Overall, I liked the story and the themes presented. The author's writing style really stood out in this novel. Will be recommending to friends!

I was really interested in diversifying my reading lately and was delighted to receive this ARC. It definitely helped expand what kind of books I'm reading, as it takes place in contemporary Israel, but it was a little too fragmented in some ways for me. The perspective jumps weren't making it be a fluid story for me as a reader, although I did enjoy the book overall.

Wow. I am left utterly speechless as I finish this. Zuzovsky has found a way to spin together the intricacies of history. Shared experiences. A love that spans through time.

Adam, a young queer, Jewish boy, struggles to fill the void within himself. Throughout the story, he, his mother, grandmother, best friend, and cousin share their cross cultural experiences amidst the ongoing war in their home. Each person shares their fears, hopes and lived experiences as intertwined with Adam’s, who all the while is struggling to accept his identity.

What a brilliant and thought provoking read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Having not read many books set in Israel, I was immediately intrigued to find a coming of age story that grapples with the topics of family, sexuality, trauma, and war all against the backdrop of Israel. I found Zuzovsky's prose quite moving and the pacing of the book quick moving, shifting between different individual's perspectives and reflecting on Adam's past. However, I did find the writing at times to feel as if it was appealing to a more YA audience which I don't believe to be an issue for the majority of readers, rather just not my own personal preference. The short story-esqu structure of the book made me want more from the overall narrative, which is both a good thing and a slight disappointment. As a lover of big, chunky, full fleshed novels, I would have been more than happy to have read this same story in a longer format. Regardless, I am very eager to see what Zuzovsky writes in the future and am excited to see where Mazeltov takes them!

This was a phenomenal read. The prose was chanting, and in the characters the author creates a very unique voice. I like the way the story moves between perspectives, all while centered around this special day for the protagonist. Very well done!

As a lot of reviewers mentioned this really was the epitome of a coming of age story. It explored family issues and history, war, sexuality and more. It was by no means a light read — unsurprising considering the context — but it was one I read quickly because it was easy to fall into the characters’ minds and hearts and be curious about their journey.

“Mazeltov” by Eli Zuzovsky is a coming of age story about a young Israeli boy trying to deal with his blossoming sexuality, his families expectations, all during a time of war. The novel delves into the family dysfunction as we hear different perspectives of their own personal challenges from his parents and grandmother.

I enjoyed the multiple points of view but felt the writing style might be intended for YA audience. An easy and very quick read for those who enjoy this genre.

Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Mazel Tov by Eli Zuzovsky is a coming of age book about an Israeli young man who is coming to terms with his sexuality. I liked the premise of the book and I especially appreciated how the author set the book in the background of the current war and political instability.

This is a book that I think many will enjoy. For me, it was not a good fit. I struggled with the multiple character viewpoints and I felt like the writing was intended for a young adult audience which is not generally my genre of choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This novel was a beautiful coming of age story of a boy dealing with his family, the precipice of war, and coming to terms with his own sexuality. The novel was incredible moving, and it delved into family relations in an illuminating way. While I enjoyed reading from Adam's perspective, I think the highlights of the book for me were reading from his grandmother and mother's perspectives. From their own interpretations of their place in their familial and social circles, to how they view others (including Adam), were incredibly insightful and thought provoking to read. His best friends' letter was also brilliantly formatted and written.

The way the novel was laid out as snippets of Adam's (and his family's) life contributed to how easily readable this novel was, despite some difficult topics discussed. It left me wanting more, in a good way. Reading how the traumas of growing up, (whether said trauma was inflicted by peers, family, or country/society) affected Adam and who he became as an adult, was not only moving, but relatable.
 
I think my own primary take away from the novel is the reminder that everyone you know is living life for the first time, same as you. Everyone is learning, growing, backsliding, making mistakes, the same as you. It's important to at least try to extend some patience and forgiveness where you can.

Also a note, the cover is absolutely gorgeous. It's one of the most beautiful covers I have seen this year, easily.

Thank you NetGalley, Henry Holt and Co. and Eli Zuzovsky for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start by saying that this book completely blew me away. This is a coming of age story of a queer young man named Adam. I've read hundreds of books with this same premise but the writing in this book is something that will stay with me for a long time. I'm convinced Eli Zuzovsky could have written a chapter describing trash in an alley and I would have been completely captivated. The prose was simply stunning, the characters felt like people I've spoken to before. I knew halfway through that this book was going to be a 5 star for me. Also, this is one of the very books I've read set in Israel and I look forward to reading more.

I think this was a great book. I really liked the writing style of Zuzovsky. The book touched upon a lot of topics in modern day society and the relationships we have with others. I really liked the reflective aspects of the book and think that it was a good read.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one but its set in Israel and sounded like a queer coming of age tale. The first bit shows glimpses of early life and sexual experiences. The story jumps around a bit with different perspectives and many characters but reads more like a series of short stories. Interesting read!

Eli Zuzovsky’s debut novel, "Mazeltov," is a captivating coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of war-torn Israel. Thirteen-year-old Adam Weizmann’s bar mitzvah day turns into a whirlwind of chaos and self-discovery as he grapples with queer lust, shame, and familial expectations. Through a chorus of voices, Zuzovsky masterfully explores themes of identity and societal dysfunction with a blend of satire and tenderness. Though occasionally uneven in pacing, the novel’s emotional depth and cultural richness make it a poignant and thought-provoking read. "Mazeltov" is a powerful tale of resilience and the quest to understand one’s heart, marking a memorable debut for Zuzovsky.