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You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah!
Stacy Friedman is getting ready for one of the most important events of her young life––her bat mitzvah! All she wants is the perfect BCBG dress to wear, her friends by her side, and her biggest crush ever, Andy Goldfarb, to dance with her (and maybe even make out with her on the dance floor). But Stacy’s well-laid plans soon start to fall apart….Her stressed-out mother forces her to buy a hideous sequined dress that makes her look like the bride of Frankenstein. Her mitzvahs are not going well at all. And then the worst thing in the entire world happens––causing Stacy to utter the words that will wreak complete havoc on her social life ... You are SO not invited to my bat mitzvah!
208 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2005
80 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Rosenbloom
3 books17 followersHi. I’m Fiona and I’ve written two books that should be displayed up and to your right. No, your other right. There you go. They’re books for Young Adults and I enjoyed writing them both and wonder if I’ll ever return to Stacy Adelaide Friedman, Lydia Katz, and Kelly Mooreland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
October 3, 2023
3 stars. See this book is meant for a young audience, like 12 year olds, but I feel like the author displayed teenagers all wrong, they don't talk, act, walk like this, at least from where I am. It was cute but kind of cringe, but at the end of the day I enjoyed it and it was fine. But cringey. I will go into more detail later lol.
August 27, 2023
train wreck
Watched it after the movie. I liked Rabbi Sherwin but this book was just depressing and sad. I missed the happy family of the movie
Watched it after the movie. I liked Rabbi Sherwin but this book was just depressing and sad. I missed the happy family of the movie
September 27, 2024
could lowkey ramble about the book and the slang.. but i wont. short story, the movies better ngl
April 28, 2019
For someone like me who kinda struggles with drama I really loved this book!
October 26, 2025
A fun light read, learned a lot about bat mitzvahs
September 3, 2023
Points lost for fatphobia and tacky insults, points gained back for TiVo and G-Farb belt buckle
September 9, 2023
This was a super quick and funny read. Lost points to fat phobia… curious to see the movie adaptation. Did love all the early 2000s references — what a trip down memory lane!
August 13, 2023
This was a super fast, sweet, funny story.
Of course I read it when I heard about both the book and the movie at the same time.
Stacy is getting ready for her Bat Mitzvah.
She’s looking forward to her dream dress, partying with her best friends, and her crush Andy Goldfarb being there. She’s dreaming about getting her first kiss on the dance floor.
But what actually happens is that her mom buys her a dress that she hates, she gets into a huge fight with her best friend, she has sudden fluctuations in her feelings about Andy, and she gets assigned mitzvahs of sacrifice by her rabbi.
She decides to do something nice for her brother and something nice for her mother to meet her sacrifice requirements. But the point of the mitzvah was to teach her about sacrifice and not putting herself first and Stacy kind of thinks doing it will grant her the right to a reward (like Andy).
She definitely has some drama in store and some bumps in the road on her path to adulthood. But it felt like an entertaining amount of drama rather than being over the top.
I think this will be a cute movie.
Of course I read it when I heard about both the book and the movie at the same time.
Stacy is getting ready for her Bat Mitzvah.
She’s looking forward to her dream dress, partying with her best friends, and her crush Andy Goldfarb being there. She’s dreaming about getting her first kiss on the dance floor.
But what actually happens is that her mom buys her a dress that she hates, she gets into a huge fight with her best friend, she has sudden fluctuations in her feelings about Andy, and she gets assigned mitzvahs of sacrifice by her rabbi.
She decides to do something nice for her brother and something nice for her mother to meet her sacrifice requirements. But the point of the mitzvah was to teach her about sacrifice and not putting herself first and Stacy kind of thinks doing it will grant her the right to a reward (like Andy).
She definitely has some drama in store and some bumps in the road on her path to adulthood. But it felt like an entertaining amount of drama rather than being over the top.
I think this will be a cute movie.
January 17, 2025
I LOVED IT! I LOVED IT!! I LOVED IT!!! This is what I am shouting into my silent classroom filled with students reading silently as I finish the last pages of this book. This book is soooooo entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the Jewish faith, something I do not know much about. The story is so very realistic. It gets better and better as the saga develops. It is filled with fabulous themes that jump right off the closing pages. Being that I fell hook. line, and sinker in love with quirky, hysterical Arthur, I probably won't watch the movie since I hear he isn't even in it!! Love Adam Sandler, but bad move excluding such an endearing character!
