Unorthodox Book Reviews

We transfer money over €4 billion every month. We enable individual and business accounts to save 4 million Euros on bank transfer fees. Want to send free money abroad or transfer money abroad for free? Free international money transfer!

Liberating Read!. This was one of the best books i have read in a long time! Deborah gives you a direct perspective into the hasidic community and what is expected of them since the time they are born. Her story is captivating to say the least. Im sure there are millions of women in the hasidic community today who struggle with their need of freedom. Who sneak reading secular books for a mental escape to the outside world. Maybe those women will come across "Unorthodox" and have the motivation to find their own freedom. I salute Deborah for being brave and fighting not only for her own freedom but the freedom of her son! Hopefully some day her son can appreciate the difficult decision his mother made to provide a better life for him. For those of you that haven't read her story, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! :)

Inspirational. I read the other reviews before deciding to buy this book, and I hope you'll read this far if you're considering it. There are a handful of reviews that are very negative - most of them obviously written by Hasidim, I realized quickly. After reading some more positive reviews, I decided that more than anything I was just interested in this woman's personal story. It's a fascinating peek into the daily life and rituals of the Satmars, and while they may not like outsiders knowing their business, I found myself feeling compassion for them and having a new understanding of them. This doesn't mean I don't support Devoirah's choices and new life - she is strong, soulful, interesting and intellectual. Her life path is fascinating and truly inspirational, and, in fact, she is living as every human should: fulfilling her destiny by continuously seeking, finding, and living her own truth. We should all be so brave!

A Community Revealed. How brave of this young author to expose us to the very secretive, isolated community of the Hasidic Jews. I grew up in Brooklyn, not Williamsburg, where the vast majority of residents, including me, were Jewish. The Hasidic Jews that lived in the area isolated themselves from us. Or......did they isolate us from them? Either way, it was very clear that both of our "Jewish worlds" would never mix. Best wishes to Deborah Feldman.

Amazing book. Deborah Feldman nailed it with this one. She is a brave, brilliant and talented hero. Every page of this book has substance and meaning and truth. I am awed and inspired by her courage to live to tell a story that will change the lives of many as they read this book. If you haven't read this book yet, do yourself a favor and read.

Unorthodox. I was deeply moved and touched by Debbie Feldman's story. I too grew up in Williamsburg and lived as a Christian among the Hasids in the 1950's-60's. In fact, I went to the same school as Debbie, when it was still PS 16. I was always curious and often revolted by my strange neighbors. I think my parents just considered the neighborhood safe for us kids But I recall so often orthodox parents waved their arms yelling at their kids to distract them from watching me pass them playing in their front yards. God forbid they lay eyes on a shiksa in pants. It was painful to me but I felt really sorry for them. I am so grateful that Debbie had the opportunity and the courage to free herself from such a difficult existence and tell her story. Thank you for publishing it. She is a talented writer and I would love to read a follow up on her life.

Unorthodox. Enjoyed book very much interesting and also inspiring Deborah Feldman is courageous and bright someone to admire

Authentic and wrenching. Truth about a woman’s search for herself, an escape from a repressive culture - and her refusal to blindly accept illogical rules cloaked in the guise of “religion”. Excellent book.

Unorthodox. Excellent read!!! Always kept me coming back for more. Fascinating insight into the Hasidic community!

Thought it would be better. I watched the Netflix series by the same name and enjoyed that, so I decided to read the book. This book was boring and dragged in many places. The author seemed very self righteous and arrogant. I felt like she had a very discriminatory attitude to those outside her culture.

WOW. I watched the short series on Netflix and fell in love with it, so i decided to read the book and I’m so glad i did. Such a telling story and really showed more than the show did

A brave tale of awakening.. Thank you for shining the light into such a closed and secluded community. By understanding more I now feel compelled to accept them and respect their way of life. The only thing missing in such a community is gender equality. A wonderful tale. Mario Gamez

Good Read. Interesting account of life inside the insular, religious Satmar community. The journey of growing up feeling "different" to finding her authentic self is fascinating. I look forward to Ms. Feldman's follow up book, Exodus.

Great Read. Once picked up, I wasn't able to put this book down. I feel like in the comments here, Feldman is being torn apart. Many say that she didn't accurately portray the Hasidic people. However, that was obviously not her intention. This is a memoir, which means that she is recounting her own experience in her own life, not anyone else's. Also, to the person who said that she shouldn't have left the Jewish faith all together just because of her negative experience, that is none of your business. When a person has such a traumatic experience, it's likely that he or she would want as much separation from it as possible. Honestly, I commend her for leaving, for taking her son with her, for accepting such huge responsibility, for writing this book, and for keeping her sense of independence. She's providing a good role model for her son. Also, since I grew up in a conservatively Jewish home, I really liked being able to read a book like this a recognize numerous Yiddush sayings and Jewish practices and traditions. That just added color to the read. Overall, I really, really enjoyed reading Unorthodox and have been recommending it to all of my friends.

