A review by littlemiao
Once More with Chutzpah by Haley Neil

challenging emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

When I read young adult literature it is mostly fantasy and thrillers. This is a contemporary coming of age story, and at the beginning I didn’t think it would resonate with me. After an emotional gut punch about halfway through, I realized that I was completely drawn in by the protagonist Tally’s struggles. It isn’t just a book about visiting Israel, it is a book about grief and friendship, learning to ask for help, and learning that to connect with others, you have to be able to connect with yourself too. It was well written, covering a lot of ground in Israel without being rushed, with side characters sufficiently fleshed out to be more than stock cutouts like some books. There was thoughtful ace spectrum representation. Tally’s anxieties over whether she is “Jewish enough” because of not being observant, and the bullying she endures for being patrilineal, were well presented. Ultimately the book offers a positive, affirming portrayal of being Jewish, without glossing over complexities and difficulties. 

Jewish teens deserve this kind of positive representation. The author did not deserve the harassment and review bombing that occurred even before the book had been published. This book does not glorify violence against Palestinians in any way, shape, or form. It doesn’t matter that the author provides a complex portrayal of Israel. The book’s detractors would have a problem with any positive, affirming portrayal of the Jewish connection to Israel - historical, familial, and religious. It makes me angry that such an open hearted, inclusive book should be the target for so much hatred.

I enjoyed the book more than I expected to. I was impressed with the writing skill and the thoughtful treatment of complex subjects, and I look forward to reading more books by the author.