of the community don't...more
"Happy Shabbos, y'all!"---this phrase hooked me from the first! Like many others, I had no idea there really is a small close-knit very active Jewish community in Memphis, Tenn.! The book opens with free-spirited Batsheva who moves to Memphis with her young daughter, Ayala. She converted to Judaism, became an Orthodox Jew in New York. She married Benjamin who is from Memphis and after his death, wanting to provide for Ayala the Jewish community life and grounding she never had and also to feel c...more
This book was really good. I was a little put off by the cover and the summary, I was expecting a kindof Jewish Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. But it wasn't. Batsheva (the main character) moves into this Orthodox Jewish community with her little girl and it's equal parts fish-out-of-water story and coming-of-age. Though, Batsheva's already come of age, so it's like the coming-of-age for the community. The struggle in the novel was mostly this very traditional community coming to terms w...more
The white lies and gossiping were too much at the start. I wondered, "Are some women really like that?" I also didn't like that it seemed like no one lived the religion out of true conviction, out of trying to be closer to God. It seemed so wrong that people were judging the main character for her conviction. But I guess there had to be some kind of conflict, right?
I feel like I could relate to a lot of Jewishness as a practicing Mormon, but one thing I didn't understand was the women craving no...more
I feel like I could relate to a lot of Jewishness as a practicing Mormon, but one thing I didn't understand was the women craving no...more
A widowed ger moves to a remote, small, close-knit, friendly American Southern religious Jewish community with her 5-year-old daughter following her Jewish husband's death. She turns the town that welcomed her upside down as she seduces a Rabbinical Yeshiva student 13 years her junior, makes him abandon traditional Judaism and cut ties with his parents and little brother, and basically threatens every marriage in the community with her open sexuality and liberal opinions. Eventually the women en...more
I really enjoyed learning more about Orthodox Jewish customs and traditions. I don't know enough about other religions and this book made me appreciate it, particularly how incredibly hard it would be to live kosher. Also, I love a clean house. My new favorite thing: clean the bathroom with a blacklight. I scrub with toothbrushes etc. I could not believe the measure they take to clean their houses for their holidays- coat pockets, inside of books, etc. WOW. It was exhausting just reading about a...more
This was an interesting book. Although it is set in a small town Jewish community I think it is a book any girl can relate to. When I was a young girl I always thought that there might be a magical age that I would turn when I would suddenly know everything and also suddenly be able to set my immaturity behind and stop complaining about things, stop wining about how life isn't fair, stop comparing myself to others, and become a responsible adult. Now that I am a "little" older I know that there...more
I read some reviews and thought that I would enjoy reading this book. However, after getting part way into it, I realized I had already read it years ago. Too funny. So I must have enjoyed reading it to be compelled to read it again.
I did like reading this a second time. It points out that we, as women, are often too quick to find fault and criticize too often, those people and things that we don't understand. People and situations that are not in our comfort zone seem to threaten us. As mothers...more
I did like reading this a second time. It points out that we, as women, are often too quick to find fault and criticize too often, those people and things that we don't understand. People and situations that are not in our comfort zone seem to threaten us. As mothers...more
I really, really liked this thoughtful novel. It's about orthodox Jews in Memphis, dealing with their rebellious teenager daughters and a single-mom that moves into their neighborhood. I am not sure that everyone would agree with me, but I felt like Mirvis did a beautiful job of portraying their religious convictions in a positive light. She brings up important questions - how to raise children in a strict religion, finding the right balance between limits and encouraging personal conversion and...more
It's like Stargirl only longer. . . and more Jewish.
This definitely was a good discussion book. I did not get really envolved in the story until about 200 pages in. The story invites you into a small and tight knit Orthodox community. Many pages are spent relating the Jewish culture, holidays, and rituals.
In and of itself the story is minimal. The characters, however, and how they interact with each other is paramount. The book created alot of reflection upon how we treat each other and how we treat and re-act to our children. I found myself dra...more
In and of itself the story is minimal. The characters, however, and how they interact with each other is paramount. The book created alot of reflection upon how we treat each other and how we treat and re-act to our children. I found myself dra...more
This is one of those books that makes me so grateful to be in a book club that opens my mind, and my bookshelf, to books I might otherwise have passed over. I finished this book yesterday, and I haven't really stopped thinking about it since. It is definitely a great book club book...so many things to think about, discuss, ponder, and even compare to the little piece of the world in your own community/neighborhood, etc.
This book is extrememly well written and very, very thought provoking, thoug...more
This book is extrememly well written and very, very thought provoking, thoug...more
I have to say I was surprised that I liked this book as much as I did. Everyone I had talked to about it wasn't a big fan infact many of them didn't even finish the book. But I picked it up and was transported into the Memphis Jewish community. I don't know if I connected to this book because we too have just made a big move this summer or if it is because I have always been fasinated with the Jewish culture, but I really enjoyed reading it.
I grew up in a small town and understood how both par...more
I grew up in a small town and understood how both par...more
I wanted to like this book. I picked it out, hoping to learn more about modern Orthodox Jews. The author knows her stuff because this is her background. I did learn a little about Jewish food, rituals and customs. There is nothing objectionable with the story itself--no swearing, sex scenes, etc. I just couldn't finish reading because of the awkward writing style. The author uses a generic "we" to represent the Ladies' Auxiliary. The sentences were long and complicated, and the author "told" the...more
A great book club selection, if you want to talk about cultural divisiveness and inclusion, and if you want to delve into Jewish customs and traditions. There’s always a new holiday coming up! I’d almost want to be Jewish, just to get in on all the food and dancing! The plot is a little strange, however. The heroine, a convert to Judaism and terminally clueless, moves into a close-knit Jewish community in Memphis (no kidding!) and tries to fit in by doing what? Encouraging their daughters to use...more
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“She remembered a story she had once heard: a woman had gossiped about her neighbors and later regretted what she said. She went to the rabbi and asked how she might take back her words. He instructed her to take a feather pillow to the top of the highest hill and tear it open, letting the feathers fly every which way. Then, the rabbi said, she should return to him and he would tell her what to do. She did as he said and when she returned, he told her to go outside and gather the feathers. But that's impossible, she cried. They're already scattered all over the village. He looked at her and smiled. The same is true of your words, he said.”
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18 people liked it
“If someone like Batsheva wanted to be Orthodox, there was surely something to it. Not that she doubted it (or at least she didn't ever really and truly doubt it), but it was nice to have outside validation. Whenever Mrs. Levy heard about people who left Orthodoxy, she felt a pang of insecurity. Did they know something she didn't? Were they smarter than she was? Did they now look at Orthodox Jews as silly, backward, superstitious? But with Batsheva choosing it on her own, she could breathe a little easier.”
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1 person liked it
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Jun 01, 2008 11:45am