Review after reading:
I loved this! So cute, so fun, so enjoyable!
What I liked:
-I normally don't like excessive pop culture references throughout fictional books. It usually takes me out of the narrative. I actually liked it in this one, which is huge for me. I looooved the Broadway references and adored how each chapter was titled after a Broadway song. It really added a layer to the setting and tone of each chapter, though I'm not sure it would be as effective if someone isn't familiar with Broadway. But either way, I loved it.
-I loved the characters. I thought they were entertaining, supportive, and fleshed out really well for such a small amount of time. Sarona was a particular standout. I loved her voice and take on things, her passion for art and her overall effortlessness. She was confident, funny, supportive, and cool, and juxtaposed Tally's character well. This is so random but the Israeli guy, Amit, was absolutely hilarious. I could literally picture a guy like him on the trip, so confused with the beach game they were playing but, going along with it anyway and asking hilarious, rather personal questions. Side note: they were at the beach and Matkot wasn't mentioned??? How!!
Max was great as well. I really loved the dynamic between him and Tally. Their push and pull energy, their tension and annoyance with each other. But their tender, supportive moments were so sweet and well done as well. I really got a good sense of their relationship.
-The setting. Obviously. This book was visceral in a sense. There are so many places Tally goes that I went to on my own trip to Israel. I was instantly transported, and it made me miss Israel 100000x more than I already do. Eating falafel in the Jaffa port?? the best. Being called at by shuk vendors about Taglit? of course. Water rafting and then ending the day at a winery? Yep, did that too, and loved it. Masada, dead sea, and camel riding? Obviously. Getting Jachnun, shakshuka, schnitzel, Israeli salad?? ahhhhhh i miss it all. While reading, I was practically there, and it just gave me a big sense of missing home.
-Tally's journey. I loved how Tally got to learn about herself on this trip. That's obviously to be expected, but it was done very well. Especially when it came to her delving into her sexuality. Her anxieties and panic attacks, doubts and fears, and hopes and aspirations were all depicted in a way that really helped me understand the character well. She's 18, but seems and acts more juvenile. It sometimes drove me nuts, tbh, but she's clearly a sheltered girl who has a lot of life to see and growing up to do. I thought her journey into finding more about herself was beautiful and inspiring, and i appreciate how it wasn't wrapped up too well at the end, but rather realistically, where you're left happy and rooting for her the whole way.
-The Jewish Rep. Oh, if teenage me could have had this book!! I really enjoyed how Neil delved into different aspects of Judaism. She touched upon very relevant topics pertaining to Judaism such as, how Jews are an ethno religion so there's no such thing as "looking like a Jew" because Jews are a tribe of people. We all range in skin tone and features since there are Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi, Ethiopian, Asian Jews, etc. The subject of antisemitism was brought up as well, which is an ever-growing issue that needs to be addressed and combatted. The question of what makes someone a Jew was a dilemma within Tally, which I thought was such an important topic as well. Tally is secular, with a Catholic mom, so her identity as a Jew is questioned not just by herself, but by her peers. The constant comparisons between one another of what makes someone a better Jew is such an important topic and something I have struggled with before as well.
Also, Yad Vashem was written beautifully. Neil really captured the environment and sombre experience very well. I didn't expect her to mention the children's exhibit, which completely broke me when I went, but it was written so poignantly. Just such an important part of the book that I really appreciated.
The subject of grief was explored and dealt with very well, too. It was a very honest approach and was absolutely heartbreaking.
Also, the plot twist hit me like a pile of bricks.
What I didn't like:
-The dialogue, sometimes. loved David, and I didn't mind his relationship with Tally. I actually liked a lot of their deep discussions. However, the flirty dialogue drove me nuts. First, because it didn't sound like teens flirting. I get that Tally acts younger than she is, but I felt like their conversations were better suited for like, tweens. Needless to say, if I was on their trip and had to witness their flirty banter, I would have cringed way too many times.
I wiiiiish there were more descriptions of the landmarks and sights in Israel. Because I've been to these places, I didn't struggle with picturing them in all their beauty. But as a reader, I wanted to read more. Like yes, there's a lot of sand and beige - it is a desert- but I wanted more detailed descriptions to really put me in the city. Like they went to Tzfat, which is so rich in history and culture, but there are no descriptions of the sights or just the feeling of being there.
I wish there had been more of an exploration of what Israel means to Jews, I guess. I don't mean like Tally has to completely fall in love and want to make Aaliyah. But I wanted to see her get to really grasp and appreciate Israeli culture and life. While Israeli's may be hard-headed and tough, they're also some of the kindest people I've ever met. There's a sense of family in that country, of a communal bond that ties us to the only Jewish state. I understand this is because Tally had to grow with her group more, and I love that she connects to the Israelis (that was one of the most beautiful scenes), I do wish there was a chance for her to reflect on the country just a bit, and see how it important our ancestral homeland is.
-The audiobook. I read this in tandem while listening to it. The narrator was okay, but not the best, at least to my liking. The way she pronounced certain Hebrew words and names was abysmal. I really didn't appreciate how names like Chaya was pronounced Kaya (seriously wtf.), and some words were so off the mark. I understand it's difficult to read, but having someone at least check on it would have made the world of a difference.
Overall, I really loved this debut. It was cute, fun, emotional, and I'm looking forward to what Neil will be writing next. Also, I'm definitely more tempted to book my next trip to Israel, like, asap.
Comments before reading:
** I really commend the publishing house for releasing this book. For those who wish to support this novel and the author (and show publishers our support of this as well!) please consider pre ordering the book (if possible), or requesting it at your local library!**
Criticizing a book that hasn’t even been published yet?? No arcs, no information other than a brief synopsis and pressuring the publisher to cease publication??? Yeah OKAY that seems right and just.
I’m not about it.
The book sounds super exciting and fun, and the author has released a statement where she acknowledges the hate she’s getting, hears what they’re saying, and says to have faith in her. Let her write about her experience and beliefs. Not allowing her otherwise is straight up unfair and an act of censorship.
Anyway, I can’t fucking wait to read this book.