Princess without a Crown: Returning to My Jewish Roots

by Jenna Maio

Although Jenna Maio grew up near Orthodox Jews in the Five Towns of Long Island, New York, she might as well have lived worlds apart. A secular American Jew determined to save the world through environmental law, Jenna’s dream comes true when she is accepted to an Ivy League law school. But on a trip to Israel, her exposure to Torah learning causes her to question everything. Will I become Orthodox? That question alone makes Jenna’s stomach flip and her head spin. Her parents will feel completely alienated. Her revered anti-religious grandfather will never approve. Her friends will think she went insane. Upon arriving home, Jenna tries to maintain her studying and growth, but starts to waver, forgetting why she wanted to become observant in the first place. But when she begins revisiting her old way of life, that small flicker of light, of inspiration, that she felt on her Israel trip refuses to dim. After a series of “crazy coincidences,” the feeling that G-d is guiding her back to her tradition becomes stronger and stronger. Jenna has no choice but to forge her own path. She must face her true self and what she wants out of life, both personally and professionally. Will she have the courage to make her vision a reality despite the opposition surrounding her? Princess Without a Crown is a coming-of-age story filled with drama and humor, as well as amazing stories of Divine Providence and Torah wisdom. Join Jenna as she discovers her heritage and navigates the newfound blessings—and challenges—on her path to growth. *** “This book tells the personal story of one young woman's path back to her ancient heritage. I found it instructive and moving. There are many lessons to be learned from it, for both students and teachers of authentic Judaism.” — Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz, international lecturer and author of note “Jenna’s engaging book about her spiritual journey into Judaism is an honest and often amusing memoir, peopled with a cast of colorful characters. Her spiritual struggles (and lapses) are a counterpoint to her God-directed, deep longings. Readers will enjoy traveling with her on her journey.” — Sara Yoheved Rigler, best-selling author and international lecturer “As a non-Jew, with little understanding of Judaism, I was still spellbound by this book and Jenna’s journey. I couldn’t read it fast enough. What a beautiful talent!” — Linda Sivertsen, best-selling author and host of the Beautiful Writers podcast

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2020

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna does a magnificent job at telling her story. Growing up in Long island, New York I sometimes felt as if it were my story. There were so many similarities in our childhood and our thoughts about Judiasm. I struggled alot when I was in my teens and at college to find my identity and to find something I could believe in after always just doing what my friends did. Alas it wasnt my story so let me get back to telling you why this book was extraordinary.
From the years at Emory to a chance to go to Israel, Jenna keeps finding and losing her spiritual self. She feels a pull to Judiasm and a strong sense of peace when at Shabbos dinners with Rabbis or in a class discussing Torah but she was always told Orthodox Jews were different and her family doesnt understand any of her need to be closer to G-d. She struggles so much throughout the memoir. It brought me to tears many times.
More people need to read this. Not just for the Jewish community but because all of us struggle with our sense of self and I believe many could relate to Jenna's journey.

[Esther Kozakevich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great and we need more like it. It’s encouraging to hear about the struggles other Baalei Teshuvas face because it can feel like such an isolating process. I’m giving it 4 stars because the grammatical errors/continuing changes of verb tense were super distracting, and also I felt like I wanted more detail. I wanted to hear more about what specifically got her from God is real —> let’s keep Shabbos. She touched on it but I wanted more.

[Nina Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book- I could not put it down. It was insightful, delightful, relatable and inspiring ! Do yourself a favor and read it!!

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I don't even know where to begin. Memoirs really aren't my thing at all but this just sounded so good that I had to read it - and it did not disappoint!

You hear stories about people converting to a new religion and how their families have a hard time with that transition, but I had never considered that a secular Jewish family would have a problem with their daughter deciding to become more observant in the same religion. I was curious how Jenna was raised, what led her to want to become more religious, and what reasons her family had for not being supportive of that desire.

Jenna tells her story effortlessly, engaging readers right from the beginning until the very end. Part of why I don't like memoirs is because I find them disjointed and rambled, but not Princess without a Crown. Everything Jenna writes is meaningful, relevant, insightful and interesting. I learned so much from this book and found it incredibly uplifting and inspiring. This is one I will for sure be reading again!

I don't think you need to have an interest/background in Judaism to enjoy this book. While I did have to Google a few terms, for the most part Jenna translates the religious/Hebrew terminology she uses. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys memoirs and/or feel good stories, and to anyone interested in Judaism, especially those becoming more observant or those converting to Judaism.

[Yaffa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable and insightful read. Definitely recommend it for other baalei teshuva and their relatives and friends who will definitely relate to Jenna's journey.

[Marietha Vermeulen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book thought me so much, thank you Jenna ❤

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really relatable experience. I enjoyed reading it and it definitely made me feel like I am not alone in my religious journey, even if I am not as frum as Jenna.

[Gerardo Magnano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

The best book on Teshuva I have read so far. Truly magical. A must read for anyone seeking for inspiration.

[Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find it hard to rate memoirs, but I found this one interesting