Melissa (MissCovington) -
This book was interesting, however it was no where near SCANDALOUS... as the title says. Yes it must have been oppressive to grow up this way, however when she finally escapes out of the Hasidic culture that wasn't shocking either, I won't say why so if you choose to read it.
Linsey S. (linsey) reviewed Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots on + 9 more book reviews
As someone who is interested in all sorts of exclusive religions, I was very excited to read this book. Unfortunately it did not completely live up to my hopes. I can empathize with where the author is coming from - feeling like an outsider in such an oppressive society must be suffocating. However, it is my opinion that her story could have benefited from waiting a few more years (in order to gain more real world perspective that she missed out on by being part of this society) before it was shared. A certain amount of bitterness and hostility comes through in the writing, which makes learning about this sect of orthodox Judaism in "Unorthodox" difficult to digest.
Debbi F. (debbifen) reviewed Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots on + 49 more book reviews
I was honestly disappointed in the editing of this book. There were too many places where the reader was left dangling. It did amaze me, however, that this lifestyle continues today in its very insular way. Mentions of certain current events drove that home in a powerful manner.
Caitlin B. (penmage007) reviewed Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots on + 10 more book reviews
BORING! The title is also somewhat misleading. Less about her leaving (she leaves about 2 pages shy of the end of the book)and more about her Hasidic upbringing and the culture and its inequalities. Some of the topics broached in the book made me so angry I nearly stopped reading it, but I pressed on, hoping in 5 or 10 pages she'd leave her pathetic excuse for a husband and live her life on her own terms. So much for that. I bought this at a bookstore during a Buy 2, Get 1 Free deal, and it is worth every penny I paid for it- nothing.
Marjorie D. reviewed Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots on + 4 more book reviews
Lots of fun - a good read even though it s pretty harrowing story. Quick read, well worth the time.
Lynn N. (lynnn1112) reviewed Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots on + 51 more book reviews
Really well written. Harrowing tale.
Lenka S. reviewed Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots on + 832 more book reviews
Feel sorry for the writer that has endured hardships serious negligence on an emotional level growing up. However this book is more about a dysfunctional family than about orthodoxy. I think it's a good read as its exemplary of what happens to children when their emotional needs are not tended to. Considering her lack of upbringing and age, I can't point a finger at her for her immature thought process, however, it's crazy how she makes assumptions like its's her husbands responsibility to "fix" the car, and she blames HIM for her getting in AND actually driving the car possibly with her child in it, she herself states (irresponsible and possibly narcisstic) and she puts the blame on him for not making sure the car is fixed and safe. Now she's contradicting herself as well here, as she's pro women not being "reliant" and being independent, yet she can't own up and oversee the maintenance of a shared car she's driving! especially with her son possibly in it!did she have a contract with her husband that fixing the car is his responsibility?! Isn't she anti the old fashioned "man fix, woman cook " rigid deal? lSo there are a lot of these preconceived notions, assumptions, a touch of narcissism or borderline perhaps, immaturity and a number of contradictions stemming from an immature thinking process. Can't blame her, given her upbringing. I see her as an example of a product of dysfunction which can occur anywhere, in any culture I don't see at all concrete proof of the relation to the orthodoxy only as in her feelings resulting from abandonment etc. I'm dissapointed bec I have Jewish roots and was curious more about the orthodoxy through a sophisticated lens, again this is More about dysfunction. Written prematurely. I wish her much success especially if she will reach out to help other children from all cultures that are coming from negligent situations! Provided that she have proper counseling and guidance for her own issues.
Susan H. (Higfin) reviewed Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots on + 227 more book reviews
I enjoyed this. I would have like more about her life after she left and how she was able to support herself when she left.
