Monday, January 19, 2009

How To Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles


When I got this book out of the library, I hadn't read the back. But when I got home, I did. I thought to myself "Why in the world did I choose this book. I mean, there were at least 200 other books in the section that I was in, why this one." The answer was simple, something in me, wanted to read that book, and I am happy that I did. So, before I go giving my opinion, here is the summary of the book. (Taken from the Product Description):

Moshav? What’s a moshav? Is it “shopping mall” in Hebrew? I mean, from what Jessica was telling me, Israeli stores have the latest fashions from Europe. That black dress Jessica has is really awesome. I know I’d be selling out if I go with the Sperm Donor to a mall, but I keep thinking about all the great stuff I could bring back home.

Unfortunately for 16-year-old Amy Nelson, “moshav” is not Hebrew for “shopping mall.” Not even close. Think goats, not Gucci.

Going to Israel with her estranged Israeli father is the last thing Amy wants to do this summer. She’s got a serious grudge against her dad, a.k.a. “Sperm Donor,” for showing up so rarely in her life. Now he’s dragging her to a war zone to meet a family she’s never known, where she’ll probably be drafted into the army. At the very least, she’ll be stuck in a house with no AC and only one bathroom for seven people all summer—no best friend, no boyfriend, no shopping, no cell phone…

Goodbye pride—hello Israel.



Let me first explain to you one of the reasons I wasn't really thrilled with what the back of the book said. At the time I wasn't really looking for a novel that involves traveling and drama. I was looking for some kind of kick-butt type of thing. But, in a way, this book kind of had that. In a way Amy (the man character) kicks Israel's butt. She makes the the country work for her, though she doesn't see it and she doesn't want to, she makes the best out of her trip; and actually ends up liking Israel. All in all, this was a goof hear-warming story. It's an easy read, and I recommend it.


Silence is silver, but Books are golden...

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