Rachel Benjamen, an intelligent and daring daughter of a Hasidic rabbi, must come to grips with the restrictions placed on the women in her family and community.

She breaks the rules and, through forbidden novels, comes to yearn for a world where she can be herself. She struggles with a love/hate relationship with her parents throughout her adolescence, but is gradually growing stronger in her sense of self.

Pearl Abraham, the author of this lovely novel, was also raised in a Hasidic community and teaches writing at New York University.

My only complaint is that I wanted to know more about Rachel. Personally believe she rates another book.

On its way to Tamarabk in Everette, WA.

I was suprised to receive this book so quickly!! Bayouposte says I'll like this one so I am really looking forward to reading it - thanks for thinking of me!!

This was an interesting coming of age tale about a young woman, the daughter of a Hasidic rabbi, growing up in a conservative Orthodox Judiac community.
This was a glimpse into a world most of us are not privy to. A world of arranged marriages - where library cards are forbidden and young girls are expected to lifeguard in a dress, rather than suffer the immodesty of a bathing suit. As she gets older, these restrictions weigh on Rachel more and more and she begins to long for and imagine a different life.
My favorite part of the book was a delightful scene where a young and nervous Rachel sneaks behind her parents' back to try to obtain a library card.
An enjoyable book and a quick read- reccomended.

Released on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 at Uptown Espresso on 4th and Wall in Seattle, Washington USA.

I am bringing this to release tonight at the meetup.