This is one of my favorite books EVER. It is the story of how immigrant writer Anzia Yezierska became the J.K. Rowling of her day, how she lost it all...moreThis is one of my favorite books EVER. It is the story of how immigrant writer Anzia Yezierska became the J.K. Rowling of her day, how she lost it all in the Depression, and most of all, her yearning for the Judaism she left behind. (less)
This is an audio book, and it's phenomenal. I found the Biblical lecture (Part 1) especially inspiring, and my very favorite part was about King Solom...moreThis is an audio book, and it's phenomenal. I found the Biblical lecture (Part 1) especially inspiring, and my very favorite part was about King Solomon and Jeroboam. The second tape in the series, which is about the development of Christianity and Islam and what it meant for the Jewish people, taught me more about that subject than anything I'd ever heard or read before, and the conclusion about the State of Israel will have your heart soaring. (less)
Amy Tan is such a master! This is even better than The Joy Luck Club! For three nights running, I couldn't put it down. Like The Joy Luck Club, it's a...moreAmy Tan is such a master! This is even better than The Joy Luck Club! For three nights running, I couldn't put it down. Like The Joy Luck Club, it's about the relationship between a Chinese immigrant mother and her Americanized daughter. It also weaves in lots of Chinese myth and religion. But the best part is the historical picture it gives you. Most of the book is about the mother's experiences in WWII China, and it shows how the Communists both helped and hurt the people. Mostly, though, it's about an abusive marriage. I certainly cried through it, and I'm sure others will, too. (less)
Just like biochem weeds out pre-med students, this book weeded me out as a business owner. For the first half, I was all gung-ho. This isn't a dry bus...moreJust like biochem weeds out pre-med students, this book weeded me out as a business owner. For the first half, I was all gung-ho. This isn't a dry business book, but a motivational and human one, but about halfway through, I concluded that I'm a writer, not an entrepreneur, so I'd do better with writing books. Perhaps someday I'll go back to this, but right now, it's not a priority. (less)
When I picked this up, the only work I'd ever read by Shirley Jackson was "The Lottery," which was required reading in my 9th grade English class. I i...moreWhen I picked this up, the only work I'd ever read by Shirley Jackson was "The Lottery," which was required reading in my 9th grade English class. I imagined her full-length novel would be similar, a grabby read with a disturbing surprise ending, and I was right.
Okay, I'll qualify that. The first few paragraphs were so dull and wordy, I almost gave the book up right then and there. They describe a museum, which is the workplace of the protagonist, though you're not told that right away. This description turned out to be symbolic of the protag's character, but to me it read like an author in love with her own voice. Once Jackson got into character and dialogue, though, I was intrigued, and shortly afterward, hooked.
The protagonist is introduced as shy, dull, and colorless, but you have sympathy for her, especially since she lives with what seems to be a really hateful aunt. But then, when the aunt resolves to take the girl (she's 23 years old, but is treated as much younger) to a doctor who in turn recommends a psychiatrist, you begin to suspect that there's a lot more subtext here than meets the eye.
In the second chapter, told from the POV of the psychiatrist, you begin to get the picture. The protagonist has multiple personality disorder, but as the shrink attempts to strengthen the girl, the negative personalities take the fore. It's a roller coaster ride from there. I read Sybil years and years ago, but this is loads better. I highly recommend it, but I warn you, like "The Lottery," some parts of it are downright disturbing. (less)
This is the true account of a woman whose 13-year-old son was brutally killed by Arab terrorists, and her book confronts all the issues of grieving he...moreThis is the true account of a woman whose 13-year-old son was brutally killed by Arab terrorists, and her book confronts all the issues of grieving head on - guilt, anger, etc. It's the sort of book that makes you set your priorities straight. For example, when my kids began fighting with each other, forcing me to stop reading and deal with them, I did not get as angry as I might have normally. Sherri Mandell's loss made me more grateful for what I have, and has made me see that anger is never the best way to deal with any of life's problems. Instead of raging about terrorism, she now runs a healing and outreach group to other family of victims of terror. If that's her reaction to her great loss, how can I get angry over the petty annoyances in my life? And the "Welcome to the teen years," she heard from her friends while her son was still presumed missing, not dead, is something that has echoed in my thoughts in much easier circumstances. I highly recommend her book to everybody.(less)
Ruchama King is my writing teacher, and her book achieves what I dream of. Kirkus Reviews called her “a Jewish Jane Austen,” and though she’s not quit...moreRuchama King is my writing teacher, and her book achieves what I dream of. Kirkus Reviews called her “a Jewish Jane Austen,” and though she’s not quite as satirical, she is writing about dating, marriage, and people’s foibles. The character of Binyamin is sort of a Mr. Collins. He’s got a different brand of obnoxiousness, but his ideas about women are well worth the lampoon.
