suannelaqueur's review
2.0
Eh. Wasn't what I thought it would be. Skimmed most of it. Little too preachy and dear-diary-ish.
amielizabeth's review
3.0
Good story about the friendship between a Jewish rabbi and a gay Jewish man.
mscott's review
4.0
I thought this book was good. A story of how two different lives connect through their shared Jewish heritage yet things aren't always as they seemed. I especially enjoyed the way the author brought together the main character's last (and lasting) relationship with a seemingly chance meeting between the two and how that even outlives the other obvious relationship centered on in the book. Highly recommend.
mmz's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
menomica's review
I’m sorry the writing was so stilted I was seeing red flags so I’m cutting my losses while I’m ahead
larryschwartz's review
4.0
I got this book because it received favorable reviews, but I wonder who else among the population served by the Livingston Lord Library will read a book about a gay Jewish man's relationship with an Orthodox rabbi.
rozereads's review
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Nice story and some food for thought.
mischka's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is just what it says on the cover: sweet. It got me through nightshift with a smile on my face, and that's what I wanted it to do. There's not a lot of depth, but the relationship of the main characters (Benji and the Rabbi) is a wonderful characterization of what it can be like when you "overstep" generational boundaries not because of familial commitment but curiosity and kindness. I grew up christian, not jewish, so the book gave me insights into something I am not familiar with - but at the same time, some things resonated deeply with me. Losing ties to religion after coming out, being in conversation with faith and tradition and what it means to oneself, for example.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and Homophobia
jkh107's review
4.0
A young, gay, Jewish man befriends an older, Orthodox rabbi, and both eventually challenge and learn from the other. A book about our various identities, how they may come into conflict with each other, and how we deal with that whether we eventually resolve them or not. Hoffman is from my home town and he describes the area just right, including the hills and the various neighborhoods and Jewish communities. Recommended.
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