A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life

by Dana Reinhardt

You can tell what really makes Simone different just by looking at she doesn't resemble anyone in her family. She's adopted. She's always known it, but she's never wanted to know anything about where she came from. She's happy with her family just as it is, thank you.
Then one day, Rivka calls, and Simone learns who her mother was—a 16-year-old, just like Simone. Who is Rivka? What does she want? Why is she calling now, after all these years? The answers lead Simone to deeper feelings of anguish and love than she has ever known and prompt her to question everything she has taken for granted about faith, the afterlife, and what it means to be a daughter.

Genres: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Teen, Adoption, Contemporary, Religion

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2006

About the author

Why don't you have a bio section?

Because I hate writing about myself.

But wouldn't that be easier than answering a whole bunch of FAQs?

Maybe. Probably. Go on...

So where are you from?

I'm from Los Angeles, but now I live in San Francisco. Except for the summers where I go back to Los Angeles in search of the sun.

What are you doing when you aren't writing?

Laundry, usually. Sometimes dishes. And I really like to walk near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Why don't you run instead of walk?

Running is hard. And I'm sort of lazy.

Have you ever had a real job?

Yes. Of course I have. I've waited tables, worked with adolescents in foster care, read the slush pile at a publishing house, and fact checked for a movie magazine. I also worked for FRONTLINE on PBS and Peter Jennings at ABC. I went to law school, which I know doesn't count as a job, but hey, that was a lot of work.

What's your writing day like? Do you stick to a routine?

I like to write in the mornings. Sometimes that means I have to get up really early. I try to write 700 words a day -- about three pages. I know there are lots of writers out there who can write way more than that. I know this because writers like to tell you about how many words they've written on FACEBOOK. So I try not to look at FACEBOOK when I'm writing. And anyway, I've learned that 700 words are about all I'm good for on any given day, and if I write more than that I usually end up getting rid of most of it later.

What, are you lazy or something?

I already told you I'm lazy. But seriously, 700 words are a lot of words. 700 of them, to be precise.

Where do you get your ideas?

From someplace inside my head.

That's not really an answer.

Yes, it is. And it's as honest an answer as I can give.

Are your books autobiographical?

Not really. I'm not adopted, I've never told a lie that sent someone to jail, I've never built a house or had a brother go to war. But there are always things in my books that come from my life or from the lives of the people around me. It would be impossible to make up everything.

Why do you write young adult fiction?

Because I was a young adult when I fell in love with reading and I can remember how books made me feel back then. How they provided both comfort and escape. That might make me sound like a shut-in, but I wasn't. I was just open to the experience books offered, probably more open than I am now as an adult. And I like writing for that sort of audience.

What exactly is young adult fiction?

Lots of people have thought long and hard about this question and have had many intelligent things to say about voice and how YA books can't spend too much time on adult characters, etc. I don't have anything to add to the debate except to say that YA should be a place to go in the bookstore or library if you are looking for a coming of age story, no matter how old you are.

Do you have a favorite book?

Yes.

Don't be coy, what is it?

To Kill a Mockingbird.

How come there aren't any vampires or wizards in your books?

Hmmmm... good question. Maybe I should write about vampires and wizards.

No, you shouldn't. You wouldn't be very good at that.

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

Did you wear a Soupy Sales sweatshirt when you were seven?

Does anybody even know who Soupy Sales is?

That's what the Internet is for. Don't avoid the question.

I'm sorry, is this really a Frequently Asked Question?

No. But, c'mon, tell us anyway.

Yes, I did. But I'm trying to portray myself as someone who wasn't a total loser. So maybe you shouldn't bring that up. And it also makes me sound ancient, which I'm not. Yet I had a Soupy Sales sweatshirt. And I loved it. It was yellow. And really soft.

You're right. It does make you sound like a loser.

Reviews

[Susan's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Dana Reinhardt's debut novel. I am so impressed! The writing was excellent and flowed well. There were many touchy topics in this novel. Teen pregnancy, adoption, atheism, agnosticism, Christianity, Judaism. But this story isn't so much about religion as it is about a young girl's place in this world, and how religion, whether she liked it or not, played such a huge role in who ultimately raised her, and how.

For readers who dislike excessive (or even any) references to religion in their reading material, I would still recommend that you read this book. We grow more tolerant when we educate ourselves about the many cultural and religious differences that make up our global community.