On another level, though, the Jane Austen comparison doesn’t quite do the book justice. It’s more than just a comedy of manners. The setting is Jerusalem, so Jewish spirituality is woven in throughout the plot. The characters actually learn Torah as part of the dialogue, and it sounds authentic, not preachy. But ultimately, the theme is marriage, and she’s very open about it. I think the approach is 100% kosher, but many in the frum world might consider it just too sensitive a topic to broach. Take that as a warning – or a recommendation. If you’re intrigued, you’ll probably LOVE the book. (less)
I tend to be pretty critical of most of what’s out there in the frum publishing world, but Lights from Jerusalem is a stunning exception. It’s a colle...moreI tend to be pretty critical of most of what’s out there in the frum publishing world, but Lights from Jerusalem is a stunning exception. It’s a collection of essays by the author of the best-selling Holy Woman, and IMHO, it’s loads better. Rebbetzin Kramer, the subject of Holy Woman, was on so high a level, I couldn’t relate to her. This book, which is mostly narratives from the author’s own life, spoke to me much more. The author, no doubt, is quite learned herself, but she writes so openly about her own struggles to overcome her character flaws that she reads like a friend.
The first essay in the book, called “The Party,” is especially memorable. It is the only fictional part of the book, written as an allegory. The lesson is so apt, I told it over to my kids. The rest of the book is creative non-fiction about the author’s spiritual growth. She covers every holiday on the Jewish calendar, so there are insights and messages for the whole year round. Because the author lives in Israel, she writes extensively about the tensions there, which were especially stirring. I probably gained even more from her section on gratitude, and I loved her portraits of extraordinary people. Excerpts from Holy Woman are included amongst the portraits, but most inspiring by far is the story of a quadriplegic who now spends his life strengthening others.
As I said, I generally don’t like most “frum literature.” What I want to read (and aspire to write) are human stories that will inspire my spiritual growth. The trouble is, non-fictional mussar gets too heavy after a while, and most Jewish fiction falls short of being real literature. Lights from Jerusalem achieved the perfect balance. It’s well-written, engaging, and gave me lessons for life. (less)
Truth isn't just stranger than fiction; it's more inspiring, too! This is a best seller in the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish world, and once you get into it,...moreTruth isn't just stranger than fiction; it's more inspiring, too! This is a best seller in the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish world, and once you get into it, it's easy to see why. It's a true life story of an Orthodox Jewish girl who grew up in pre-war Hungary, so the Jewish tradition is the backdrop of the story, but it also has universal appeal, not just in the extraordinary way she survived the Holocaust, but in the first half of the book, which is the story of her discovery that she was adopted. My only criticism is that the chapter that was supposed to be taken from her diary didn't ring true. Otherwise, this story and the outstanding kindness of many of its characters makes it a gripping and important read. I recommend it to Jews and non-Jews alike!(less)
Conceptually, this book is brilliant. It illustrates the fluidity of time by depicting a different parallel universe in each chapter. Time and causali...moreConceptually, this book is brilliant. It illustrates the fluidity of time by depicting a different parallel universe in each chapter. Time and causality operate uniquely in every single one. You can’t help but admire the author’s ingenuity. But the pleasures of this book are purely intellectual, not emotional. There’s no real plot, and the characters don’t stick around long enough for you to cry and root for them. Because of this, I rated it 4 instead of 5, but the book is short and well worth the read.(less)
Before his accident, I never gave Christopher Reeve much thought. He’s one of the handsomest men I’ve ever seen, and I enjoyed "Superman I" and "Somew...moreBefore his accident, I never gave Christopher Reeve much thought. He’s one of the handsomest men I’ve ever seen, and I enjoyed "Superman I" and "Somewhere in Time," but none of that had much impact on my life. I just don’t go crazy over movie stars. After his accident, though, I couldn’t help but feel for him, and the whole thing was so ironic. "Superman" became a quadriplegic. As he became more of an advocate for the disabled, then I really began to admire him, but I didn’t know the half of it until I read his autobiography. Now I’m a die-hard fan - not of the actor, but of the person.
