A Brief Chapter In My Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt

Author: Dana Reinhardt
Genre: Coming of Age
Rating: 9
Teach-ability: 7 (Religious aspects, so depending on school...)
Teachable Aspects: Family tree (connections), religion, character

I finished this book a few days ago. The book revolves around Simone, a girl who has always known she was adopted and has had no interest in finding out about where she came from, until her birth mother makes a desperate attempt to get to know her. The tale that follows is funny, heartwarming and melancholy.

I went into this book expecting not to like it. I'm not sure why I did, but perhaps its because the premise of the story did not really appeal to me. On the cover of the book, there is quote that states that picking up this book is like meeting a new friend, and this is a claim that I absolutely agree with. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every aspect of this book. The quality of writing definitely adds to a well constructed story about a likeable girl who faces real issues.

I think that this is a book that is catered towards a female audience, as the main character is a teenage girl, but I also think that some of the issues of the book (family, religion, finding where you fit) transcend the gender issue and would apply to both males and females. I think that this book would help anyone who feels out of place in their family, or like they don't quite fit in in whatever scenario as the book eloquently discusses the real aspect of family in this book.

I would love to work with this book as a whole class text, but I wonder if I would run into problems because religion is promient in the book. Although Judaism is discussed in a more informational context than preaching, I know there will "always be that parent" who takes offense, but as a teacher I also believe that I hold an obligation to discuss all types of different people and ideals, instead of sticking to dead white guys who worshiped God.

Overall, this book was a very enjoyable, relaxing and interesting read. I would recommend this book to any reader and hope to incorporate it into my classroom someday.