Unremarkable to say the least

This unnecessarily long story follows a kid with zero personality from a super Jewish upbringing in Brooklyn to a slightly less but still incredibly Jewish upbringing in Miami.

I’m like 9 hours in and Ari, for some reason, has managed to suffer zero consequences from his parents, doesn’t get straight A’s but is still smart enough to get special treatment, and is automatically accepted by the popular kids without hesitation even tho he’s totally square and completely uninteresting. Is he hot? That’s the only reason I can think of as to why the cool kids like him, but unfortunately I have no idea of what any of his physical features are.

Oh right, he also has a crush on an exceptional girl who— watch out— likes him back. Oh the humanity.

Good writing? Yes. Excellent in fact.
Good storytelling? No.

I’d like to know why the author felt like this story had to be told? I’m thinking, “Maybe it’s meant as Jewish literature” but I’m Jewish!

Pass on this. Disappointing.

4 people found this helpful

Touching and thoughtful

This beautifully written book perfectly captures what it is like to be both a part of a community and feel separated from it. I could not put this book down from the moment I started. Having grown up in a world similar to that of the book, I am amazed by how perfectly Hopen captures the experience of living in the modern-orthodox Jewish world and then manages to take off from there and create a beautiful narrative world. This book is exciting, thoughtful, and beautifully written. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

1 person found this helpful

Highly Recommend

It felt like a recognizable story. I found it difficult to put it down. Truly enjoyed reading.

Exceptional

I was enthralled with this book all the way through. Could not recommend more highly.