17. Never Mind the Goldbergs by Matthue Roth

Never Mind the Goldbergs by Matthue Roth
ISBN: 0439691893
Push, New York, 2006
368 pages

Teaser: Hava is an Orthodox Jew with a decidedly punk flair. When she is offered a role in a sitcom over the summer, Hava accepts and heads from New York to Hollywood. Will Hava be able to stay true to her beliefs in the make-believe world of Hollywood?

Summary: Hava is a seventeen year old Orthodox Jew, living in New York and attending a private school. The last day of school she receives a call offering her a very unusual summer job - a role on new sitcom. Hava accepts and flies to Hollywood for the summer. Hava's only acting experience was a four month run of a very successful play, and she has no real idea of what to expect in Hollywood. Hava abruptly goes from a very tight knit community inside the larger city of New York to the anything goes, glitz and glam of Hollywood. It doesn't take long for Hava to get swept away in the party nightlife of Hollywood, as she follows her on-screen-sister to various clubs and parties where alcohol, drugs, and sex are all available. Hava struggles to stay true to her religious beliefs away from all of her friends and family and among so many people who all encourage her to just let go. While Hava remains true to her religious beliefs, she also parties, drinks, and at one point just leaves for a brief road trip. Eventually, the summer ends and Hava returns home, falling back into her old life.

Evaluation: Gritty and edgy, I liked reading this book. While it was fairly long, it went by quickly, and moved fairly fast. I liked the wildness Hava showed, while I was at the same time a bit shocked by her actions. By making Hava so out there, while she still observed her religious rules, this book could help break some stereotypes and preconceived ideas that readers might have.

I was a bit disturbed by just how much drinking was present, and how much partying the characters seemed to do, but I suppose the Hollywood setting is partially the reason for that. Hava frequently drinks alcohol, and does not seem to care that it is illegal, so long as the alcohol is kosher. Hava is uprooted and adrift, and it shows. She clings to her beliefs, but otherwise seems to drift along with the crowd for much of the story. This story wasn't really about change, or finding yourself, it was more about holding on to beliefs and staying the same even when no one around you understands.

Challenge issues and age recommendation: Religion is a large part of this book, as the main character is an Orthodox Jew. There is also a large amount of underage alcohol consumption, mention of sex, and partying. Bad language of the four letter variety also makes frequent appearances. One character also admits he is gay, though it isn't made a big deal of. This book has a great deal of bad behavior, but nothing terribly explicit or violent, so I recommend it for readers 14 and up.