What We're Scared Of by Keren David

What We're Scared Of Reviews

• 
  Emma

  I didn't really like it and couldn't quite figure out why, because the topic is very interesting and important. I read in another review that the target audience is probably younger kids, like 12-13, and I think that may be the biggest reason why I didn't enjoy it. Also, I really didn't like the stuff with Lottie's eating problems, if you can even call it that? A couple of times throughout the story it is mentioned that Lottie's parents worry about her eating too little, but it's never really elaborated on, even though she's one of the main characters. Eating disorders are a serious topic and if you're not going to elaborate on them properly with the attention it deserves, you shouldn't put them in the story at all imo.
• 
  Hilde Kathrina

  I have a hard time deciding between 3 and 3.5 stars for this one. There was a lot that I liked about the book: the (sadly) ever relevant themes of antisemitism and racism, terrorism, internet trolls and conspiracy theorists. And two twin sisters with very different personalities and skills, navigating through all of this in very different ways. Interesting, for sure. But there were also some parts, mostly towards the end, that I didn’t like that much. SPOILERS AHEAD
  
  1. I read the dramatic part with the knife guy/terrorist several times, and it still didn’t make sense to me how Evie spotted him but the guys didn’t. Not being able to picture/make sense of it, the suspense of the scene was ruined for me. But as I don’t see anyone else questioning it, the fault is probably with me.
  
  2. My biggest issue was, sadly, with the inclusion of Mala’s testimony, which I thought felt very out of place. I feel like it was an odd choice story-wise, and it didn’t help that the testimony wasn’t well edited and/or translated. Also, I would *personally* have preferred the girls to connect more to their mother’s story than to that of a survivor they never spoke to. IMO, the two chapters solely dedicated to Mala’s testimony towards the very end of the novel, somewhat diminished the impact of the mum’s family history and her opening up to her daughters about it for the first time.
• 
  Kayleigh

  This book.
  
  It had such an emotional impact, especially at the end that really has you thinking about life, about other people’s lives and the things they may go through that you have no idea about.
  
  It’s such an important book for this day and age where spineless people troll others from the safety of behind a computer screen and either have no Ida or just don’t care the effect their words have.
  
  Antisemitism and racism are still rife today and Jewish are still persecuted and abused just as they have been for hundreds or years so not only is this book thought provoking, it’s also a way to learn and shed your ignorance.
  
  However emotional and heart wrenching this story is at times, it’s also a story about sisterly love, family and true friends. It’s about support and love and community and it was great.
  
  Thank you so much Scholastic for the gifted copy.
  
  
  
  
  Pros:
  + a good fictional story but also educational about real life
  + tugs at your heartstrings
  + sisterly love
  + family
  
  Cons:
  - maybe aimed at a younger audience? (main characters are 14)
• 
  Jada

  This book took me by surprise, I realised from the beginning that this book was for a younger audience than me but I still found it very interesting.
  
  This is probably the first book I've read where the main characters where Jewish and Judaism is portrayed in a positive light. I learned about Judaism through this book and it made me realise how little I actually know about the religion.
  
  I also liked how the twins were not attached at the hip like books usually do and that each twin was very different and because of this they have a hard time communicating with each other. The characters are young, so this is completely normal! I always found it a bit unrealistic that twins/close siblings have been shown to always know what to say each other, like good communication is a completely natural thing when actually, it's something you have to learn.
  
  One downside to the book was the disregard of Lottie's eating disorder. It was mentioned once or twice but everyone in the family was just okay with it? I feel like using an eating disorder to compare to someone who eats a lot was a bit unnecessary.
  
  Overall though I do think this book was enjoyable, I would recommend it to a younger audience.
• 
  Georgie

  Great book, I liked the way it jumped between the 2 sisters POVs and overall a good concept. I would of liked to see Evie explore more into Judaism teachings, for example Lottie or Noah could of taught her about Jewish holidays. I would of also liked to of seem Amina explain more about Islam, however this is because I like (and I'm sure the readers) learning about cultures and religions through fiction books.
  
  
  I think Lottie's issue with eating could of been elaborated a but more because it felt a bit out of place, and although the book would of been more relatable to some readers, the book is focused on anti semitism and I feel like the mental health awareness would of taken away from the proper message and if mental health is a important topic for the author maybe a separate novel that can go more in depth would be more suitable.
  
