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graystreetbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think I have read a book told in the second person for a long time, if ever. It took some getting used to, but I absolutely loved the experience of reading this book.
mdevlin923's review against another edition
4.0
It's the mid-60s in a small town in Connecticut, and Ariel Goldberg's life is about to change drastically. Her beloved older sister, Leah, elopes with Raj; she finds out that her parents' bakery is failing; and her teacher identifies Ariel's learning disability as dysgraphia and attempts to help. Through it all, Ariel must confront the perceptions her friends and family have of her, and find her true talents as a fighter, a poet, and an integral part of her family.
A very moving tale set in the 1960s that focuses on the Loving v Virginia court case (which ruled that banning interracial marriages was unconstitutional), standing up to anti-Semitism, family relationships, and parental expectations. A good recommendation for children in middle grades (grades 4-7) who love historical fiction.
A very moving tale set in the 1960s that focuses on the Loving v Virginia court case (which ruled that banning interracial marriages was unconstitutional), standing up to anti-Semitism, family relationships, and parental expectations. A good recommendation for children in middle grades (grades 4-7) who love historical fiction.
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this historical fiction set in 1968, shortly after the Supreme Court's Loving vs. Virginia decision legalized interracial marriage. This novel explores life for a Jewish family when older sister Leah runs away and marries an Indian American man against her parents wishes. It's about family and identity. I appreciated the look at dysgraphia and how the teacher gets to be the hero. I also like how well the author explores the complicated nature of families, acceptance, and religion. The hardest part for me was the second person narrative. I am not sure the last time I read a novel in second person and I hope it's a long time before I have to read another. The author's note explains how this novel is based on her family history.
alexsemihiatus's review
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This book takes us back to the turmoil of the 1960's. When Ariel's older sister runs off to marry an Indian immigrant it tears her family and her world apart. Her parents refuse to speak to her sister---they always imagined their daughter would marry a Jewish boy and carry on their family's rich and hard-earned history. The story takes places just after the Loving vs. Virginia decision and during the Civil Rights movement and the conflict over the Vietnam War. Ariel is just starting to understand the injustices of the world and form her own opinions as she sees the conflicting views of people around her. Ariel is also dealing with dysgraphia and the repercussions of that and she experiences anti-Semitism as well. It's a lot for one girl to deal with! But as her life is spiraling out of control, she is determined to at least set things right with her sister, a task that may be out of her own control. The story is told in second person, a POV you don't read very often, but I thought it worked well for this story. I loved that the title and chapter titles give the feel of a self-help instructional manual as Ariel navigates her new reality.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This book takes us back to the turmoil of the 1960's. When Ariel's older sister runs off to marry an Indian immigrant it tears her family and her world apart. Her parents refuse to speak to her sister---they always imagined their daughter would marry a Jewish boy and carry on their family's rich and hard-earned history. The story takes places just after the Loving vs. Virginia decision and during the Civil Rights movement and the conflict over the Vietnam War. Ariel is just starting to understand the injustices of the world and form her own opinions as she sees the conflicting views of people around her. Ariel is also dealing with dysgraphia and the repercussions of that and she experiences anti-Semitism as well. It's a lot for one girl to deal with! But as her life is spiraling out of control, she is determined to at least set things right with her sister, a task that may be out of her own control. The story is told in second person, a POV you don't read very often, but I thought it worked well for this story. I loved that the title and chapter titles give the feel of a self-help instructional manual as Ariel navigates her new reality.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
katherinevarga's review against another edition
I loved this so much. It's gotten me emotional over The Beatle's "She's Leaving Home". It reminded me of a book I was obsessed with as a teen, The Secret Life of Amanda K Woods. Both are historical fiction about young girls finding their voice, seeing their parents are flawed people, watching their mothers be hard on their older sisters for their romantic choices, and developing close bonds with another girl their age.
libwel's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
katiegrrrl's review against another edition
4.0
Set in 1967, Ariel, a jewish girl with an undiagnosed learning disability is trying to understand why her parents have cut off her older sister who has fallen in love with an Indian man.
2022 YMA The Sydney Taylor Middle Grade winner
2022 YMA The Sydney Taylor Middle Grade winner
jwinchell's review against another edition
4.0
By the author of the incredible Night Diary, this is the story of a Jewish girl growing up in Connecticut. Her sister falls in love with an Indian recent immigrant, and after their parents express their disapproval, she moves to NYC to marry him and becomes pregnant. Ariel is struggling to understand her parents, who work hard at the family bakery, but she really misses her sister. It’s 1968, so a lot is happening in the world, and Ariel is grappling with it. It’s written in the 2nd person, so the reader is Ariel, and it all feels very real if not a bit strange to get used to at first. It’s about interracial and interfaith family. And it’s about dysgraphia, an important part of Ariel’s identity and growth. This book should make the Schneider Family list.
libreroaming's review against another edition
5.0
Better than "The Night Diary" in my opinion. Great next read for kids who like "Front Desk" or "One Crazy Summer."