Young Simone is a girl after my own heart. She doesn't accept a subservient role for women anywhere in her life, be it by the demands of a religious dictate or a social custom. Simone's adoptive mother, a civil rights lawyer, is her role model in this regard. Civil rights, and not any religious label, are what is important to her family: Simone had a loving, supportive family. At first, she didn't want to meet her birth mother, but she is ultimately glad that she had time with Rivka.



I won't give you any spoilers with this review, but keep a box of tissues handy. And no, there aren't any trite story lines here. This story was very true to life. Even Simone's relationship with Zack was realistic: boys really are that unaware of how much reassurance and attention young girls need during the dating process.
Just a great story, and I will definitely be reading more of Dana Reinhardt's books! Highly recommended.

[Jazbia S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading the book two three days ago. The start to it was interesting however I didn't find it capturing my attention much. A few lines here and there are quite fascinating but there's nothing extra to the storyline. I would rate it an average 2.5 stars.

[Rosanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book, contemporary YA with a simple yet unique storyline. Thoughtful and touching, great characters. Addresses a lot of important issues without being preachy.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This is just so unfair."
Rivka laughs.
"What's so funny?"
"Oh, I don't know. Nothing, really. It's just that I used to get hung up on thinking about fairness and why and why me and why now. And it just doesn't get you anywhere. It's like those questions you used to pester your parents with. Why? Why? Why? Finally they get fed up and say, 'Just because.' And that's the only real answer here. Just because."


I fell in love with this book. Although I have never experienced adoption, I could feel Simone's emotions and complications with the life she was dealt. Dana Reinhardt did such a great job writing with an authentic teen voice. Although, like most teenagers, Simone thinks she has everything figured out, you soon realize that she is constantly struggling with her beliefs. Simone's conflicting decision about whether she wanted to meet Rivka or not is such a real emotion that people feel and I could feel it as a reader.

The ending was heartbreaking, but I still felt satisfied knowing that Simone and Rivka created such a unique bond before her passing. This book captured a very brief moment in Simone's life where she begins to mature and view life in a completely different way. She is experiencing new love, new friendships, and a heartbreaking loss at the same time, which many teenagers can relate to.

I would love to incorporate this book in to my future classroom. Although the heavy religious presence makes me a little hesitant to teach it, I would love to put it on a recommended reading list. This book discusses so much more than religion and I think most teenagers would benefit from reading this book.

[Kelly (kellyreadingbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been on my GR TBR since 2008. I marked it TBR when I was 15 years old. I think I would've of course enjoyed this even more at 15, but I believe it still came to me at a great time in my life. This is a beautiful story of adoption and what it means to be family. But its also a deep dive for a teenager questioning what it means to be raised as Atheist when she finds out her birth mother grew up as a Hasidic Jew and is still practicing her own personal form of Reformed Judaism. It was so fascinating to learn about the Jewish religion and doing some googling along the way of reading this book I felt a connection to Judaism for some reason. I love how ritualistic and beautifully the author wrote about Shabbat. This was a wonderful, well rounded YA book including some friendship with a dash of romance as well that I wasn't mad at and managed to be convincing yet take a back seat to let the rest of the story take center stage.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was was good debut novel by Dana Reinhardt. I just love her writing! There were parts of this story I really enjoyed like the ones dealing with Jewish customs (Passover, Seder, Shabbat), Simone connecting with her real mother and Simone's relationship with Zack. There is a lot happening in this 16 year old's life.

[Tasha Baxendale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to read 'A brief chapter in my impossible life' because it was highly recommended by the libray and it was apparently an excellent read.

This book falls into the category of 'a book that teaches you about a culture other than your own'. I thought this category was interesting as I learnt knew things about the main character's culture and religious beliefs. I have never really read a book based around learing more about famiy roots, history and adoption but I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The protagonist, Simone is only just older than me and so it was easier to relate to and understand.

My favourite quote from this book is "I've learned enough this year to know that life may surprise you, but not usually in the ways you imagine.". I found this quote interesting because it showed me how life can throw bad and good surprises at you that may turn out to be what you needed. You may not always get the outcome you wanted but the only way to conquer life is to grab and mold the opportunities that come your way.