  
  Overall I think it was beautifully written with lovely characters and I enjoyed learning about Judaism with characters I could feel empathy for :)
  
  Ps, my first review
• 
  Ella Schrey-Yeats

  The true story of a Holocaust survivor at the end moved me and was a highlight of the whole book for me. The actual story line and style might be better suited for a younger reader; personally, I'd love to read a book on the Holocaust survivor's story.
• 
  Erin

  A powerful novel on anti-semitism.
• 
  Michelle

  Wow an incredible book. Every person should be reminded of is message.
• 
  [🦈]olly

  Got hooked into it, I really enjoyed this read and did not leave my room for a few hours
• 
  Tricia

  I'm a fan of Keren David - and love the way she has tackled the topic of antisemitism by exploring twins reactions to exploring their own cultural and religious history and the current situation. Highly recommended.
• 
  Rachel Lefever

  This is a tale of two sisters who couldn’t be more different. Evie, a short, self-proclaimed joker, and Lottie: beautiful, tall, studious and serious. But while the book begins as family-based sit-com – a compare and contrast between the school and social lives of two disparate siblings, it soon moves into more serious territory.
  
  They’re Jewish, by the way. And it is a ‘by the way’ – their heritage is not centrepiece of their lives; but that’s about to change. Written deftly and with the lightest of touches, the story begins to explore how the girls react when exposed to racism. Something they'd been blissfully unaware of.
  
  The action begins when family friends return to the UK from France following a terrorist attack, and Evie strikes up an awkward friendship with the boy, Noah. While she tries to make light of everything, Noah is very serious, and has a personal bone to pick with anti-Semites. Through Noah's stories, and with fresh eyes, Evie starts to notice the casual racism around her – remarks, tropes and conspiracy theories aimed at Jews. Meanwhile, Lottie is making friends with a Jewish girl her class, becoming curious about the more orthodox side of things. As the girls' education grows, so does the tension, and for the first time, the topic gets discussed in depth at home.
  
  When the girls’ radio DJ mother drops her ‘happy morning’ persona to discuss anti-Semitism, she opens herself up to the trolls on social media. And what starts off as casual abuse spirals into something altogether more sinister.
  
  What I loved about this is not only the illustration of anti-Semitism – as a particularly insidious phenomenon, often not seen as ‘racism’ at all – but also the introduction to ‘the Jewish family’. That being, no two are really the same. Evie and Lottie live in a family that identifies with their heritage, if not the religion, as many do, but as Lottie finds herself drawn to friends who observe Judaism, we meet the synagogue crowd and experience the community and the bond that it offers. Evie, despite being caught up in the drama, doesn’t have the same pull towards religion, but does relate to the cultural aspect of Jewishness, and it's there she finds a new confidence – an identity – in being Jewish, styling herself as a Jewish comedienne.
  
  This is a tremendous read for everyone. EVERYONE. Important, but not preachy. Genuinely exciting with terrific characters. And it's FUNNY. So funny. Jewish humour at its best in the face of humanity at some of its worst.
• 
  Sophie (Is having a bookish breakdown)

  This is not going to be structured like my usual reviews. Please bear in mind I am an Own Voices reviewer for What We're scared off with regards to Judaism.
  
  Lottie and Evie are twins, unidentical in both looks and manner, Evie is outgoing, Lottie's shy, Evie's funny and goes to a state school, Lottie's academic and goes private.
  They're Jewish, except not really. They are ethnically but don't even realize until the first few pages. When their Radio host mum starts getting tons of antisemitic slurs, comments and even threats and abuse hurled at their home, life for the twins suddenly gets a whole lot more complicated. Throughout it all Lottie is trying to throw off racist friends and connect with her Jewish heritage, and Evie deals with first crushes and school failures.
  
  I am VERY split about my rating. I thought the way Jewish trauma and everyday life was expressed, from the Synagogue security guards (Which I can relate to), the family members affected by antisemitism, the way we're scared to speak up about our heritage because of the barrage of racism thrown at us and the amount of online trolls that every Jewish person finds online, unreported by social media companies, and the constant threat of terrorism in our 'safe' spaces. However it was very clearly aimed at an audience under 14, (think 10-14) and the writing reflected that and was just not that great. I did cry, however, the messages the author was conveying and the trauma uncovered were huge triggers, and if you personally have been affected by antisemitism, definitely check the TWs. Jewish culture, when Lottie makes Jewish friends, is very well written and I liked the way Keren David used festivals most non-Jews won't have heard of (Despite the fact they're pretty major), and traditions. My favorite quote has got to be "Judaism through the medium of food", because, i mean that pretty much just sums up juidasm. (Or my life anyway).
  I did not like Evie at all, I thought she was a brat and a bitch and honestly antisemitic in places, Yes nobody's perfect and yes her character develops, but it's just a bit weird how she just doesn't seem to care the slightest bit, even at the end. Lottie I liked much more, She was more realistic and actually seemed to appreciate Judaism and Jewish culture.
  Finally, the description says this is a thriller... It's really not. There were mystery elements to it but not on that scale.
  So yeah i would one hundred percent urge you to read What We're Scared Of if you're a Jewish ally, consider yourself anti antisemitic or just plain fed up with the lack of Jewish rep in books and stereotyped media. :))
• 
  Isobel Ramsden

  A gripping thriller about teenage twins Evie and Lottie whose lives are turned upside down when anti-semitic trolls start targeting their mother on Twitter. Evie and her mum are outgoing - Evie likes to do stand-up comedy and her mum hosts a radio show. However, both are about to discover limits to what they can say publicly without sparking at the least disapproval and at the worst racist trolling. Lottie, Evie's more reserved twin, is also confronted with racist language in her school but initially lacks the courage to speak out against it. When she does she is empowered to choose new friends and find out more about her Jewish heritage.
  
