Strange Relations
by Sonia Levitin

    STRANGE RELATIONS by Sonia Levitin
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  6/12/07
    Publisher:  Knopf
    Reviewed by:  Julie M. Prince
    Rating:  4 Stars


    It seems like such a good idea. Marne knows that her mom's sister, Carole,  lives in Hawaii, so she has only to
    convince her parents that she should go for a long overdue visit to her relatives. She'll run along the beach, maybe
    even surf and swim in the ocean. Best of all, her friend will also be visiting Hawaii, so there will be no end of fun.
    When her parents agree to Marne's plan, she knows she's in for the perfect summer in the paradise of the Hawaiian
    islands!

    It doesn't take long for Marne to realize that her summer may not be as flawless as she'd hoped. Her aunt, who
    now calls herself "Chaya" and her uncle, a rabbi, have seven children. Marne is kept busy chasing after sticky
    toddlers and running errands for her busy, controlling aunt. She doesn't mind helping out, but the religious world of
    her cousins is far different from the life she's used to back home in L.A.

    Although spending Friday nights at Shabbos dinners is a far cry from the fun-filled, tropical nights she'd envisioned,
    Marne finds herself strangely drawn to some of the peaceful rituals practiced by her relatives. But, how will this fit
    in with her old life? Will her best friend, Kim, think Marne's becoming weird? What about Jeff, the hunky surfer she
    met while jogging on the beach? Little by little, she's figuring out who her family is and who she herself wants to
    become.

    STRANGE RELATIONS is an enticing read for anyone interested in exploring different cultures and lifestyles.
    Marne is a wonderful guide, who gives a thorough glimpse of the life of Chasidic Jews, as seen by a modern teen.