This book was nostalgic to me because it starts out in the late 1990's. As a Gen Xer, it was fun to relate to a time before internet and cell phones.

Hannah becomes a likable character immediately-- as does Uri-- but Hannah steals the spotlight. The author does a great job of portraying what it's like to have a sick parent, and it's easy to sympathize with Hannah and her mistakes.

The focus on Judaism fascinated me. I learned a lot about the religion from this book--so much so--that I want to read more books that focus on Judaism.

Without giving away spoilers, I advise the reader to expect the unexpected. I haven't cried while reading a book in a long time, but this one had me sobbing and even screaming at the pages at one point.

The author does a great job of keeping the reader's attention. It's a comfortable yet commanding read. The ending couldn't have been more perfect. There is a lot more I'd like to know about some of the minor characters-- especially Devorah. I hope the author will write more about the Geller family.

I was surprised that this was a debut novel, I was immediately sucked into the book.

If I had to criticize anything, it would be that the author doesn't fully cover the conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis, but given the long and complicated history, I understand why.

I highly recommend this book! You will cry, but the characters will stay with you and you'll find yourself thinking about them throughout the day. A great read from this new author.
 

Hannah, the protagonist, could be seen simply as a teenage girl interested in a (Jewish) boy. But you soon find that the book is more than that. It’s a great read to see where the book is leading, and experience the changes and surprises that hold the reader's interest. You feel like you are part of their lives as you follow Hannah and Uri as they first meet, get to know each other, and explore the passion of youth. The author has done her homework in Judaism, and in the rituals particular to this religion. It was fun to read about the Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) and how it is celebrated, and I never knew that a Mikveh is a ritual bath. The conversation and the situations flow nicely and you are quickly caught up in the drive of this book. The characters are identified so well that you feel that you can see them as they interact. The book is much more than a love story between two "kids". The author takes you to Israel where you are caught up in the seemingly never-ending fight between the Jews and the Palestinians and you become engaged in the battle that has consumed this land for years. I highly recommend this book; it's an easy read but also demands attention