September 30, 2023
Even though this book was still funny and full of teenage angst, I still think the movie was better. 4 stars! 🌟
November 23, 2023
Stacy is prepping for her perfect Bat Mitzvah, and besides her bestie and the perfect dress, she wants to be on the arm of Andy. Needless to say, none of that is happening.
This was a cutesy YA book, which isn't my normal genre, or even a preferred sub genre. I'm not super big on the teen drama stuff, but also feel like it wasn't overdone in this book. Arthur, Stacy’s brother, was my favorite character in the book. He was the comedic relief with all his geeky one-liners. I also loved the part where Stacy and Arthur made their mom a dating profile and even went as far as to have one of her potential suitors come to their house to take their mother out. Being a mother myself, I felt at times I related more to Stacy's mother than I related to Stacey.
THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You're a fan of cute YA novels, don't mind teen drama over boys and besties.
This was a cutesy YA book, which isn't my normal genre, or even a preferred sub genre. I'm not super big on the teen drama stuff, but also feel like it wasn't overdone in this book. Arthur, Stacy’s brother, was my favorite character in the book. He was the comedic relief with all his geeky one-liners. I also loved the part where Stacy and Arthur made their mom a dating profile and even went as far as to have one of her potential suitors come to their house to take their mother out. Being a mother myself, I felt at times I related more to Stacy's mother than I related to Stacey.
THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You're a fan of cute YA novels, don't mind teen drama over boys and besties.
September 27, 2018
The book Your So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah by Fiona Rose-bloom is about an young girl named stacy who has just turned thirteen and was getting ready to have a birthday party. She has invited all of her friend including her crush Andy Goldfarb. During her party she saw that Andy Goldfarb was dancing with another girl named Jewel. Stacy runs into the bathroom crying when her best friend Lilly. Lilly cheered her up by telling her that he’s a jerk and he is no good. After all the crying Stacy stated that she is officially over Andy Goldfarb. While Stacy turned thirteen she also has to throw a Bat Mitzvah. A Bat Mitzvah is basically a party for girl who is becoming a young mature woman. So Stacy invited all the people she knows including Andy Goldfarb. Close to the time of the Bat Mitzvah things started to go down hill. Stacy’s mom stresses out when buying a dress and buys the ugliest dress she could find but someone has brighten up her day, Andy Goldfarb. He invited her over to his house to hangout. When Stacy came over she saw her best friend kissing her “ex crush”. She came over and said to Lily “how could you do this to me and also you are so not invited to my bat mitzvah”.
The book Your So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah was a good book . While I was reading the book I was mostly angry of the outcomes that happened to stacy. For example when she found out that her best friend was kissing her ex crush Andy Goldfarb and didn’t tell her, that got me really mad because how could your best friend do that to you. Another reason why I got mad because the reason why is how the book ended. The book originally ended by stacy and lydia forgiving each other but The way how the book ended it was so predictable. It should have ended with a plot twist or cliffhanger. For example stacy and lily still got back together but Andy and Oliver makes Stacy choose who she wants to be with and then that's where the bookends. Either way Your So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah was a good book and I suggest you to read it
August 25, 2023
This was my absolute FAVORITE book of middle school. I saw myself represented and it meant everything to me.
Now I recently read it back in preparation for the new movie to come out and a few things popped up:
-This is so firmly rooted in 2005 culture, it’s actually hilarious. The references to Ashlee Simpson’s music and different clothing brands had me cackling now.
-Some of the storylines don’t hold up. The way she talks about her dad’s new girlfriend? Not cool. Stacy tricking her brother into losing weight? VERY not cool. Putting her mother on a dating site without her consent and not telling her until said stranger was at their house? INCREDIBLY not cool and potentially dangerous.
The movie actually goes further and keeps the spirit of the book in tact while updating it to a story that makes sense for today, but I still love this book and all it’s references so much. This Jewish girl is proud to see herself represented!
Now I recently read it back in preparation for the new movie to come out and a few things popped up:
-This is so firmly rooted in 2005 culture, it’s actually hilarious. The references to Ashlee Simpson’s music and different clothing brands had me cackling now.
