A Jew Grows in Brooklyn: The Curious Reflections of a First-Generation American

by Jake Ehrenreich

The Arguably Dysfunctional Insights of a 'Kid' from Brooklyn As a boy, Jake Ehrenreich wanted nothing more than to fit in. The reality of being the first American-born child of Holocaust survivors with thick European accents made him cringe, and he did everything he could to fit his vision of what it meant to be a 'real' American. His expertise on the ball field, good looks, and extraordinary musical talent gained him popularity, but deep inside, he was uncomfortable with his identity and his family's haunting past. Only through his life-changing experiences—living a perilous rock 'n' roll lifestyle, battling drug abuse, womanizing, coping with his mother and two sisters' early-onset Alzheimer's disease, finding love, fathering the only child who will carry on his family name, and then dealing with his beloved dad's courageous battle with Parkinson's disease—did Jake Ehrenreich begin to appreciate and honor his family's heritage as well as himself. Based on his hit show 'A Jew Grows in Brooklyn'—which ran in the heart of Broadway and continues to entertain audiences nationwide and which the New York Times described as 'beautiful . . . touching . . . funny'—these stories mine the same life-affirming voyage of self-discovery, while delving deeper into Ehrenreich's rich experiences.

Genres: Biography

252 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2010

About the author

Actor/writer"

Reviews

[Sari Eisen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't tell if this was trying to be a comedic memoir or that's just how he writes but it wasn't quite funny enough to be in that category. His life is pretty interesting -- or at least his family's life -- but this certainly wasn't the best memoir I've ever read. Everything was trying too hard to be a deep life lesson.

[Chana Zeiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!! Great perspective on holocaust survivors children and their parenting. Fascinating insights on how a young boy feels through his parents sadness and their will to make a mensch!! In his writing he made life's struggles feel light and funny.

[Rachelle Urist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jake Ehrenreich, musician, singer, actor and playwright, is also a first-generation American born to holocaust survivors. His loving and charming memoir, A Jew Grows In Brooklyn, is a tribute to his father, Jonah Ehrenreich, known for his honesty, stamina, flexibility and erudition. Jake inherited these qualities. He was also preternaturally protective of his parents and sisters. In an age when the reverse is the norm, this is refreshing. Jake spent his formative years playing stickball, drumming, and becoming a Yankee. (His childhood nickname was Yonkee, an “American” variant of Yonkele.) In his 20s, as a musician, he traveled the world. But his soul was never far from home.

Reading this book is like being invited into the inner sanctum of a wise, fond uncle. I am older than the author, but his insights make him ageless, a Yoda for our times. I didn’t expect much from this book. I was astounded at how quickly I was drawn into the author’s quest for understanding—of himself, his parents, human nature, and the terrible events of the 20th century.

The book reads quickly. It’s both serious and funny. I recommend it.

(This review was written for the 2010 Jewish Book Fair of Ann Arbor.)

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a memoir of the author's life, growing up in Brooklyn the son of Holocaust survivor parents, his musician years and his years as a parent. He has a Broadway show by the same name as the title of the book and he decided to put his show on paper. I enjoyed reading about his childhood and his close and loving relationship with his father later on in their lives. He is very humorous and the book is filled with funny as well as touching moments of his life. Overall this book felt like a love letter to his dad and I teared up many times as he was recounting his relationship with him.

[jj · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a reflection on the author's life dealing with identity and traditions growing up as an immigrant in the worlds greatest mixing pot - Brooklyn, NY. As difficult as he thought it was growing up, as an adult he realizes he wasn't the only one. Interesting story no matter your faith.

[Shannon Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very easy book to put down.