Rachel read this first, then lent it to Sarah for light reading on a plane. We both were enchanted by the heroine and her unlikely relationship with a family who own a restricted hotel. It's a story about growing up, food, and love, with unexpected twists and turns, often quite funny, from the point of view of a young Jewish woman from upstate New York. - Sarah and Rachel

I like this novel because it peels away layer after layer of the title character's life to reveal how complex any person really is, how unlikely and varied our experience tends to be. It also plays with a redemption theme, something I like in my fiction. - Rachel

Funny and smart, this book asks weird questions and answers them in classic Jewish fashion. You'll learn about Jewish tradition and practice from a wonderfully unique perspective. - Sarah

This book interweaves the story of an Orthodox rabbi's experience coming out with a history and examination of homosexuality and gender in Judaism. Challenging and moving in equal parts, it will leave you with much to think about.