-Some of the storylines don’t hold up. The way she talks about her dad’s new girlfriend? Not cool. Stacy tricking her brother into losing weight? VERY not cool. Putting her mother on a dating site without her consent and not telling her until said stranger was at their house? INCREDIBLY not cool and potentially dangerous.
The movie actually goes further and keeps the spirit of the book in tact while updating it to a story that makes sense for today, but I still love this book and all it’s references so much. This Jewish girl is proud to see herself represented!
June 12, 2009
Can't wait Maisonians aunt is the author!!!
January 8, 2025
" You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah!" by Fiona Rosenbloom is a novel following Stacy Adelaide Freedman who is almost thirteen, and her Bat Mitzvah is just around the corner. She dreams of it being the most perfect event ever, but suddenly an unexpected event turns Stacy's world upside down.
Okay, I have mixed feelings about this book. First of all, and spoiler alert: It was boring. There was no sort of BIG event that had me at the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next. Sure, the whole Lydia & Andy thing was pretty big but then what? No big fight, No following drama. Just a few family issues here and there, and all of that just for it to end like "You're forgiven, I love you so much we should've never put a boy between us" What?? This is not a fairytale, we're not eight years old anymore.
Second, I get that the author is trying to be relatable to target audience, but as a grade 7 girl it honestly gave me the ick. "I would rather get a dress from Shein" like, who are you kidding? The pop culture references were just a little much to be honest.
Third, and probably the only thing I genuinely liked about this book were the characters. Let's start off with Stacy. Very good character development, brownie points to Fiona. Stacy was very relatable, and just in total a very sweet character to read about, I liked that although there was a lack of events, the events that did happen were realistic and relatable to a teenage girl. If there was one thing I didn't like about Stacy was the whole comedian bit, I don't know, I feel like it started off as an idea but it wasn't developed enough. And the jokes, could have used a lot of fine tuning, like the Adele one? or the one at the end of the Bat Mitzvah? A few knock knock jokes doesn't make you a comedian.
Probably my favorite thing about this book was Dante. Dante was so romantic, and to be honest was the thing that bumped this review up to a two star, Italians belong everywhere and was the perfect touch to the story, I just wish we could have seen more.
Honestly, the big thing for me was just that there wasn't enough content and it wasn't captivating enough, I hate to say it but the movie was better.
Okay, I have mixed feelings about this book. First of all, and spoiler alert: It was boring. There was no sort of BIG event that had me at the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next. Sure, the whole Lydia & Andy thing was pretty big but then what? No big fight, No following drama. Just a few family issues here and there, and all of that just for it to end like "You're forgiven, I love you so much we should've never put a boy between us" What?? This is not a fairytale, we're not eight years old anymore.
Second, I get that the author is trying to be relatable to target audience, but as a grade 7 girl it honestly gave me the ick. "I would rather get a dress from Shein" like, who are you kidding? The pop culture references were just a little much to be honest.
Third, and probably the only thing I genuinely liked about this book were the characters. Let's start off with Stacy. Very good character development, brownie points to Fiona. Stacy was very relatable, and just in total a very sweet character to read about, I liked that although there was a lack of events, the events that did happen were realistic and relatable to a teenage girl. If there was one thing I didn't like about Stacy was the whole comedian bit, I don't know, I feel like it started off as an idea but it wasn't developed enough. And the jokes, could have used a lot of fine tuning, like the Adele one? or the one at the end of the Bat Mitzvah? A few knock knock jokes doesn't make you a comedian.
Probably my favorite thing about this book was Dante. Dante was so romantic, and to be honest was the thing that bumped this review up to a two star, Italians belong everywhere and was the perfect touch to the story, I just wish we could have seen more.
Honestly, the big thing for me was just that there wasn't enough content and it wasn't captivating enough, I hate to say it but the movie was better.
October 30, 2024
I'm a big believer in reading the book before watching a movie adaptation and so I grabbed a copy of this book from the local library. After sitting down with the book, I had a few issues that made me wonder if I wanted to sit through the film. More on that later.