An insightful peek. The author gives us a fascinating and insightful peek into the mystical and secretive world of the Brooklyn Hasids. The story is always compelling and truthful. We would otherwise never know of the bizarre and illogical world of these Orthodox Jews...whose lives are dictated by ancient rules and traditions that seem to have no place in modern society...yet they prevail. As a secular Jew who lives and works in NYC...in the Garment Center no less, I can never look at the Hasids I see everyday on the street quite the same again. Thanks for this fascinating story.

More, please.. I enjoyed the journey, but was left with many questions. Like so many stories it builds with much detail only to careen to The End. I read and watch the page count diminish and hope against hope that answers to my lingering questions will be part of the final pages, even if the answers are short I will be grateful for them. Alas, the answers are not there. This is a story to inspire all women of any age who seek to understand their place, their voice, and their future in this world. I am awed by Ms Feldman's bravery to move away from home as the Hasidic life is not just an address. As she leaves so much behind, she embraces all that is new and boldly goes forward. Truly there are lessons here for me.

Exceptional and inspiring. As a person nearly twice the author's age, I find myself in the awkward position of being given wisdom from such a young person. I am also from a restrictive religious culture where, despite my attempts to break free, the pure gravity of being raised I such an all-encompassing environment sucked me back in, and locked me down. I initially purchased this book as just an interesting read, but in the end, I've found inspiration in the author's courage. I hope to be able to read more from her in the future!

Unbelievable. The author of this book know very well that each word and every segment and episode of this book is false bluff and funny. א צורידערטע אפגעפארע פרוי, וואס אנטלויפט פונעם אייגענע שאטן, זי ווייסט אויך זייער גוט אז די גואישע לעבנסשטייגער איז גרוליג, פארשאלטען, און מיזרעבל....

The Answers. An amazing story of a courage to follow one's sense of self. This has shed light on many questions that i have been unable to answer as a Jew. Informative and inspirational!

Possibly any woman's story. This is an inspiring account of the human spirit and one's inalienable right to pursue one's dreams.

Best book I’ve read in a long time!!. For my AP Lang and Comp class, we were asked to choose a non-fiction book to read and eventually write a synthesis essay on. I had originally picked another book but I then decided to read this one after I discovered that Netflix’s “Unorthodox” was based off this lovely memoir. I was always planning on watching the mini-series but I decided to read the book that started it all first. Best decision ever! This book was written in the most beautiful way where I really captured every emotion and sensation that Deborah felt! It was as if I was there! This memoir kept me intrigued as it was the complete opposite of boring! I have never been that familiar with Jewish culture, let alone Hadistic Jewish culture, but this book truly opened my eyes. I got emotional near the end because I didn’t want the book to finish! If you’re looking for a story with humor, strife, sadness, relief, and sheer joy, then this is the book for you!

Unorthodox.. Tells about Hasids and about Deborah who was always unorthodox and non conformist who struggled to leave a situation she found abhorrent. But I see her as selfish and manipulative. after pages of yearning for freedom Eli suggests a divorce she answers "well if that's what you want!". Let's make Eli the supplicant. she's a fine writer with a vast collection of similes ant metaphors that liven the text but deaden the heart because her struggle for freedom displaces verstandt of the fact thatthe Hasids are the standard bearers of Judaism. that to them others are non existent

Fascinating story.. So well written.

Unorthodox. I am left smiling as I finish this book which took me on a journey that was incredibly interesting. I have always been curious about the Hasidic community. How wonderful, that the author did live out her dreams and experience the love of her son and her life which she was unsure, she would ever know. What an inspiration!

wow. I am struck by curiosity every time I pass by Williamsburg. i know there tight knit and have their own little world. However just like the rest of us there not immune to problems. For those who stay and enjoy this " paradise" power to them. hopefully the ones that are looking to leave will find the strength to do so.

Unorthodox. Feldman has written a story that is enjoyable to read because it's fresh, interesting and very well written. She's a professional with her first book.

Extraordinary. It was a wonderful extraordinary story that I found myself not wanting to put it down. I had to keep reading and when there were words and traditions I didn’t know, I found myself looking it up in my dictionary or on google search.

Unorthodox. I found this book very interesting. Both my parents were brought up in orthodox Jewish homes but they never talked much about it. It helped me understand some of their behaviors that seemed rather at odds to our daily lives. They had given up institutionalized Judaism by the time I was five. This book clarified a lot of things for me. I also enjoyed reading about how a woman found her strength and identity. This is a book worth reading from a historical prospective and is entertaining.