Still Me covers Christopher Reeve’s entire life up till the actual writing, and corny as it sounds, it’s an inspiring story of personal triumph. He describes everything about his life: his parents’ divorce, his love of sports and theater, his years at Julliard, his rise to fame, his two marriages, his accident and its aftermath. He opens with the accident and the first few months in the hospital, and then takes you back, so you really get the contrast. But just as his title says, he’s still him. When he was younger, he strove for excellence in sports and acting. Faced with bigger challenges, he struggled to overcome them, too. He achieved things that were deemed medically impossible, and besides using his fame to become a prominent advocate for the handicapped, he continued his creative work by directing, no longer acting.
So in sum, Christopher Reeve’s life story is nothing short of inspirational. He left me wanting to go out and tackle all the obstacles in my way. After all, my obstacles are a lot smaller than his. And this is the main feeling he gives his readers. If he went beyond the expectations of his doctors, by pushing ourselves, each of us can succeed beyond our wildest dreams.(less)
This novel is based on the life of the author’s father, a Jewish doctor who remained in his old neighborhood in Brooklyn even when it turned into a sl...moreThis novel is based on the life of the author’s father, a Jewish doctor who remained in his old neighborhood in Brooklyn even when it turned into a slum. The fictional Dr. Sam Abelman is a real moral ambiguity. On one hand, you see his heroism in his dedication to his patients, but on the other, he’s exactly as the title says - an angry and bitter man.
The premise is that a television producer is doing a show on the doctor’s life. As he interviews Sam and the people who know him, you see all the milestones of his life: childhood, medical school, marriage, career ups and downs, ending with his bitter old age. The television producer gets more and more attached to his subject and undergoes his own badly needed moral transformation as a result. Like the producer, the reader ends up loving Sam and forgiving him for all his character flaws.
The portrayal is very well executed – one complex life captured in a novel. Past and present weave together seamlessly, and because the author used several characters’ perspectives to tell the story, it’s more interesting. My very favorite part was the 1918 flu epidemic because it brought history to life. You could excerpt that section and teach it in schools, but overall, the book is not rated G. It contains coarse language, racial slurs, violence, and sex. If you’d rather avoid those topics, then this is not the book for you. I, however, was absolutely hooked. I don’t know which parts of this book are true and which aren’t, but I’m certain that the author’s real father must have been an extraordinary man. (less)
Frum fictional romance is a rarity, which is why this book intrigued me, but I was somewhat disappointed. The book is set in South Africa in the apart...moreFrum fictional romance is a rarity, which is why this book intrigued me, but I was somewhat disappointed. The book is set in South Africa in the apartheid era and the couple is interracial; she's white and Jewish, and he's a "colored" ethnic East Indian. They play music together in a banned rock 'n roll band. The best scenes in the book, though gruesome, take place in the prisons of South Africa. That part had me riveted. I can't say the same for the love story. The hero Joey was a well-drawn and riveting character, but I didn't feel that way about the heroine Margo. She was too much of a Mary Sue. Also, I would have like to read more about her transformation to baalas teshuva. Having done that transformation myself, I found the treatment of it far too cursory. So I rated it a 3, which means "good, but not great."(less)
“Wings” is an absolutely beautiful novella, not so much in literary style as in characterization and message. It's about Yaakov Fliegel, an old man wh...more“Wings” is an absolutely beautiful novella, not so much in literary style as in characterization and message. It's about Yaakov Fliegel, an old man who's been the baal tefilla (prayer leader) for his shul for years and years. He takes his job seriously, but the community wants to retire him. In order to do this without hurting his feelings, they come up with an idea to give him a free trip to Eretz Yisroel (Israel). And then we get to see just how important his tefillos are in Heaven.
My husband labeled this book as "Jewish fantasy." I have friends who've said doubtfully, "Who says tefilla (prayer) really works that way?" Well, I don't think this is fantasy. I think prayer really does work that way. And the ending brought tears to my eyes.
