Book Review/Blog Tour: In the Neighborhood of True by Susan Kaplan Carlton

Hey friends!

Today I'm bringing you a book review as a stop on the blog tour for the paperback release of In The Neighborhood of True by Susan Kaplan Carlton. I was lucky enough to receive a paperback copy of this book from Algonquin Young Readers. It's out now if you're interested in reading!

Goodreads

Summary

When Ruth's father dies, she moves from New York, where many of her friends were Jewish, to Georgia to live with her mother's family. The book is set during 1958, so Georgia is not the most open-minded place. Ruth just wants to fit in and hides her Jewish background to make friends and attend debutante events, but reveals her identity to people at her temple. However, she starts to wonder if hiding a part of her identity is worth it, especially when she is no longer able to hide from prejudice against Jews and people of color.

About the Author

"Susan Kaplan Carlton currently teaches writing at Boston University. She is the author of Love & Haight and Lobsterland; her writing has also appeared in Self, Elle, Mademoiselle, and Seventeen. She lived for a time with her family in Atlanta, where her daughters learned the finer points of etiquette from a little pink book and the power of social justice from their synagogue." - Algonquin Books

(Massachusetts, represent!!)

Review (still honest, even though it's a blog tour!)

I liked the way that this book approached the topic of prejudice. It is a #ownvoices book because of the author's Jewish background and I appreciated that it focused on prejudice against Jews during this time period while still mentioning other prejudices, showing the importance of speaking out against all prejudice while not trying to speak for others. 

In terms of writing style, I felt that this book would be enjoyed most by younger teens. There are some mentions of more adult sexual themes, but everything occurs off the page. I was personally mature enough to read this at 13 or 14, but definitely make sure you know people's limits if recommending to a younger teen! I think it can definitely be enjoyed by older readers because of the universal themes, though!

I found Ruth an enjoyable point of view character because she is a kind person who can sometimes make misguided choices, but has a great character arc where she learns and grows throughout the book. As someone who loves vintage fashion, I appreciated Ruth's interest in the fashion of the 50's. In addition, I liked the sense of place (which I'm sure you've noticed by now in my reviews, is a big thing for me). I felt that the author bringing up New York often grounded the big differences between North and South.

I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a historical fiction about prejudice from a point of view not often explored, especially for teen readers.

I give this book 4 stars! Thanks to the publisher for putting it on my radar!

Kyra