Customer Reviews

What's Up with the Hard Core Jewish People? A Guide for Coping with Newly Observant Jews

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As a Jew who "went hard core" close to 20 years ago, I really wanted to like this book. I wanted to be able to recommend it to my adult students who are in various stages of "going hard core" so they could share it with their families. While the author clearly loves her son, and she writes with a light touch, she often comes across as condescending, as with her frequent use of the dismissive phrase, "Whatever!" Although there are a few factual errors in the book, she clearly knows more about Judaism than the average American Jew. It's a shame her portrayal wasn't more sympathetic, even if an observant lifestyle isn't her cup of tea.

As the mother of a Hard Core Jewish son who started this journey 8 years ago, I am so glad Margery Schwartz has written this book. It is so needed and would have made my education of this world so much simpler if it would have been available earlier, but thankfully it has arrived. Not only is it a resource book to guide you through this new and foreign landscape if you are not a "hardcore" but it is an amusing and sassy story that is so right on and keeps you entertained from beginning to end. I strongly recommend it for anyone who is interested in learning about this slice of life, or is actually living it and needs a helpful guide to make it through the day.

I had hoped to read a more extensive account of what the writer went through when her son became "frum ". It is a kind of overview ,which is rather superficial and doesn't give me much insight into the mind of any of both parties .Of course , I agree , it is private - but nobody forced the writer to write this book , I think ?

I also could have done without half of the -slim- book being dedicated to explanation of basic Jewish words.

In short , there are ( when too few, I agree) better books on the subject.

Margery Schwartz has written a great book, and you don't have to be Jewish to enjoy it. Part "how-to" guide book, part personal saga, it's a great way to learn both more about Judaism and about human nature in general. And you get to laugh a lot at the same time. What could be better?

I have many friends whose children have become religious.

This mother whined and whined.

Give me a break.

I thoroughly enjoyed Margery Schwartz's book that portrays her own real life challenge. She astutely researched these hard core issues in an uncomplicated way. With lots of patience, humor, and gentle prodding, Ms. Schwartz has managed to keep her family together. I admire her determination to keep all lines of communication open and alive!!

Her amusing and informative style kept me anxious to continue reading. Furthermore, I still like to reread parts of this book from time to time, for entertainment, and to

further my understanding of a unique group of Jewish people.

I loved the author's wit as she told of her experiences with her son. I will keep this book to help me be prepared for more religious guests.

What a delightful book! I only wish I'd been able to read something like this years ago. It would have helped me so much in understanding more about my Orthodox Jewish friends. It would have even been helpful in understanding more about my Reform Jewish friends. Now that I HAVE read it, I will be much more cognizant of the traditions and laws of Judaism. A great book for anyone interested in learning more about Judaism, without getting bogged down in a heavy, complicated learning process. Just a purely enjoyable and informative book.