You'll notice that the title of the book is "Wings and Other Stories." There are two other stories in the book, one short one called "The Lamplighter" and another whose name I don't remember but which I would rank second to "Wings." It's about bringing the Messiah. The solution seemed a bit too superficial to me, but again, the characterization was wonderful. So overall, I'd say that Meir Uri Gottesman deftly worked spiritual concepts into a good plot, and "Wings" is my reigning favorite in frum fiction from a frum publisher. (less)
Written by my Rebbetzin and head of my seminary, I’d be seriously remiss if I didn’t review this book. It’s a scholarly work – a collection of essays...moreWritten by my Rebbetzin and head of my seminary, I’d be seriously remiss if I didn’t review this book. It’s a scholarly work – a collection of essays about the women of Tanach (the Bible), drawing heavily on the commentaries, but with some personal narrative so that you feel that it was written by a woman for women. Each of the essays contains some insight that has become a permanent part of me. The themes include faith, prayer, marriage, and silence (about Rochel and Leah.) But as I said, this is a scholarly work. It’s not the sort of book you crawl into bed with to escape reality. I re-read the essays one at a time for research, reflection, and growth.(less)
I read this immediately after What Would Google Do?, and I liked it much better. With its stories about organizing class action suits over the Interne...moreI read this immediately after What Would Google Do?, and I liked it much better. With its stories about organizing class action suits over the Internet and the example of Wikipedia, a collaborative labor of love, the book was much more human and much more like the Internet I use. Also, this book introduced me to the "tragedy of the commons." Why didn't someone explain it so simply when I was hanging around the communists? (Oh, well. At sixteen, would I have listened?) (less)
This is a classic in the English-speaking Ultra-Orthodox world; it's been around for decades, and hundreds of people have read and loved it. Now that...moreThis is a classic in the English-speaking Ultra-Orthodox world; it's been around for decades, and hundreds of people have read and loved it. Now that I've finally read it too, I can say decidedly: it's with good reason.
This is the biography of Rav Yaakov Yosef Herman who lived on the Lower East Side in the early 20th century. Jews were assimilating en masse back then, but he with his staunch Torah lifestyle and home open to all Jews was able to stave off some of that trend. Reading it made me wish that my father could have been one of the children he influenced.
The book is written by Rav Herman's youngest daughter, and in the first chapter, called "The Pinch," she discusses how he'd give her an affectionate pinch on the cheek, but never a hug. That actually turned me off on my first attempt on this book (about 5 years ago), but this time, I pressed on, and it was well worth it. The second chapter, "Recollections," is about the Rav Herman's own early life, which was certainly not easy and showed how he got to be so strong-willed. At the end of the fourth chapter, "Papa Corners the Market," which is about the open house he kept for Jews of all types, I absolutely loved him. So of course, I welled up when he died at the very end.
For frum Jews, this is an absolute must-read. For irreligious Jews who think Orthodox Judaism is too strict - read this and discover the love within the strictness. And for non-Jews who want to learn about Orthodox Jewish life, forget Chaim Potok or any fictional depiction of Jews. This is the real thing, a Jew who lived his life for "the Boss." (less)
Knowing my love of historical fiction, my husband picked this up for me at a library discard sale. That probably means it was unpopular, just another...moreKnowing my love of historical fiction, my husband picked this up for me at a library discard sale. That probably means it was unpopular, just another ignored book collecting dust on the library shelf. But some little-known books can be real treasures, and that’s definitely the case here.
Torrie is a teenage girl making the trek to the west coast with her family by wagon train. The book is set in the 1840’s, but Torrie could just as well be living now. She doesn’t think highly of her parents, she wants to be popular with girls, and most of all, she wants a certain boy to notice her. The trouble is, she’s just naïve enough not to understand the dangers of the signals she’s sending out. When she finds out the hard way, she begins to grow up and develop in character.
Like any good work of historical fiction, this novel gives you a glimpse into the time period, but I think it’s just as much of a glimpse into the time it was written – 1960. The world was more innocent then, but it was on the verge of a gigantic loss of innocence, much like Torrie. And even though today’s teenage girls are exposed to much more than girls of the 50’s and early 60’s, I think the message is not just relevant, but morally laudable. As an adult, I loved it, but I couldn’t help wishing I’d read it as a teen. If I were raising a daughter in the secular world, I’d give it to her without hesitation. There’s nothing like learning from someone else’s mistakes, and nothing like a happy ending to make it really enjoyable. (less)
Without exception, this is my very favorite book on writing. More than craft, it’s about psychology – the psychology of the artistic mind. Dorothea Br...moreWithout exception, this is my very favorite book on writing. More than craft, it’s about psychology – the psychology of the artistic mind. Dorothea Brande breaks down the creative process into two parts: the unconscious or imagination, and the conscious or inner editor. When you see the stereotypical “temperamental artist,” she explains, what you are seeing is an artist whose conscious and unconscious are at war with each other. When artists get themselves in balance, both their writing and their other responsibilities fall into place.
