A review by nothingforpomegranted
The Shiksa Syndrome by Laurie Graff
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Thirty-something Aimee Albert breaks up with her non-Jewish boyfriend on Christmas when she suddenly processes that raising a Jewish family is important to her. Unfortunately, it seems like all the Jewish men just want to date shiksas. When a feel-better makeover gone wrong results in red hair, green eyes, and a false shiksa vibe, Aimee decides to embrace it, enjoying attention from men at a series of Jewish singles events who believe she and her friend Krista are both shiksas. Aimee enjoys the charade until she starts to realize how much she misses her Jewish life.
I enjoyed how full of New York and Jewish appreciation this book was. There were Yiddish words on every page, and the city was truly a character. I related to Aimee's absolute comfort in her city, and cringed with her when she found herself pretending it was no longer her home. The plot was fast-paced, and I flipped through pages quickly, but I finished the book quite uncertain that I had enjoyed it. The characters functioned primarily on stereotypes, and Aimee's false shiksa identity lasted far too long, especially with a love interest that neither she nor I seemed to connect to. The writing was readable enough, but a bit clunky and not always clear. The Shiksa Syndrome was a perfect airplane book, but one I was happy to leave on my seat when I landed.
I enjoyed how full of New York and Jewish appreciation this book was. There were Yiddish words on every page, and the city was truly a character. I related to Aimee's absolute comfort in her city, and cringed with her when she found herself pretending it was no longer her home. The plot was fast-paced, and I flipped through pages quickly, but I finished the book quite uncertain that I had enjoyed it. The characters functioned primarily on stereotypes, and Aimee's false shiksa identity lasted far too long, especially with a love interest that neither she nor I seemed to connect to. The writing was readable enough, but a bit clunky and not always clear. The Shiksa Syndrome was a perfect airplane book, but one I was happy to leave on my seat when I landed.