Inspiring. I loved this book. It was fascinating and the writer is inspiring. There are gaps in the story and I would have loved more details!

Incredible. What an incredible read. A moving saga of a woman's journey to independence. It gives an interesting perspective of the authors personal experience within an ultra religious community. Would love to meet the author to see where her spiritual journey is taking her. Seems as if she has gone from one extreme to another. Assimilating in a secular culture. Am curious as to what her religious beliefs are now.

Unorthodox. This was such an inspiring book. It was fascinating to learn about the insular world of the Satmar community and I'm so proud of Deborah for having overcome almost insurmountable odds.

Unorthodox. Great book, well worth the read time. Had to be hard to leave a life you have always had and "escape" to find your true self.

Freedom. What a fascinating journey and only 24 years of age. For those Christians, like me, that have been among the Hasidic Jews, this book unlocks the mystery behind the isolationism, inhospitable behavior, and strange clothing. After reading this book, I feel a tremendous sadness for the Hasidic culture. If they would stop fearing God, perhaps they could find happiness like the author! Well done and Godspeed!

Answered a lot of questions.. This book is amazing and very inciteful. I couldn't put it down.. I always wondered what the Hasidics were up to. I live in Williamsburg and I see them all the time; they seem cold and disinterested in the outer world - yet they believe the more pious they appear the more God will be pleased. I applaud Deborah for her bravery, and for giving the world such incite on how strict religion (such as hasidism) controls the masses in such ways that the followers don't even think; they blindly follow the rules of their Rabbi's as if he is God, along wittopped oppressive strict rules that makes women objects to their husbands and soley dependent on their husbands. I was also awoken to the slick ways the Jews have in controlling their communities. The fact that now they have their own MTA public bus...(B12) and segregate women (in the back) men (in the front) made me question how is this happening in 2012 And on a public bus? And most importantly why are they segregating? Well the fact that hasids believe that a man shouldn't interact with a woman other than his wife and family. I learned that fact from this book. I now understand why they do the things they do. I don't agree with it, but I understand.

Informative. It was very informative yet sad

Unorthodox. I read this book all evening and did not want it to end. Related to the authors personal journey to create and live her own life, one where she was the driving force. Interesting facts about her Hassidic community and why they live as they do and believe what they believe. I hoe this is the first of more books to come from Deborah Feldman.

Unorthodox:. So well written and informative! Marrying into the Jewish faith (reformed), I found this book fascinating. I applaud Deborah Feldman's strength and sensitivity.

Inspiring and Educational. Amazing history, an eye opener, very educational and extremely inspiring. A young woman, that has been closed up, kept behind a shielded curtain, belittled, and taught to believe in ignorance she has amazing strength and integrity. She is an inspiration, and only affirms our own self peace. Thank you for sharing your history, and allowing me to educate myself in the Hasidic faith. DEBORAH YOU ARE BRILLIANT! Ps- after your accident I hope you turned and got yourself an iPhone 8-)

Pure hate for no good reason. Just because she didn’t have the guts to make it work for herself doesn’t mean the community is bad as a whole

Unorthodox. My preorder will not download. The instructions to go to iTunes, downloads, account name and password, ok, resume.......do not work. Ripoff.

I'd hoped for more. Heard this author in a radio interview and was intrigued to hear her whole story. The details of her upbringing in a religious community were interesting, but the "moral of the story" was a bit vanilla. For me, the book was just okay.

Unorthodox. Interesting topic, poorly crafted and trite!

High marks for Unorthodox. Inspiring, funny, and insightful. This book left me thinking about the courage of this young mother and what it means to grow up in a closed society. I can't wait to read the sequel and learn how she is doing. Never underestimate the strength of the human spirit!

Wow. Just wow. Inspirational, dramatic, truthful, and shocking. Worth reading again and again.

Unorthodox. I enjoyed reading this story of a woman who knew her spirit was being crushed by the life she was leading and had the courage to find a way out.

Unorthodox. Thank you for writing this book. I live very close to the Hasidic community in Lakewood nj and have always been curious about their culture. You have answered a lot of questions. The funny thing is now I want more! I would lose to hear more from your wonderful brave and amazing story!

Riveting. Could hardly put this book down. I am a reform Jew and have read other books on the Hasidic community. This was the most detailed one yet. I used to envy the fact that in that community everyone knows what is expected of them and how reassuring that must be, and now I finally see the other side of the rebel who wants freedom. Great story and writing. I'm going to have my daughters read it too. Thank you so much for sharing. From a Jewish female California dentist!