When I first read this book, my writing life was way out of balance, so this was a life-changer. And now that I’ve written this review, I think it’s time to re-read Becoming A Writer. I’m looking forward to it immensely. I know it can only bring positive change into my life. (less)
Becoming A Writer is my favorite writing book, but Bird by Bird is a close second. Like Becoming A Writer, it’s largely about psychology. It’s also fu...moreBecoming A Writer is my favorite writing book, but Bird by Bird is a close second. Like Becoming A Writer, it’s largely about psychology. It’s also funny, so some people may even like it better.
The most important lesson I got out of Bird by Bird is that getting published is not the glittering reward that unknown writers dream it to be. Getting published does not equal happily (and successfully) ever after. The joy of writing is the writing itself. And with that and lots of other solid advice, this book inspires you to just let go of your perfectionism and write. (less)
Great concept, mediocre execution. Following the Medrash that states that a marriage is the reunification of a single soul, each chapter tells the sto...moreGreat concept, mediocre execution. Following the Medrash that states that a marriage is the reunification of a single soul, each chapter tells the story of how two halves of one soul get closer to marriage with every gilgul. The chapters follow the course of Jewish history: one is set in Biblical times, one during the Roman conquest, then the Middle Ages, the rise of Chassidus, until modern times. The historical fiction is what attracted me to the book, but inaccuracies ruined it for me. For example, Jews in the Middle Ages did not convert to Christianity because they "had questions." They did it either out of fear of painful death or for the wealth and power the Church sometimes offered converts. (Later, in the Age of Enlightenment, Jews who "had questions" did leave the fold, but that was for secularist ideologies, not Christianity.) Also, I found it completely unrealistic that a Lithuanian rosh yeshiva would recommend Chassidus to any of his students; literal battles were fought over that divide! Litvishe families sat shiva over their Chassidish children; they thought they'd gone off the derech. Those points got in the way of my enjoying the love stories, which were charming in their way, albeit a bit predictable.(less)
The Jewish people are called "the people of the book" but not all Jewish books get a warm reception when they're first written. Two discussed in this...moreThe Jewish people are called "the people of the book" but not all Jewish books get a warm reception when they're first written. Two discussed in this series - the Ramchal's Mesillas Yesharim and Toldos Yaakov Yosef were banned books in their times, but considered classics now. The Mishnah Brurah is THE seminal work of Jewish Law for Ashkenazim both then and now, and Ohr Yisroel is hardly known as a title, but its ideas have had tremendous influence. The entire series is one of Rabbi Wein's best ever. (less)
This is a fascinating series very relevant for all Orthodox Jews who struggle with balancing our Torah lifestyles with the secular society we must int...moreThis is a fascinating series very relevant for all Orthodox Jews who struggle with balancing our Torah lifestyles with the secular society we must interact with. Above all, this series explained Rav Kook's views to me better than anything I've ever heard, and the story of the friendship between Rav Yisroel Salanter (founder of the mussar movement) and Rav Samson Rafoel Hirsch is absolutely fascinating. (less)
I was a Little House fan as a girl, but since Farmer Boy is the story of Almanzo’s childhood and not Laura’s, I didn’t bother with it. Who wanted to r...moreI was a Little House fan as a girl, but since Farmer Boy is the story of Almanzo’s childhood and not Laura’s, I didn’t bother with it. Who wanted to read about boys? Then, I grew up, and it turned out Farmer Boy was my husband’s favorite of the entire series. And since G-d has blessed us with sons, my husband brought it in for them. Our eldest read it on his own, and I read it aloud to the younger ones, which turned out to be a real treat. The book is every bit as good as the rest of the series, perhaps even better. It’s certainly more upbeat. Though Almanzo’s life on the farm certainly was not easy, his story is not tinged with as much tragedy and loss as Laura faced.
The descriptions of farm work were great. They give a real picture of life without modern conveniences. The way they got ice was especially amazing. For laughs, we got to read the chapter about how the kids were left alone for a week when their parents went on vacation. My kids enjoyed it so much, I read it to them several times, and it has a great lesson about sibling cooperation, too. But best part of all was the ending - subtly stated but very, very happy. (less)
Jane Eyre is one of my lifetime favorites. Every now and then, I take it off my bookshelf just to re-read my favorite scenes. So when I learned that C...moreJane Eyre is one of my lifetime favorites. Every now and then, I take it off my bookshelf just to re-read my favorite scenes. So when I learned that Charlotte Bronte connoisseurs consider Villette her masterpiece, I was actually reluctant to try it. I didn’t want my favorite to get dethroned! But I didn’t deny myself the pleasure, and I was richly rewarded. Jane Eyre and Villette now share the throne quite comfortably.