This book taught me that you shouldn't let your religions and culture define you. You are unique and build your own life the way you want it set out to be. In this novel, Simone struggles to separate her past and who she has become. She gets in touch with her birth mother who introduces Simone to her blood family's history. She is conflicted as she doesn't know if her culture and religions should construct her life or that her family that adopted her is who she is. Your culture obviously is huge chunk in your life but it doesn't mean it's who you are.

A character in this book that was interesting to me was Simone. Her life is quite complicated as she was adopted and is conflicted between the life she lives and the original life she would hve lived if she wasn't given up for adoption. I believe she is a strong and ambitious young woman. She is independent and I found this very admirable. I loved her personality and her character was intriguing. She was easily loved throughout the novel and she was easy to relate to.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This YA novel was the recipient of a few awards within the Jewish book community, so I was psyched to meet its author and get her signature while at ALA. It's a really likable book too, about an adopted teenage girl whose birth mother suddenly wants to meet her. I really enjoyed the way it all played out, though there were a few too many moments of Jewish education for my taste. I already know all about Passover and Hannukah, thanks, and I think the non-Jews in the audience don't need to be talked down to. Anyway, A-/B+.

[Alita · Rating 5 out of 5]

made me cry... not just cry, but bawl the whole last chapter.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little underwhelmed by this book until about halfway through and then Rivkah and Simone got me.

Sweet and sad and happy, the way a good story should be. I cried a little at the end.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wonderful. Beautifully written book that deals with adoption, religion, adolescence, family dynamics. YA book with real heart and characters to care about.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book was a really good book. I thought the voice in the book was very clear and made me call to mind someone Simone's age who was going through all of the emotions that she would naturally be going through. I think I was able to relate to her really well because some of her internal monologues were thoughts that I am certain would have been running through my head at that point in my life as well. I think that having a character that I can so easily relate to is something that makes a book worth reading for me. When I can get in touch with how the character operates, it makes it easier for me to read.

This book deals with some religious themes and the questioning of one's identity regarding religion. I feel that there is a time in everyone's lives (excluding some very well put together people) that they question whether their religion is right for them and even if they have no religion, question whether or not they should have one and what will happen to them when they die.

Bringing Rivka to light the way the book did, the reader had a pretty good idea (as did Simone later on) that there had to be a reason for the sudden contact, and given human nature, a lot of it would call to mind the idea that there is something wrong with Rivka. This later turns out to be correct and Rivka does eventually die of ovarian cancer. To take a teenager who is grappling with so many other life factors and spin the death of her birth mother in there, I think it was very true to life. When it rains, it pours in life and things happen to good people and they sometimes happen to teens in the midst of the rest of their lives.

I think this book is not one that I would necessarily teach, but it is one that I would recommend to my students because I believe there are very valuable and powerful situations and struggles that would make it meaningful for any student.

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 of 5 stars
Simone has always known she was adopted, but she's reluctant to meet her birth mother, despite her parents encouragement. She calls Rivka, who is a very religious, jewish woman, a stark contrast to Simone's liberal, atheist parents. Why did Rivka contact her now, and what is she, and her parents hiding.

I'd read and loved Dana Reinhardt's other books, though not her first, A BRIEF CHAPTER IN MY IMPOSSIBLE LIFE (ABC). The writing is crisp, clear and spot on. Reading the words Reinhardt put on paper (actually kindle), was more enjoyable than most YA novels. Simone's first person voice is funny, sarcastic, and ironic, the kind of person I would befriend in real life. Simone was a little too perfect to be completely realistic. Most of the time when she did and said everything a perfect daughter would do, I wondered where's the limit testing, where's the normal teenage rebellion. Likewise, her parents, brother and birth mother were too stereotypically perfect, all very likable, but lacking depth. ABC is more character that plot driven and I was able to stop and start without feeling like the world stopped until I finish.

In my opinion Reinhardt focused too much on Rivka and others explaining Jewish tradition, things that weren't essential to the plot of characters. I almost felt like the book was part religious education through literature, rather than tidbits sprinkled here and there as part of the plot. I think there could have been a better way to show Rivka's beliefs and Simone's interest without almost saying "this is the spot where we explain this prayer or this holiday for all the people who don't know."

