Simone knows she's a little different. She has olive skin with straight black hair whereas her family is fair skinned with light hair. They never made a big deal about her being adopted because she's always felt this is exactly where she belongs. However, one night at dinner, she's thrown for a loop. Her parents tell her that Rivka wants to speak to her. Why would her birth mother want to speak to her now? After 16 years? She didn't need to know the story when she was younger and she didn't need to know it now.
Or does she? Despite her parents wanting her to make her own choices, they push for Simone to speak to Rivka. It might help her one day to know she can fill in the gaps that they're unable to answer. Confused by the pressure while simultaneously curious about what answers Rivka might provide, she calls her. She learns that while she has two loving parents (one an ACLU lawyer, the other a political cartoonist) that don't believe in religion, her birth mother was a hasidic Jew whose father was the Rebbe of the community. Her mother came to represent Rivka's father in a case and started to chat with the rebbe's wife when given the chance. One day, Rivka admits she's pregnant and asks for help. It's this interaction that leads Simone to her new life.
But why does she want to know her now? What's the sudden desire to create a relationship? Does Simone finally understand where she came from and realize where that will take her in regards to her personal beliefs?
I wasn't really into this book for the majority of it. However, once it got closer to the end and yes, when there was development with Simone's object of affection, zack meyer's, I got a little more into it. (What? I like a goos love story every now and again!) About halfway through you can begin to see how it will end, but I actually liked the journey that it takes you on. I think that's part of the point. Even if you know where it's going to end, you want to see the progression.
However, I'm not one for religion. I, like Simone, don't understand it and get a little freaked out when entering an establishment of worship, but this wasn't as bad as I thought. Yes, it's always there in the story, but it's not trying to push you in any one specific way. If you believe, wonderful. If you don't, great. Everyone has to come to terms with their views on their own and I think (and I could be wildly wrong) that might be one of the greatest lessons stemming from this book.
Or does she? Despite her parents wanting her to make her own choices, they push for Simone to speak to Rivka. It might help her one day to know she can fill in the gaps that they're unable to answer. Confused by the pressure while simultaneously curious about what answers Rivka might provide, she calls her. She learns that while she has two loving parents (one an ACLU lawyer, the other a political cartoonist) that don't believe in religion, her birth mother was a hasidic Jew whose father was the Rebbe of the community. Her mother came to represent Rivka's father in a case and started to chat with the rebbe's wife when given the chance. One day, Rivka admits she's pregnant and asks for help. It's this interaction that leads Simone to her new life.
But why does she want to know her now? What's the sudden desire to create a relationship? Does Simone finally understand where she came from and realize where that will take her in regards to her personal beliefs?
I wasn't really into this book for the majority of it. However, once it got closer to the end and yes, when there was development with Simone's object of affection, zack meyer's, I got a little more into it. (What? I like a goos love story every now and again!) About halfway through you can begin to see how it will end, but I actually liked the journey that it takes you on. I think that's part of the point. Even if you know where it's going to end, you want to see the progression.
However, I'm not one for religion. I, like Simone, don't understand it and get a little freaked out when entering an establishment of worship, but this wasn't as bad as I thought. Yes, it's always there in the story, but it's not trying to push you in any one specific way. If you believe, wonderful. If you don't, great. Everyone has to come to terms with their views on their own and I think (and I could be wildly wrong) that might be one of the greatest lessons stemming from this book.
