An interesting perspective on what it means to be Jewish. Parts were a bit slow, but the section where the author went to Poland to go on a group tour through the concentration camps was very intense and well-written.

This book was a fast read. Not my usual cup of tea but it was still a good read. I enjoyed the tone the author wrote in.

This was such an interesting book because not only am I not Jewish but I also live in a different country than the author. I know a few people who identify as culturally Jewish but not religiously and I have always wanted to understand what that meant. It was funny, insightful, and very well-written.

Jew(ish) by Matt Greene is a collection of essays, or thoughts, grouped together by theme or subject matter that represents to the author a literary description of how he has defined himself at his current age, and of his identity, past, and faith. Writing and exploring these things have helped him to work through finding who he is as a person, however it is still a work in progress for him (as well as everyone else).

While I can identify with the author in regards to soul searching, I had a hard time agreeing with a lot of his cynicism and discontent in regards to Judaism. I guess I am one of those more observant and passionate souls of the flock that observes and encourages my family (myself included) into the ideas, beliefs, observances, and rituals that are part of being “a Jew”. And that is ok. We can all have different opinions and upbringings, yet still respect one another. We can agree to disagree and still bond on other subjects. There is a spectrum of belief within the Jewish community, and part of that is what makes it so vibrant and ever changing. No one is perfect, and I would never want to be. Where is the excitement in that?

I enjoyed reading his thoughts and his own opinions. It is always nice to be able to learn things from another’s experiences. I hope that tje author continues to reflect and find what it is he seems to be looking for.

3/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub (as of 12/2/20 a BB listing has not been created), and Amazon accounts immediately.