I recommend ABC, as a unique voice and mutual respect between atheists and Jews. People of any belief or non belief will feel like their POV is respective. This isn't a religious or preachy book, religion is more an element of some characters', and not always textbook or stereotypical.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It’s realistic in its content and characters, and doesn’t shy away from depicting many things as they actually occur in high school society. Next to John Green, I think Reinhardt is really accurate in her depiction of teens, not just in the adjustments they adapt to but also in their way of thinking and talking. I really liked the main character of Simone, too. Being adopted, her state really brought more depth to the self-discovery that happens in coming-of-age stories. The story itself is good. Not wanting to give away any spoilers, the plot is engaging and emotional, and despite the ending being seen right away, I was still sad.

Would I teach this book? Maybe, depending on what I came up with to teach about it. There are a number of topics in the book that I think would make for good discussion and thinking, such as adoption, family, religion, and terminal illness. I’d recommend it, definitely, and I’m sure many students would be drawn to the story and enjoy it. However, because there is a decent amount of references to sex, and a couple sections with explicit drug use (gasp!) I’d assume sooner or later some parents would have something to say about it. If I was to teach it, it would definitely be for 11th or 12th grade only.

[Bronwyn Trusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I've never had somebody close in my life who has been adopted so it was an interesting and insightful story to read.
Simone, already going through the typical teenager life challenges and learning experiences, struggles through more than your regular teenager. Being adopted, growing with friends, and dealing with family, and religion, she's going through complex life situations and finding herself. The ending was sad, but I felt that Simone was getting through a difficult stage in her life and finally reached a place of understanding and maturity.
There is a strong theme of religion in this book, which I do not think is a bad thing, but it would be difficult to teach in schools. I think students, especially students who are adopted or know people who have been adopted, can make a connection with this story and because of this, I would recommend it to my students.

[Richard]

I picked this book up for my daughter because she is adopted, doesn't know her birth-parents and we are atheists. When the book turned out to be a little advanced for her, I read it for perspective. While not being female teenager, I think the author has a good grasp of the thought processes of a young lady working through identity, religious, and dating issues. The main character, Simone, was portrayed as an intelligent, level-headed & articulate. The atheist aspect of her seemed unnecessary, she really was more a agnostic or secular Jew. Despite that, the actions of the various characters in religious, social and ethical situations was honest and lifelike. Without being handy-handed, the novel was sex-positive as a book about teenagers can be and acknowledged that drugs and alcohol exist in teenage life. When my daughter is older, I will be pleased if she grows up to read this book.

[shushan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just so amazing. It was beautifully written, the characters were so real, and the plot was just absolutely emotional. A Brief Chapter In My Impossibly Life may sound like the name of a book about a teenage girl complaining about how she can’t get boys because she’s “not pretty enough” (which it’s partially about), but it’s so much more than that. It covers so many important topics that need to be discussed but aren’t talked about nearly as often as they should be. Also, it takes down so many stereotypes about almost any religious, political, sexuality or gender-oriented group which is something that needs to happen far more happen than it actually does.

In my opinion, this book was so simple, yet so brilliantly written, and everyone should read it, no matter what their age is.

[Mercedes Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I have been searching for the title of this book for so long now and I'm so happy that I found it.

Okay so I read this book back when I was in elementary or middle school, I'm now a college sophomore. This book is truly a masterpiece. It teaches a valuable lesson about family and learning to forgive someone that hurt you. I can say that it's one of those books that you will think about and remember many years after reading it.

The ending was so sad but happy in a way. Simone had closure and that's all she ever wanted. I don't want to go to much into the plot but everyone should read this book and pass it on to their child.

[Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quickly fell in love with Simone, with her story, with the writing. This book was moving, relatable, poignant and exactly what I was looking for. High school is such a time of pressure, transformation, choices and changes, such that I love to read YA books. (And a little satisfying YA romance never hurts. We were all 16 with a crush once)! That said, I particularly loved the deeper story, in this book, about finding and knowing Rivka.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, kind of a lame title (I think it makes the book sound more "typical" than it really is, and it doesn't really say anything about the story). Good for your Sarah Dessen fans, Laurie. Oh, and it's good for people who are interested in Jewish themes in kids' books.

[Monica Caldicott]

Read p. 1 "Look at us … Rivka called. She wants to meet you."

Simone has known since she was a child that she is adopted. She just never wanted to know the details - or so she thought until Rivka called and wanted to meet her.

Simone's life is plenty good without a long-lost mother, thank you very much. She has a great group of friends - Cleo, James, Henry and Ivy. She has a little brother, Jake, who isn't so bad, especially when she can play all-knowing junior to his unprepared freshman. Her parents are sort of OK - her dad can cook really well and her mom is kind of a hero type, working at the American Civil Liberties Union defending lost causes and such.