First and foremost, a book about Judaism, family, friendships, etc., aimed towards teens can never "go wrong" in my opinion and I'd love more of this out there on the shelves. So in terms of "big themes" I do think this book hits the mark. I just don't know that I was (1) in love with it every moment and (2) fully gravitated towards the characters at my older age (I'm in my 30s, so this teen type book isn't necessarily for me, but normally I enjoy a good YAL). So in short: Good overall, but has some issues. 3 stars.
Most of the issues were minor ones, but ones that did distract from the world the author was attempting to build. I know teens change over time, but I wasn't a teen that long ago, and I felt like some of the dialog throughout the novel didn't ring true to me. Some of the actions of the teens being depicted didn't necessarily ring true. And again, maybe I'm totally wrong and things have changed a ton and this was super realistic, but for me it just wasn't. It kept distracting me and taking me out of moments I would have otherwise enjoyed.
Teens thinking things are the "end of the world" is always fun to me, because of course some of the things are not that bad. Now, a lot of the issues in the book I could understand being "big" at that age. A few though, I kind of chuckled at, but again some of these moments just seemed "less impactful" than other moments and as a whole I would have not focused on a few moments here and there.
Again, overall, the book was a 3/5 for me because it was good... but I didn't love it.
Adaptation note: The Netflix movie with Adam Sandler was cute, had some good laughs, showed (imho) a nicer family dynamic than the book, and overall I liked it more than the book... and everyone who knows me knows I hardly ever say a film is better than its source material. In this case though, the film was better.
Don't hate me.
First and foremost, a book about Judaism, family, friendships, etc., aimed towards teens can never "go wrong" in my opinion and I'd love more of this out there on the shelves. So in terms of "big themes" I do think this book hits the mark. I just don't know that I was (1) in love with it every moment and (2) fully gravitated towards the characters at my older age (I'm in my 30s, so this teen type book isn't necessarily for me, but normally I enjoy a good YAL). So in short: Good overall, but has some issues. 3 stars.
Most of the issues were minor ones, but ones that did distract from the world the author was attempting to build. I know teens change over time, but I wasn't a teen that long ago, and I felt like some of the dialog throughout the novel didn't ring true to me. Some of the actions of the teens being depicted didn't necessarily ring true. And again, maybe I'm totally wrong and things have changed a ton and this was super realistic, but for me it just wasn't. It kept distracting me and taking me out of moments I would have otherwise enjoyed.
Teens thinking things are the "end of the world" is always fun to me, because of course some of the things are not that bad. Now, a lot of the issues in the book I could understand being "big" at that age. A few though, I kind of chuckled at, but again some of these moments just seemed "less impactful" than other moments and as a whole I would have not focused on a few moments here and there.
Again, overall, the book was a 3/5 for me because it was good... but I didn't love it.
Adaptation note: The Netflix movie with Adam Sandler was cute, had some good laughs, showed (imho) a nicer family dynamic than the book, and overall I liked it more than the book... and everyone who knows me knows I hardly ever say a film is better than its source material. In this case though, the film was better.
Don't hate me.
January 2, 2023
I read You Are SO Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah! by Fiona Rosenbloom because I wanted a laid-back, easy-to-comprehend comedy book to indulge in during Christmas break. The story delighted me and exceeded my expectations to the point I reached for the book even though the plot was not unbelievable. I had no personal connections with the book other than being a teen girl with a fat crush on a guy like the main character, Stacy Friedman.
The author’s syntax and word choice were very nice as it is very relatable to teens and was very comfortable for me to read. Also, the book was in the format of a letter to God as she is a Jewish teen trying to be more religious (first person) and third person limited when the author is trying to cover the plot of the story not just what Stacy desires from God (a boy named Andy). For characterization, Stacy is the typical teenage girl who does every mistake possible and learns from them. She is super funny and conceited, making the character relatable but still fantasy.
If you are Jewish, you should read the book because it touches on Jew traditions and you can appreciate the struggle and effort put into the bat mitzvah. If you have pushy parents, you can relate to the main character. I recommend this book to you if you are a teen girl because you can relate to kissing up to the cool girls and feeling peer pressured to do what makes you fit in with the guys. You should definitely not read this book if you are into complex literature because everything is put in front of you and does not leave anything for interpretation, so have that in mind.
