Judaism Unbound feels strongly that Recipe For Disaster, a new novel by Aimee Lucido (September 14th, 2021 release!), is among the very best works of Jewish fiction out there. It is a riveting story, written in a way that will engage middle-grade readers, which also has the potential to speak deeply to adults. It speaks deeply on topics ranging from the Shmita year, to Teshuvah (repentance), to “who is a Jew” (and what that question even means).

It will do important work to validate the identities of so many of our listeners, in so many ways. It is a potentially sacred text for Jews who have been told — despite their passion for Judaism, and their desire to contribute to its present and future — that they are “not Jewish enough.” We (Judaism Unbound) are not benefiting financially from purchases of this book in any respect. We are promoting it only because we believe that a Jewish world in which this book is a classic — accessible in every synagogue-library, taught in classrooms, and discussed in book-clubs around the country — would be a much, much better world than a world in which it is not.

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Description

Hannah Malfa-Adler is Jew . . . ish. Not that she really thinks about it. She'd prefer to focus on her favorite pastime: baking delicious food! But when her best friend has a beyond-awesome Bat Mitzvah, Hannah starts to feel a little envious ...and a little left out. Despite her parents firm no, Hannah knows that if she can learn enough about her own faith, she can convince her friends that the party is still in motion. As the secrets mount, a few are bound to explode. When they do, Hannah learns that being Jewish isn't about having a big party and a fancy dress and a first kiss -- it's about actually being Jewish. Most importantly, Hannah realizes that the only person's permission she needs to be Jewish, is her own.