Goy Crazy

I read this book when it first came out and liked it so much that I reached out to Melissa Schorr to let her know how much I identified with Rachel's experiences in the novel. She was kind enough to invite me to a party for the book at Katz's Deli, where I got to meet her and her family and friends. So not only is Goy Crazy a great teen novel, but its author is a female mensch (and why is there no Yiddish word for that?)! In reading Goy Crazy, I felt like I was being pulled back to my own high school/Hebrew school days. The dilemmas that Rachel faces rang true to my own experience growing up in mostly Jewish suburbia. The book is hilarious, but its authenticity was what made it stand out for me. To be a Jewish teen in modern America has its own quirks and nuances that Goy Crazy articulates particularly well. The pressure Rachel faces to date the right kind of boy (aka "Jewish") and her desire to rebel despite the strength of her beliefs are all too familiar. I still feel it well into my twenties. This tweaking of the teen novel is is part of what makes Goy Crazy special, but I believe that this book can resonate with many minority populations in the melting pot, or anyone who feels a little different, as they grapple with their religious and cultural identity as well as their coming of age.

While at temple for Rosh Hashanah (one of the two times a year that her family actually makes it to temple), 15-year-old Rachel Lowenstein has an epiphany. If she's going to be forgiven once a year by praying and repenting, then what's stopping her from committing a few little sins, just like everyone else? Heck, maybe a bit more sin is just what she needs to perk up her infuriatingly dull life. Sophomore year is already off to a bad start--with her parents as overprotective as ever, her best friend now hanging out with the So Very crowd, and Mr. Demented Diamenties sticking her in the back row of math class, which had always been Rachel's best subject. Maybe it's time to try something different, and see if her life doesn't improve by breaking a few of the old rules, and making some new ones of her own. The first, and most important, of those is to somehow snag the most bussable busboy that Rachel meets at her brother's bar mitzvah--the very blond haired and blue eyed Luke Christianson. An attendee of St. Joseph's, Luke is definitely one goy that Rachel is sure her parents would never approve of. Her folks would much rather see her end up with a nice, predictable Jewish boy, like her neighbor, Howard Goldstein (who's been a total jerk since the sixth grade). Rachel's grandmother has always warned her to "never go with the goyim," but Rachel is just dying for a little excitement...and a little bit of Luke. The first step is to find out if he even remembers who she is... Told with a breezy style, light-hearted honesty, and a keen eye for the hilarious, Schorr brings to life a heroine who takes realistic steps to find what she really wants. I truly enjoyed reading this successful first novel, and this is one author from whom I'll be watching for more YA in years to come.

For Rachel Lowenstein, the highlight of her brother's bar mitzvah was meeting a waiter named Luke. He's sweet, he's cute, he's her age - but he's not Jewish. In fact, his last name is Christensen and he goes to St. Joseph's Prep. She doesn't mind that he's not Jewish, and her friends probably wouldn't either, but Rachel is concerned that her parents might. It's really her grandmother's words that haunt her, accent and all: "Rachel, find a nice Jewish boy to marry. Don't go vith the goyim." Rachel doesn't want to shake things up too much, but she doesn't want to ignore her feelings either. She decides to see Luke in secret. Never to fear: this is no Romeo and Juliet tragedy, but rather a light romantic comedy. While Rachel tries to figure out who she loves, she's also trying to sort out what she believes and who she is. Her little slip-ups along the way only make her more endearing to readers -- and to the boy next door, Howard Goldstein. GOY CRAZY is a humorous, sweet story with a lovable main character and a delightful cast of characters. Rachel has two close friends who are extremely different: Jen, a social butterfly who goes to Rachel's school, and Leah, a reserved girl whose family goes to temple with Rachel's. There's Luke, of course, who is a basketball star, and Howard, the guy she's known forever and disliked just as long. Rachel's parents are kind and cautious, and her grandmother, Bubbe, has a remarkable presence. Rachel is never funnier than when she drafts - then breaks - the Teen Commandments, which include "Thou shalt not begrudge thy best friend's social success" and "Thou shalt not kill thy little brother." Early teens who can't wait to be in high school as well as older teens who are currently stuck there should pick this book up. It is long enough to appeal to "serious" readers and the cover and plot are bound to catch the eyes of hopeless (hopeful!) romantics. Young girls will relate to Rachel's torn feelings, while adults who are kids-at-heart will remember their own high school dating experiences. Interfaith dating is not often addressed in teen novels, and Melissa Schorr clearly and gently addresses it, stamps it, and sends it with a smile. A notable debut.

This book totally cracked me up! It is modern, witty and funny. The characters are easy to relate to and at times I even felt like Rachel, the main character. Although the book touches on religious social issues, it is not "preachy" and it leaves it to the readers to make their own judgements about Rachel's predicament. This would be a great gift for a girl having a bat mitzvah or for any teenage girl for that matter!

High school sophomore Rachel Lowenstein has a crush. A "crush" in itself provides sufficient drama for most successful YA novels. But author Melissa Schorr adds a little twist: Rachel is Jewish . . . and the object of her affection is not. Although this detail sets Goy Crazy apart from most chick lit, Goy Crazy's themes are completely universal and applicable to all readers. The fundamental choices Rachel faces would be the same no matter what faiths or ethnicities the protagonists are--her journey confirms that basic human character and morality, rather than the labels and rituals of religion, are what's important when forging relationships. As a bonus, Goy Crazy serves as a delightful insight into contemporary Judaism vis-à-vis Rachel's quirky family and friends, and it dips into such serious areas as anti-Semitism and intermarriage without being preachy or controversial. Indeed, this novel manages to be a breezy, hysterical read without compromising the seriousness of the lessons Rachel learns. It's touching, but never "touchy." Goy Crazy, like most good teen lit, has the obligatory school dance scenes, ailing grandparents, and "does he or doesn't he?" girly telephone conversations, but nothing about these YA hallmarks feels "obligatory." The plot's so adeptly crafted, the words are so well chosen, and Rachel's voice is so original, that when I reached the last sentence I felt a lot sadder than I normally do when I finish a damn good book--I wanted more more more! Today's teens are lucky to have Melissa Schorr writing for them, and they, like me, will be anxiously awaiting her next opus.