Uncovered

Starred review from June 1, 2015
In large part to escape her hoarder-artist mother and mentally ill father, Lax becomes a Hasidic Jew. Almost before she knows what's happening, she's married to the older Levi, and though both are still college students, they must carefully follow Hasidic teachings in Austin, Texas, where Lax finds herself, though uncertain and lonely, easing into her role, like a rasp applied steadily to her rough edges. Many difficult though rewarding years later, at 36, with seven children, when Lax learns disturbing news from her non-Hasidic sister, she begins to write, in the process discovering hidden and troubling truths about her childhood, herself, and her feelings about being a Hasidic woman. Difficult, often joyous, but nearly all-consuming as the Hasidic life is, Lax begins to admit to herself that she is gay, and this calmly told, beautifully detailed memoir limns her movement from lonely child to young bride; from dedicated wife, mother, and supplicant to soul-searcher; and from denial to full acceptance of and delight in the real her. And when husband Levi discovers he has cancer, Lax must make decisions that are heart-wrenchingly brave and honest. Fascinating and insightful on many levels, in particular about the Hasidim, this memoir questions the choices we make and what we teach our children even as it demonstrates the need to face, understand, and overcome obstacles to personhood.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)