Judging the Book by its Cover - a first glance review:
This was one book that I had my eyes on, ever since I first saw it advertised. The cover is simple, yet intriguing. It made me want to climb with Adele and get to see the expansive view that she saw.
Some Details I Liked:
The most outstanding part of this book is that almost any person that went to Israel for the year, no matter how religious the program, can relate to most of Adele's experience with experiences of their own, but at the same time, these anecdotes are all unique and fresh.
I very much enjoyed how the book is broken down into parts - Everyday Life, Trips, Shabbat and Holidays. These are four distinct areas that most affect the year in Israel experience.
Who This Book is For:
This is a great read for anyone contemplating the year or has children that are. It is also fun for anyone that has "done" the year in Israel. I would even go as far to say that it is a good starter for someone that wants to visit Israel and needs some pointers on good places to visit.
Who This Book Isn’t For:
This book was written by a sfardi girl, so obviously there are some points that a yeshiva guy couldn't relate to, but nothing drastic.
What I Didn’t Like/Would Have Made it Better:
As much as I could relate to most of the book, I did feel that my year in Eretz Yisrael had much more that Adele didn't mention. Including those experiences would have changed the audience of the book somewhat, but I think if done right, it would have been ok. For example, what happened to Purim and Pesach? (I'm assuming she was back in NY)
In Conclusion:
This is a great, easy read that can be super enlightening. It is perfect cover to cover and also to read here and there. If I didn't already live in Israel, this book would make me super homesick.
Disclaimer:
I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it, but that it no way changed the way I read it and reviewed it.