At the same time, Simone's life is plenty bad, too. She's still living down the time she made out with Tim Whelan and then got sick in the bushes. She joined the school newspaper to be close to Zack Meyers, but he seems to be joined at the hip to his so-called "just friends" friend Amy Flannigan.

Join Simone for a brief chapter in her impossible life.

[E Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this in a grab bag of used CD's and realized after I started listening that it was recommended
for ages 12-17 . I am well beyond that age group, but I found the book well written and enjoyable.
Some of the anxieties of being a teenage are no different from when I was that age, but there are
definitely some problems that were not very prevalent when I was that age.

Simone knows she's adopted and has no desire to meet her birth mother. Her adopted parents
are liberal high achievers. She and her family are atheists.

She finally agrees to meet Rivka, her birth mother and finds that Rivka was bought up in
a strict Jewish home. She also finds out that Rivka is terminally ill. Their relationship
evolves into a close and loving one.

I felt that all the characters in the story were perhaps a little too remarkable, understanding
and supportive which was very nice, but maybe not realistic. It needed a little friction somewhere.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adoption and religion are two of the topics in this YA novel, both subjects I'm really interested in, so it was a winner. Junior Simone has always known she's adopted, but it throws her off balance when he birthmother contacts her adoptive parents and asks to meet her. What her parents don't tell her, to begin with, is that her birthmother, Rivka, is terminally ill and wants to meet her and develop a relationship with her, including filling her in on family history, before she dies. Simone is a great girl. Her adoptive parents and brother are loving and supportive. Her best friend since childhood is always there for her. In Rivka she finds another person ready to love her unconditionally.

Information about Jewish holidays and observances add to the richness of the story.

[Lynn Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book. Simone is one of those lucky girls. She's fine with her place in the world. She's always known she was adopted but she has never been curious about her birth parents or the circumstances surrounding her birth. Then one day, Rivka calls and the world will never be the same. Simone's discovery of her roots and the woman who gave birth to her is told lovingly and almost lyrically and what she finds is that her place in the world is more fully cemented by the knowledge of her past. A beautiful, almost haunting story of family and the ties that do bind us together!!

[Gabrielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. I found it to be meh. Considering this is my first year as a High School Librarian and reading Gateways for the first time, I found this book to be boring. I would recommend this book to a high school female student that interested in stories that involve, adoption, family and Judaism. Definitely my first novel that talked about Judaism and Jewish traditions and customs. Like I said in the beginning, the book was okay but I didn't feel excited or satisfied when I was finished with the book. For this book to be so short, it took me about three days to read, which isn't great considering I've read 400 page books in one day.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took be a little extra time to get "into" the style of this book. It is written from first person narrative and in her thought patterns. It makes it a pretty easy read. Read the summary. Spot on. The book takes place over a short time (hence the "brief chapter" in the title) and explains the Jewish ceremonies in brief detail for basic understanding. Good book. No suspense, thriller, but has deep philosophical thoughts on families, death and the meaning of community - if you dare to compare to your life.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, the first YA novel I've read in 2018, is also one of the most interesting I've read in the past few years. I'd advise parents that abortion, teen sex, and other mature topics seem to be viewed casually by the MC in the beginning, although the MC does not experience them. However, this story is about the beauty of an adoption that was meant to be for one particular girl child, the marked differences between the families involved, and a Jewish faith that found an atheist girl through her birth mother.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent YA novel. The characters felt real, dealing with many routine details in the life of an adolescent while also dealing with the unusual (finding and potentially losing a birth parent). The emotional experience of the protagonist rang true for that age group and the plot followed a nice arc. I would still recommend to teens today, in spite of the pre texting era that the novel is set in.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dabble in reading YA lit to have a sense of what my students might be reading & I'm not sure how this came onto my radar but what a FABULOUS book. I listened to the audio version, delightfully read by Mandy Siegfried, who captured all the essence of a 16 yr old girl. As someone who teaches that age group, everything about this book simply nailed it. It was alternately funny and poignant and you might even shed a little tear at the end.

[Mackenzie Harmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with so much emotion, you will feel excitement, sadness, sympathy and even anger while reading it. It gave off such a good lesson and I would definitely recommend this book for high schoolers because it is very relatable to the high school life styles.