I’ll admit that Villette has some very slow sections. The early scenes of the protagonist’s adolescence are grabbing, but after that, there are a few chapters that are so dull, I almost gave up on the book. If that’s your reaction when you read it, push on. Things pick up when the protagonist arrives in the town of Villette, and before you know it, you’ll be in the middle of what must be one of the best-written love triangles in all of literature. There’s one love scene that’s as beautiful as any you’d want to read, except that you see it from the point of view of the protagonist, the outsider. Oh, how I cried for poor Lucy Snowe in that scene, yet simultaneously I was rejoicing for the couple. No author has ever made me feel two contradictory emotions so strongly.
In short, I highly recommend Villette, but besides the warning above, I’ve got a few more.
#1 – Some of the dialogue is written in French, so it’s worth getting a copy with translations. But even if you don’t, you’ll still enjoy the book. I don’t understand a word of French and I read it without translations. Perhaps I missed a few subtleties, but I definitely got the essence.
#2 – Part of this book is about the dispute between British Protestantism and French/Belgian Catholicism. There’s a whole chapter devoted to it at the end. As I’m neither Catholic nor Protestant, I just skipped it, and I don’t think I missed out. But I’ve been told that some Catholics might be offended by Bronte’s opinions on the matter.
If all you know of Winnie the Pooh is that insipid Disney version, then you are missing out, my friend. The original book came from A. A. Milne’s bedt...moreIf all you know of Winnie the Pooh is that insipid Disney version, then you are missing out, my friend. The original book came from A. A. Milne’s bedtime stories to his son Christopher Robin, so it’s perfect for parents to read to their kids. Like “Sesame Street,” it’s fun for the kids, but there are jokes worked in for the adults, too. Milne’s sense of humor is classically British – very wry with lots of word play. And the adventures of Pooh and his friends are enough to make any kid laugh. Mine were in hysterics over the Kanga and Roo chapter.
If you’re a parent, treat yourself and your child to this book. And if not, go find some kids and read it aloud to them. You’re in for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. (less)
The world political climate has only gotten worse since this book was written, but it’s still a welcome voice of peace. It’s about a young Egyptian wo...moreThe world political climate has only gotten worse since this book was written, but it’s still a welcome voice of peace. It’s about a young Egyptian woman who masquerades as Jew to experience life in Israel, going everywhere from the most left-wing kibbutzim to an Ultra-Orthodox kiruv family. Though she was not necessarily positive going in, she did come out that way. If the world were full of people like her, there really would be peace.(less)
Dickens hardly needs my recommendation, but I figured many people might be intimidated by this 930-page tome. I certainly was at first, but then I dec...moreDickens hardly needs my recommendation, but I figured many people might be intimidated by this 930-page tome. I certainly was at first, but then I decided to tackle it as its first readers did – little by little. It was published as a weekly serial, so I took it slowly until I was hooked. And by then, who needed the story to end? But the ending is a doozy. Wow, wow, wow!
Dickens originally wrote the book as an expose on Yorkshire orphan schools, so the most famous scenes are early in the book when Nicholas is working as a teacher. Later, he travels with a theater troupe, which is a fun part of the book, though there’s one part of it in which Nicholas steps completely and annoyingly out of character. There’s romance, too, though I didn’t think much of Nicholas’ beloved. The admirable female character here is Nicholas’ sister, Kate. Luckily, she gets a romance of her own.
930 pages is a lot to get through, but there’s one humdinger of a plot twist in the end. Talk about being thrown through a loop! But shocking and unpredictable as it was, I still think JKR’s surprises are better. They’re certainly more complex. And now you know my secret agenda for writing this review. Harry Potter doesn’t need my recommendation any more than Dickens does, but I will say that when it comes to plot twists, JKR outmastered the master. (less)
Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of Jewish parents quite like the idea that their kids could go off the derech. Most of us will do anything to pre...moreNothing strikes fear into the hearts of Jewish parents quite like the idea that their kids could go off the derech. Most of us will do anything to prevent it, and if getting informed is the way, I was all for it. The author has done an excellent job of describing the problem, backing it up with real data from the people going through it, and explaining the fault lines in the Jewish world that are allowing it to happen. Though not a parenting book per se, it definitely helped me in creating a more positive Jewish home for my kids. (less)
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