The author’s syntax and word choice were very nice as it is very relatable to teens and was very comfortable for me to read. Also, the book was in the format of a letter to God as she is a Jewish teen trying to be more religious (first person) and third person limited when the author is trying to cover the plot of the story not just what Stacy desires from God (a boy named Andy). For characterization, Stacy is the typical teenage girl who does every mistake possible and learns from them. She is super funny and conceited, making the character relatable but still fantasy.
If you are Jewish, you should read the book because it touches on Jew traditions and you can appreciate the struggle and effort put into the bat mitzvah. If you have pushy parents, you can relate to the main character. I recommend this book to you if you are a teen girl because you can relate to kissing up to the cool girls and feeling peer pressured to do what makes you fit in with the guys. You should definitely not read this book if you are into complex literature because everything is put in front of you and does not leave anything for interpretation, so have that in mind.
February 3, 2025
Title: You are so not Invited to My BatMitvah
Pages 190
Author Rosenbloom Fioana
Copyright date 2005
Publisher by Alloy Entertainment and Fiona Rosenbloom
Genre Realistic Fiction
ISBN 0-7868-5616-5
Price 15.99
A girl named Stacy Friedman wants her Bat Mitzvah party to turn out perfect. However, she has some conflict between her friend and the boys. She wants the perfect dress, all her friends to be there, and her crush to be her first kiss, but this all backfires when she sees what her friend did to her.
I enjoyed this book because it deals with friendship and drama that made this book more interesting and more appealing.
I gave this book a five-star review because it has a lot of drama that makes this book go faster as you read and more interesting.
I would recommend this book to people who like to read more about drama and friendship because that is the main thing this book is about and it helps them visualize what is happening in the story because there are a lot of vivid details.
My three good recommendations for this book are that they should add to what happened after, like make the book longer, add more people to the story, and make another book that is the second.
Pages 190
Author Rosenbloom Fioana
Copyright date 2005
Publisher by Alloy Entertainment and Fiona Rosenbloom
Genre Realistic Fiction
ISBN 0-7868-5616-5
Price 15.99
A girl named Stacy Friedman wants her Bat Mitzvah party to turn out perfect. However, she has some conflict between her friend and the boys. She wants the perfect dress, all her friends to be there, and her crush to be her first kiss, but this all backfires when she sees what her friend did to her.
I enjoyed this book because it deals with friendship and drama that made this book more interesting and more appealing.
I gave this book a five-star review because it has a lot of drama that makes this book go faster as you read and more interesting.
I would recommend this book to people who like to read more about drama and friendship because that is the main thing this book is about and it helps them visualize what is happening in the story because there are a lot of vivid details.
My three good recommendations for this book are that they should add to what happened after, like make the book longer, add more people to the story, and make another book that is the second.
August 31, 2018
You Are So Not Invited to my Bat Mitzvah, by Fiona Rosenbloom, features Stacy Adelaide Friedman, who is soon enough going to be treated like the adult she has always wanted to be. Before making her stop at the torah, Stacy needs to find the perfect dress that she loves, looks good in, and that a special someone will notice. That being said, if Stacy could have one wish it would contain the boy of her dreams. Lydia and Kelly, who are Stacy’s two best friends, help guide her the way towards her biggest crush ever… Andy Goldfarb. Not just to Stacy, but to all the other girls too, Andy is quite the catch. The most popular girl group, The Chicas, even have their eye on him. But, maybe a close friend of Stacy does, also? All is fun and games between the girls’ until some middle school drama starts to stir. With so much on her plate, will Stacy be able to focus on her Bat Mitzvah? And will she be able to win over Andy Goldfarb? This humorous short novel is a must read for teens and young adults and will for sure have you laughing out loud.
December 5, 2025
This was such a fun and authentic book. I haven't seen the movie yet so this is strictly a review of the book.
Rosenbloom follows the life of a girl getting ready for her Bat Mitzvah while her life seemingly falls apart around her. With her parents going through a divorce, tolerating her dorky little brother, and maneuvering through her middle school social life, Stacy Friedman has a lot to deal with while also trying to memorize her Torah portion!
Rosenbloom (nom de plume of Amanda Stern) wrote an incredible story that is heartfelt and real. This felt like the real struggles of 12-13 year olds without being petty or shallow. You feel the real highs and lows of life as a pre-teen. And it is beautifully authentically Jewish, from the struggles to get everything finished for her Bat Mitzvah to balancing friendships with Jewish and non-Jewish girls at her school.
