Una LaMarche

The story of a Hasidic Jew teenage girl and a Jamaican teenage boy and their chance meeting. During a hurricane, they get stuck in an elevator together and start to talk. They find themselves immediately attracted to each other and start seeing each other in secret (her family would NOT approve). They are both trapped in lives that their parents have planned out for them and are searching for something better.

The peeks into the culture of Hasidism were very interesting (and made me grateful for my UU/atheistic upbringing) and both main characters were very likable. Maybe I'm getting old and crotchety but I had a bit of trouble believing/ understanding the desperate, I'll-die-without-him/her feelings. Despite that, it is still a good story of growing up and finding your place in your family and society.… (plus d'informations)

Two teenagers meet in a New York hospital elevator during a blackout. Devorah is a Hasidic Jew, Jaxon is black. Devorah is not allowed to socialise with boys outside of her family, let alone anyone outside her community, but she and Jaxon keep finding ways to see each other.

This was fascinating, but also frustrating -- I was frustrated with Devorah’s culture for making her feel like she would be disowned if she put a foot wrong, and also frustrated, perhaps unfairly, with Jaxon for not fully appreciating the risks Devorah faces. However I liked the ending a lot.… (plus d'informations)

Audiobook sync offered this novel in the summer of 2020. I so enjoyed this novel because it was truly realistic. if you want a romance--it's a realistic romance for teens.

Devorah, a Hasidic Jew, finds herself trapped in an elevator with a black male, Jax. Hasidic females are never allowed to be alone with males. They graduate from high school, marry via an arranged marriage and take care of the house and have babies. Devorah epitomizes the "perfect" Jew. She's never questioned anything and followed the requirements. She regrets that she can't continue her education because she does well in school, better than many of the boys, but the path is set. This moment in the elevator raises Devorah's blood pressure, so to speak. Will she get in trouble? What should she do? People find Jax a dependable young man. He keeps his promises, makes good grades, shows up to work, and respects his family. He realizes this young girl is nervous and he wants to assuage her feelings. He tries to get them out and then they determine they're stuck. They strike up a friendship.

The novel then centers on how two people from two vastly different worlds can have a relationship. Neither can forget about the other. For Devorah, this relationship introduces her to a larger world where choice exists and not everything is a sin. Devorah's brother-in-law, Jacob, expresses disdain toward Devoah and expects her to do as he says. After all, he is male and he must protect the family's reputation. He suspects Devorah and certainly does not display any Biblical love towards others. Devorah imagines being married to someone like Jacob and realizes that she loves Jax because he is kind, the opposite of Jacob. Jax appears to be a better man then Jacob. Jax realizes that Devorah is interesting as well as beautiful. He fails to understand how difficult a relationship would be between them. They sneak around. Jaxon just wants to be with her; she wants to be with Jax but also to discover a wider world that she might exist in. Could other choices exist? Can a woman choose love before marriage? What does she want in her future? Is there another way besides the Hasidic way without turning away from the traditions and family in which she finds comfort and peace?

I liked the novel because it's important for teens to think and have choice. I don't live in a place with there is a Jewish population, so my knowledge is woefully inadequate. I liked that Devorah found the strength to experience life and seek her own truth. I liked thinking about the role of women and how some people still see women are inferior. Women can certainly choose to let their husband take the lead in the marriage, stay at home, and obey while raising children. However, these women should allow other women to find a different path and a different relationship. I like that both choices were presented as options. I also liked the realistic ending. I worried it would have a Romeo and Juliet ending. Because I was engrossed the entire reading and liked the realistic ending, I gave it five stars. This novel would make a great high school book club selection because there is so much to discuss and delve in to!… (plus d'informations)

Fate brought them together. Will life tear them apart? Devorah is a consummate good girl who has never challenged the ways of her strict Hasidic upbringing. Jaxon is a fun-loving, book-smart nerd who has never been comfortable around girls (unless you count his four younger sisters). They've spent their entire lives in Brooklyn on opposite sides of the same street. Their paths never crossed...until one day they did.

When a hurricane strikes the Northeast, the pair become stranded in an elevator together, where fate leaves them no choice but to make an otherwise risky connection. Though their relationship is strictly forbidden, Devorah and Jaxon arrange secret meetings and risk everything to be together. But how far can they go? Just how much are they willing to give up?

Realistic. Hopeful.… (plus d'informations)