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megmcardle's review against another edition
4.0
Auslander grew up in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, in a dysfunctional family, and the two forces of faith and family drive him in adulthood. Drive him far away, very fast. In this memoir he tells of hilarious dilemma of hating religion but believing in the vengeful God of his childhood. His stories of his religious and family life growing up are poignant and funny. If he sometimes hits the same note a few too many time, you will be laughing too much to overly mind. In addition to the great coming-of-age material, we also learn of his adult struggles towards and away from the religion that shaped him, especially as he expects his first child. Although he ultimately rejects his faith, he can't ever quite believe that God won't punish him for that rejection. As Auslander put it: "I believe in God. It's been a problem for me."
judyward's review against another edition
2.0
Black humor is great, but I was uncomfortable reading this memoir of growing up in an ultra Orthodoz household. At its heart is the author's adversarial relationship with God.
dee_1985's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
bettyvd's review against another edition
3.0
Leuk intermezzo: een Joodse jongen/man valt uit, in, uit zijn geloof/traditie en dat allemaal omdat God zo onbetrouwbaar is. Rare snuiter, die God.
bethyh's review against another edition
4.0
This memoir packed a punch for such a short read. It vividly brought to light many of the internal struggles and musings of the author. I do wish more would have been said about his more recent years, but I was early childhood and adolescence were comedically and graphically covered!
caat010's review against another edition
4.0
Grappige en originele hersenspinsels over hoe religie een plek inneemt in je leven terwijl je daar zelf niet voor kiest. En hoe ermee te breken terwijl je dat eigenlijk niet durft.
higgbemine's review against another edition
2.0
i felt like this book had one joke and that joke was repeated throughout the entire book. it was funny the first few times but got old real quick. i think i might not have finished this book if i hadn't been on a long plane trip.