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bibliobrandie's review
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 against another edition
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
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
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
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
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
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
5.0
Better than "The Night Diary" in my opinion. Great next read for kids who like "Front Desk" or "One Crazy Summer."
littlelikkel's review against another edition
5.0
This book took me by surprise. Set in 1967 when the law that legalized interracial marriage was put into effect, the book follows a 12 year old Jewish girl whose sister is disowned for marrying an Indian man. Between dealing with the sudden departure of her sister, the anti-Semtism the family faces, and the potential loss of her father's business, things feel quite heavy for our protagonist. Fortunately, her teacher becomes a safe place and she learns to cope with the difficulties she's facing and her learning disability through poetry and a new friendship with her neighbor. I read this book in a day and will be recommending often.
thenextgenlibrarian's review
5.0
“Hate can not drive out hate. Only love can do that.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
✡️
It’s the summer of 1967 and twelve-year old Ariel Goldberg is about to live in great moments if upheaval. Her sister decides to elope with an Indian man after the Supreme Court case of Loving vs. Virginia, which allowed people of different races to marry. Her family’s Jewish bakery is in trouble and she’s struggling with writing in class due to dysgraphia. When Ariel feels left out of the big decisions, especially concerning her sister and her parents not talking to her, she takes matters into her own hands to try and bridge the family chasm.
✡️
It’s the summer of 1967 and twelve-year old Ariel Goldberg is about to live in great moments if upheaval. Her sister decides to elope with an Indian man after the Supreme Court case of Loving vs. Virginia, which allowed people of different races to marry. Her family’s Jewish bakery is in trouble and she’s struggling with writing in class due to dysgraphia. When Ariel feels left out of the big decisions, especially concerning her sister and her parents not talking to her, she takes matters into her own hands to try and bridge the family chasm.