Outstanding. I started the book no knowing what to expect. Well written. At points it makes me angry to see a group of people in this day and age have so much control over their children and women. So very sad.

Much Different From Netflix. I watched the first 10 minutes of the Netflix series of the same name and knew immediately I wanted to read the book. I bought it instantly on iTunes and started reading it the moment I finished the series. The book is completely different. The series says “based on” this book, and that is a very, very loose statement. None of the characters in the series are in the book, and those that bear any similarities aren’t given the same roles they have in the series. While the book is definitely a memoir of a girl escaping her religious upbringing, if you’re expecting a more in-depth version of the events shown in the Netflix series, it is not that. I bought this memoir expecting exactly that, and was disappointed to find it was a description of her life in the community and her thoughts growing up rather than the tale of escape the series makes it out to be. Only the last chapter is dedicated to her actually leaving the community, as it is far less dramatic than the show makes it out to be. There’s no evil stalker or other men coming after her, or anyone threatening her in any way. There’s no drama whatsoever in this book, no narrow escape to a foreign city, no dream of musical excellence, no homelessness - none of the struggles the series is supposedly “based on” are there. Even her mother is only mentioned once or twice, and never by name. It’s decently written, but had I known it bears virtually no similarity to the series of the same name, I wouldn’t have bought it.

Amazing Amazing read. I was hooked from beginning to end. It was an inspiring book with great visuals about a young woman's journey to freedom in the modern world. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good nightclub read!!!!!!

Loved it. Excellent read! Beautifully written

Did you know that you can earn 25 USD from our site just by registering? Get $25 for free by joining Payoneer!

Unorthodox. Excellent.

Unorthodox. Fascinating read. I was struck by the similarities between the Hasidic culture and the extreme sector of the Muslim faith. Particularly the repression of women. Muslim women wear the hijab to cover themselves while Hasidic women cover their heads with wigs and long skirts etc. the lack of education and the role they are forced to undertake.

Imagine you at your best. All the time. Picture yourself at your sharpest and most productive. Your most alert and focused. Your most lucid, creative and confident. At work. At play. In every area of your life. Add Mind Lab Pro® v4.0 to your daily routine and uncap your true potential. Buy Now!

An exceptional and well written journey to freedom. This book had me totally enthralled, keeping me from other activities and reading until later than I should. An amazing story of one woman's young life and quest for freedom from a world that she felt shackled by. Beautifully written, insightful. Interesting, too, to see parallels that I experienced in a vastly different but still sectarian community. Highly recommended.

Unorthodox. A gripping and shocking autobiography. Highly recommend.

Heartbreaking yet inspirational. An amazing read which follows a young girls journey into womanhood. Should be compulsory reading for all girls off all ages and ethnicity. Proof that you can overcome anything in your life even if you believe it is your original fate. I hope it gives courage and determination to all who read. Deborah you have found your place in this world thank you for having the courage to do what you have done. A must read.... Would give it 10/10 stars if possible

Adsterra is the most preferred ad network for those looking for an alternative to AdSense. Adsterra is the ideal choice for new sites with low daily traffic. In order to advertise on the site in Adsterra, like other ad networks, a certain traffic limit, domain age, etc. is required. There are no strict rules. Sign up!

Read This Book!. A moving memoir that resonates deeply.

Download problem. Just downloaded the book and I only got 42 pages.

Wonderfully. I really enjoyed this book, the history of the people and the courage of the author. You should be very proud of the book. Hope we will see this as a movie one day.

Inspirational!. What a journey to witness through this book. Watching the author grit her teeth and break out of what appears to be a horrible, suffocating and truly disappointing culture is remarkable. I honestly thought that there were more harsh and ridiculous groups in modern society, who can best be described as "cults", plain and simple. This is now I see, only because others are more public about their ways. Great thanks to the author, as I see the Hasidic community in such a different light now. And as a woman, they (particularly the men) aren't worthy of my general respect for other humans. Enjoy being an author, Miss Feldman, you deserve the title. Your command of the language and all of its subtleties convinces me that I would read one of your future titles. Congratulations on your freedom, and lovely son!

Sirius XM Dr. radio.... ...interviewed Deborah last week. What an amazing story. I downloaded her book that same day. Her autobiography is gripping, and goes into great detail about the branch of ultra-conservative Judaism in which she was raised. What resonated with me the most was that her writing was full of grace, temperance and forgiveness for those in her sect that had wronged her, or otherwise prevented her from leading the full life she longed to live.

Wow!. What a great read! Her story is compelling and her writing keeps you turning the pages.

Amazing!. The story is well written without ill bias toward the community. The author does a great job at showing her life, her relationships and what made her different then her other Satmar piers.

Good read. Enjoyable and fascinating to learn about the community she came from.