A review by nyertryingtoreadeverything
Once More with Chutzpah by Haley Neil

adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I think this is an incredibly important book to the Jewish American book canon. Although Jews may have more representation then other minority groups, much of the representation historically has not been ones that represent our lives and many of the books about Jews are related to the Holocaust. While these are all important I think it is also incredibly important that we read and support books that represent the current Jewish experience.

Tally is someone that I recognize - imperfect, from an interfaith family, wanting to fit in and not sure how. For better or worse her trip is one that I recognize and have been on. It is entertaining and has a story that opened my eyes. I think that grief is a topic that is very taboo to talk about particularly with children, seeing it explored was so lovely. I also appreciated how this book explored asexuality - a lot of young adult Jewish activities have sexual overtones (hello to all the matchmaking in the book!) and seeing another approach to it was really nice! I think this book will be the start of some wonderful conversations in the Jewish community. 
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