This is a beautiful story for middle school readers all the way to adults.
Rosenbloom follows the life of a girl getting ready for her Bat Mitzvah while her life seemingly falls apart around her. With her parents going through a divorce, tolerating her dorky little brother, and maneuvering through her middle school social life, Stacy Friedman has a lot to deal with while also trying to memorize her Torah portion!
Rosenbloom (nom de plume of Amanda Stern) wrote an incredible story that is heartfelt and real. This felt like the real struggles of 12-13 year olds without being petty or shallow. You feel the real highs and lows of life as a pre-teen. And it is beautifully authentically Jewish, from the struggles to get everything finished for her Bat Mitzvah to balancing friendships with Jewish and non-Jewish girls at her school.
This is a beautiful story for middle school readers all the way to adults.
January 12, 2018
The book You are So not Invited to my Bat Mitzvah, by Fiona Rosenbloom, is a fiction novel about a girl named Stacy Friedman, that is getting ready for one of the most important moments of her life: her Bat Mitzvah. She wants everything to be perfect, including a dress of her choice and dancing with her crush, Andy Goldfarb. Suddenly, Stacy won’t talk to her best friend and her dress looks hideous. Stacy must pull things together to make it though, what is supposed to be one of the best days of her life.
As a middle schooler, I thought this book was okay because it gave me an experience of a Bat Mitzvah. I would have liked it more if the plot was longer, but I enjoyed the book. I recommend this book to people that like realistic fiction.
As a middle schooler, I thought this book was okay because it gave me an experience of a Bat Mitzvah. I would have liked it more if the plot was longer, but I enjoyed the book. I recommend this book to people that like realistic fiction.
October 30, 2024
Three and a half stars for this cute book for older middle grade readers. It was apparently first published in the early 2000s, then re-printed last year to tie in with a new Netflix movie adaptation. Along with that, the author updated the text, adding in current pop culture references and social issues.
I listened to the audio edition, enthusiastically read by the author. The main character is facing the pressures of her bat mitzvah, including finding the perfect dress. She has a major crush on a very foolish boy, has a falling out with her best friend over the same boy, and her family life is not the same now that dad has moved out. It’s all very charming and ends well, with a nice message about friendship.
I listened to the audio edition, enthusiastically read by the author. The main character is facing the pressures of her bat mitzvah, including finding the perfect dress. She has a major crush on a very foolish boy, has a falling out with her best friend over the same boy, and her family life is not the same now that dad has moved out. It’s all very charming and ends well, with a nice message about friendship.
August 30, 2024
This review is for the 2023 version of the book.
I really expected to like this, and there were good parts, but there were a lot of eh parts as well. It was littered a little too liberally with pop-culture references. I say that as someone who usually likes pop-culture references in fiction, but in this case they didn't tell us anything about the characters, they seemed to only be there in a failed attempt to relate to the audience. The characters felt more like an adult's idea of 'kids nowadays' rather than actual characters unto themselves. It got better near the end, though, and the segments where the main character is talking to god were funny and enjoyable.
I really expected to like this, and there were good parts, but there were a lot of eh parts as well. It was littered a little too liberally with pop-culture references. I say that as someone who usually likes pop-culture references in fiction, but in this case they didn't tell us anything about the characters, they seemed to only be there in a failed attempt to relate to the audience. The characters felt more like an adult's idea of 'kids nowadays' rather than actual characters unto themselves. It got better near the end, though, and the segments where the main character is talking to god were funny and enjoyable.
February 21, 2025
I felt as though teenagers don't act this way at all, however, I loved Stacy Freidman's journey with God. I could see why she wasn't getting anything in return for her good deeds and she learnt that at the end. Putting the lid on the ice-cream wasn't a good dead but God could see her trying. In the movie it displayed Lidia being very rude to Stacy, and she comes to apologize like it was her fault. In the book, it ends way better and it seems as though they both could have taken better approaches. I could tell Dante wanted to dance with Stacy the whole time and Andy needed to get set up like that! Wonderful story! I grinded out this book!
