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My Basmati Bat Mitzvah

by Paula J. Freedman

Published: 2013-10-01
Hardcover : 256 pages

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Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 2 members

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Introduction

During the fall leading up to her bat mitzvah, Tara (Hindi for "star") Feinstein has a lot more than her Torah portion on her mind. Between Hebrew school and study sessions with the rabbi, there doesn't seem to be enough time to hang out with her best friend Ben-O--who might also be her boyfriend--and her other best friend, Rebecca, who's getting a little too cozy with the snotty Sheila Rosenberg. Not to mention working on her robotics project with the class clown Ryan Berger, or figuring out what to do with a priceless heirloom sari that she accidentally ruined. Amid all this drama, Tara considers how to balance her Indian and Jewish identities and what it means to have a bat mitzvah while questioning her faith.
With the cross-cultural charm of Bend It Like Beckham, this delightful debut novel is a classic coming-of-age story and young romance with universal appeal.

Praise for My Basmati Bat Mitzvah
"In my opinion, My Basmati Bat Mitzvah shows that everyone is different in their own way and some get the advantage of being culturally diverse. I rate the book 5 stars!"
--Shivani Desai, age 13

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

CHOICE Does Tara feel she has a choice to have a Bat Mitzvah? What are her parents’ expectations and what are Tara’s worries? Do you think the final decision is hers or her parents?

REBECCA Rebecca has been best friends with Tara, but their friendship is changing, how? Have you had a friendship that has changed as you and your friend got older? What happened?

GOD One of Tara’s biggest questions is if she believes in God. What does she discover by the end of the book?

by Librarian_Sara (see profile) 12/14/13

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Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 2 members.

mother daughter book club title

by Librarian_Sara (see profile) 12/14/13

Our mother daughter book group (ages 10-13 plus moms) read this. We are in a diverse community with many Indian and Jewish families, so it made for a good discussion!

Member Reviews

Overall rating:

"My Basmati Bat Mitzvah"by Sara J. (see profile) 12/14/13

A realistic perspective on young girl's topics dealing with friendships, race and family dynamics. A fun, conversational book perfect for girls 10-14 years.

"My Basmati Bat Mitzvah"by Jo B. (see profile) 07/07/13

My Basmati Bat Mitzvah by Paula J. Freedman is a delightful coming-of-age story of Tara Feinstein. Tara seems to do everything in twos. She has two best friends, two boys interested in her, and two cultural... (read more)

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