  This novel gives an insight into contemporary Jewish life from the perspective of two teenagers. Whilst highlighting the persistence of antisemitism - from terror attacks to online trolling, it is also about giving representation to ordinary young Jewish people in YA literature. Evie and Lottie are only beginning to explore their Jewish heritage but Lottie's friend Hannah is a devout Jew, from studying at shul to going to Israel once a year. For Lottie, taking part in customs such as Friday night dinner and a bat mitzvah with Hannah's family helps her reconnect with her religion and feel part of something bigger than her.
  
  This book is really readable and the characters are easy to relate to. Evie's stand-up sketch was such a great opening scene. I'd love to read more YA books that explore Jewish culture from a more contemporary perspective. Highly recommended.
• 
  Nicole

  What a wonderful book! It’s strange to come away from a book feeling both sad and invigorated. With so little out there on antisemitism for teens and younger readers, Keren David had had to do the double job of introducing Judaism to readers who may not have that much exposure to Jewish culture, as well as address the very real (and growing) problem of violence again Jewish people. This has been done masterfully through compelling characters on their own personal journeys of discovery, and a fast moving plot. Bringing in the real testimony of a Holocaust survivor is a great move, and I just hope that as many young people as possible (plus their parents!) find this crucial story.
• 
  FOLIO

  Working, as we are, with a Holocaust survivor to share her testimony (in our case, that of Agnes Kaposi), this book is a really interesting and thought-provoking read not least for how it uses survivor testimony in an otherwise fictional setting. David's short novel manages to marry difficult questions with an approach that feels sensitive but also authentic and light-touch; Very believable teenager characters and pacy and lucid writing, with good use of humour, make this an easy book to pick up and enjoy, at the same time as giving real food for thought.
• 
  Becca

  I was intrigued by this book. It follows twins Evie and Lottie, opposites in a lot of ways and shared characteristics come through in wonderfully different ways, so how they come to find their own way of discovering what it means to be Jewish is as opposite as they are.
  
  I enjoyed the book as it offered different ways of exploring culture, faith, identity and life, as well as looking at anti-Semitics and racism, how it can present
• 
  Molly

  I was looking forward to this one- I really enjoyed ‘Stranger’ by Keren David, and this front cover really appealed to me. Unfortunately the main characters didn’t really gel with me as they were pretty childish. I know this is a young adult book- but this is probably more suited to 12-16 year olds. Another book where i found it kind of ‘meh’- nothing much exciting happened. Although i do understand that the topic is really important and it did interest me.
  Additionally, i agree with another reviewer here- it was very odd to bring up topics such as asexuality and eating disorders and then to not mention them again. I would have liked to see a bit more focus on these things if they were going to be part of the main character.
• 
  Alison

  Read this for my Holocaust book group. It's the tale of twin sisters who come face to face with antisemitism in present day UK, tackling hate and lies on social media. Interesting portrayal of the girls exploring their Jewishness. More of a 11-14 / middle school target audience. Short snappy chapters make this a quick read.
• 
  Jo Leadbetter

  Written for young adults, straightforward and with more questions than answers; understandably so as the two main characters are just glimpsing into the real world of both religion and hate.
  I bought this as it was advertised in the kids First News newspaper and I'm glad I did. Looking for more like this to stock my kids shelves with.
• 
  Anna

  very true as a jew and just as a person all seems true and what realy hapens and theres been a recent escalation with a convoy shouting rape jewish daughters in london a wouman intimidated for wearing a star of david a few sinagogue attack a man being beaten in usa jews attacked in sushi bar makes this book even moor relevant
• 
  K

  This was a really good book. Very easy-to-read, and discussed Judaism and Jewishness in a way that was very accessible for any reader. The own voices perspective was great and I loved the 'true' part of the story and how it complimented the fiction. I'd recommend this to any young teen or older as a small insight into Jewish life.
• 
  Gill James

  Keren David really builds her characters and their world well. She moves between the view points of non-identical twins who come to terms with the Jewish part of their identity in different ways. A fascinating read for young adults and other people.
• 
  Heather

  The was a phenomenally engaging book. Why does it not have more ratings?? Excellent exploration of being Jewish in the modern day and perfect for anyone age 11+
  CW for antisemitism, racism, terrorism
• 
  Alice Nuttall

  A wonderful and important book.
• 
  Kirsty

  A brilliant exploration of what is means to be Jewish and anti-semitism. Perfectly pitched for a YA audience, emotive and thought provoking
• 
  paul

  🙂👍…. 😧…. 😡…🙁…😰