April 9, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Many of the references to products and celebrities have been updated in this, and there is even the inclusion of some modern cultural key words thrown in like "cultural appropriation" and "heteronormative"; there are even questions about the appropriateness of a Harry Potter themed Bar Mitzvah. Somehow, though, it seemed very much like a book written in 2005. This is being reissued in paperback to coincide with a new made for streaming movie, so would be worth investigating if you have readers interested in the show.
Many of the references to products and celebrities have been updated in this, and there is even the inclusion of some modern cultural key words thrown in like "cultural appropriation" and "heteronormative"; there are even questions about the appropriateness of a Harry Potter themed Bar Mitzvah. Somehow, though, it seemed very much like a book written in 2005. This is being reissued in paperback to coincide with a new made for streaming movie, so would be worth investigating if you have readers interested in the show.
July 10, 2023
This is the most 2005 book I've read in a very long time.
No, seriously. The girls dance to "Pieces of Me" by Ashlee Simpson and "Where Is the Love?" by the Black-Eyed Peas. An episode of Britney & Kevin: Chaotic is watched, as is an episode of Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica. The cell phone usage is so accurate to the time period. The Andy character is so problematic yet so accurate for the time period. It's pitch-perfect.
And.
A Netflix film adaptation is being released next month, and it stars Idina Menzel. I cannot wait.
No, seriously. The girls dance to "Pieces of Me" by Ashlee Simpson and "Where Is the Love?" by the Black-Eyed Peas. An episode of Britney & Kevin: Chaotic is watched, as is an episode of Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica. The cell phone usage is so accurate to the time period. The Andy character is so problematic yet so accurate for the time period. It's pitch-perfect.
And.
A Netflix film adaptation is being released next month, and it stars Idina Menzel. I cannot wait.
January 27, 2024
ummmmmm sooooo let me just say i enjoyed the movie better than the book.
in my opinion, the way she displayed these tween girls was all wrong.
like one one page stacey said something like, “how could he like her?!?! she’s an anti vaxxer!”
AT THAT MOMENT I CHUCKED THIS BOOK ACROSS THE ROOM
see things like that is what you can expect for this book. the things she wrote for stacey’s mind is NOT what teenagers talk about. absolutely NO teenagers i know are going around talking about vaccinations.
all in all, it was a ridiculous book but i devoured it nonetheless 😂
in my opinion, the way she displayed these tween girls was all wrong.
like one one page stacey said something like, “how could he like her?!?! she’s an anti vaxxer!”
AT THAT MOMENT I CHUCKED THIS BOOK ACROSS THE ROOM
see things like that is what you can expect for this book. the things she wrote for stacey’s mind is NOT what teenagers talk about. absolutely NO teenagers i know are going around talking about vaccinations.
all in all, it was a ridiculous book but i devoured it nonetheless 😂
July 10, 2024
This book was great! Stacy was getting ready for her Bat Mitzvah, but her Mom who is stressed and maybe depressed makes her buy an ugly dress. While her too smart for his age little brother has a big growth spurt which is a problem. To make things even worse Stacy’s BBF Lydia kisses Stacy’s forever crush Andy Goldfarb. Stacy has to make three Mitzvahs or good deeds before her Bat Mitzvah. But everything goes well, Stacy gets a new dress, Stacy and Lydia are BBF again, her Mom is not stressed or depressed, and Stacy kissed Dante who becomes her boyfriend. I am so happy my cousin recommended this book to me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
I know Adam Sandler was adapting this for a movie and it was a short audiobook because it's a slim middle grade focused on friendship, romance, and family as she prepares for her bat mitzvah.
It's full of humor and the dynamics of becoming an independent person while still caring what your family and friends (and in this case, boys) think. And where does religion fit it?
The book was entertainment and I can see how it would make a great film.
It's full of humor and the dynamics of becoming an independent person while still caring what your family and friends (and in this case, boys) think. And where does religion fit it?
The book was entertainment and I can see how it would make a great film.
May 3, 2024
Yuck! I guess the writing was okay enough and I could see how it might appeal to a preteen girl but, yuck! The author introduced words and then abandoned them (bima). I don’t think the Jewish aspects were accurate (Torah portion about sacrifice in May?). The Rabbi has a rotary phone on his desk??? She snuck into his office? They left a b’nei Mitzvah party and went to a quarry to swim at 9pm in the dark? So much of this story irked me.
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