Description
Book SynopsisA lively look at young Jewish women who are typically typecast as pious and reserved but have just as much imagination and similar desires as other young American women.
Trade Review"Mystics, Mavericks, and Merrymakers presents a comprehensive snapshot of women's experience in Crown Heights . . . Levine's personal response to the Lubavitcher way of life weaves itself into each chapter and is one of the book's most engaging aspects." -- Eric Caplan,CCAR Journal: The Reform Jewish Quarterly
"In an age that is at times overly concerned with girls' self-destruction, here is a welcome sign of girls' strength and healthy development. Levine teaches an important and seldom taught lesson: we may find resilience where we least expect it. Her unprecedented insight into this hidden culture is an important addition to the growing body of work on girls." -- Rachel Simmons,author of
Odd Girl Out
"In an era seemingly plagued with sex, anorexia and depression among our nation's girls, a page from Mystics, Mavericks, and Merrymakers is a refreshing peek into the possibilities for growth, strength and self." * The Jewish New Weekly of Northern California *
"At all times, Levine's genuine respect for the community shines through. The book is eminently readable and undoubtedly fascinating." * Jewish Chronicle *
"Stephanie Levine's book is full of surprises." * Midstream *
"Lively tales of girls who long for the lives of male scholars, and rebels who visit strip clubs, smoke pot, and dream of high-powered careers." * Books to Watch out For *
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments Foreword by Carol Gilligan Introduction: What I Sought, What I Found 1 The Community: A Cultural and Psychological Tour 2 The Cast 3 Esther (Estie) Gutman: Wild Times and Holy Designs 4 Rochel Lehrer: Evolving, Not Rebelling 5 Nechama Dina (Dini) Rockoff: Chutzpah and Holiness 6 Chaya Jacobson: Strip Clubs and Soul-Searching 7 Gittel Kassin: Medicine and Marriage 8 Malka (Malkie) Belfer: Miniskirts and the Messiah 9 Leah Ratner: Mystic and Maverick 10 Into the Future: Adulthood and Insights from the Hasidim Notes Selected Bibliography Index About the Author
