Helpful Score: 2
I'm not really comfortable going in-depth about the religious aspect of this book- and the whole book is about religion. Many rabbis and public leaders in the Jewish faith have spoken out against Auslander's writings, so this book will definitely offend certain people.
As a gentile (with a parent who converted later in their life) I found this book educational in a way and very, very funny. The way Auslander "talks" to "God" is shocking, funny and very raw- he basically suspects he'll always get screwed around the corner and begs God to leave his pregnant wife and their child alone. He writes the book from staring at his pregnant wife- certain she'll die in labor or the child will or the baby will be deformed- and he goes back to his childhood and we find out how his viewpoint was shaped that way.
There's a ton of sex, bad language and "offensive" behavior in this book- but there's also a ton of heart and some of the most emotionally honest memoir writing I've ever read. The book is also hilarious if you're not easily offended.
As a gentile (with a parent who converted later in their life) I found this book educational in a way and very, very funny. The way Auslander "talks" to "God" is shocking, funny and very raw- he basically suspects he'll always get screwed around the corner and begs God to leave his pregnant wife and their child alone. He writes the book from staring at his pregnant wife- certain she'll die in labor or the child will or the baby will be deformed- and he goes back to his childhood and we find out how his viewpoint was shaped that way.
There's a ton of sex, bad language and "offensive" behavior in this book- but there's also a ton of heart and some of the most emotionally honest memoir writing I've ever read. The book is also hilarious if you're not easily offended.
Helpful Score: 1
As a person who spends a lot of time with VERY religious jews I found this book to be illuminating - showing that even those that rock the taliat struggle with their beliefs. I heartly recommend it.
Helpful Score: 1
Auslander opens his book by announcing his wife is expecting their first child. However, after having read this poorly written "memoir", I fear for the well being and safety of this child. Auslander plays up his "I'm the victim" role without taking any responsibility for his own actions. Everything he does is someone else's fault, be it his parents, his siblings, his friends, or even some nice young couples who tried to invite him and his wife over for sabbath dinner.
This book seems largely fabricated as well, or at least I hope that it is because I find it hard to believe someone could be this whiny and self-absorbed in real life. I'm glad I didn't buy this book, because I would hate to have such a person profit off me. For a respectful look at Orthodox Jews and religion, read A. J. Jacobs " The Year of Living Biblically".
This book seems largely fabricated as well, or at least I hope that it is because I find it hard to believe someone could be this whiny and self-absorbed in real life. I'm glad I didn't buy this book, because I would hate to have such a person profit off me. For a respectful look at Orthodox Jews and religion, read A. J. Jacobs " The Year of Living Biblically".
