“One does wonder, though: if the male mind is thrown so wildly off course by glimpsing a set of feminine elbows, maybe God should have entrusted the more level-headed women with the great knowledge and responsibilities…”
“Apparently, these rabbis thought a lot about women and sexuality, considered the thoughts bad, and decided it was the woman’s job to fix it. It must not have occurred to them that the rest of the country was walking around in miniskirts and tank tops and somehow getting along all right…”
Laya Steinberg is keeping a secret from her family — a secret so powerful it will mean the end of her life as she knows it.
Her life was mapped out: strict Orthodox schooling, a marriage arranged by her father, and a life of dutiful motherhood.
But then she met John. At 19, Laya fell into a love so intense it shattered her world to pieces.
Marrying the non-Jewish love of her life made Laya a disgrace in the eyes of her family, a traitor to everything they held dear. But in that moment, she discovered a whole new kind of freedom — the freedom to live her life on her own terms.
Little does she know, however, that her journey has only just begun…
Such an interesting & informative book exploring the many rules attached to the authors devout upbringing. The heartache of separation for both parties when she left home and finally how she withstood rejection to live in her own life.
— Carol Bain
I loved this book so much! Couldn’t put it down. I laughed. I cried. I learned so much, and I also really related to this story. I’m grateful for people who share their stories, because many of us are on similar journeys. I’m really moved by not just the sweet love story, but also by finding your voice, your strength and following your own path in life…
— Heidi Weber
I have read this memoir twice. Aside from the fascinating view of a culture that is so distinctly different from my own, the author’s words speak to the feelings common to all of mankind… Anger is not a part of this story. Rather it is a beautiful lesson in positivity and enthusiasm for living well and finding a personal path to joy and fulfillment. I respect and admire this woman wholeheartedly.
— SBF
This book is magnificently written and I could not put it down. The author made me feel like a fly on the wall watching her life in real time. What a brave, intelligent, fearless warrior she is!!!!!! It’s not ever a book I would have chosen on my own…….it was a gift…….and wow, what a gift it was. I’m already trying to picture which actress should play her when they make the movie.
— Virginia Heyer
