Becoming Eve

“Becoming Eve: My Journey from Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi to Transgender Woman” by Abby Chava Stein, is a memorable book, written in a sensitive and loving style. Although Jewish, I knew virtually nothing about Hasidism, so this book was an eye-opening experience for me. Another aspect of Judaism, namely the practice of Kabbalah, was touched upon and I found the authors discourse about both these areas to be extremely enlightening. How this all affected the writer’s life was discussed in a very readable and interesting style, set in the context of serious and vexing gender dysphoric feelings.

If I have any criticism, for one thing, I had hoped that there would be more information about the author’s gender transition, but although a definitive gender struggle shone through, the actual gender transition was barely touched upon. In addition, there was not a single word of regret from the author concerning her ill-fated and short-lived marriage. Although she expressed a strong love for the offspring of this failed union, I felt a deep sense of sadness for the seemingly innocent young woman whom the author married and then quickly divorced. I understand the problem and potential failure of an arranged marriage between two young people, amplified by one of them being a male-born individual who identifies as a woman. But no apology or regret expressed, particularly in view of all the included acknowledgements? I just don’t get that. That having been said, this memoir was still a terrific and worthwhile read!

I read about half the book the night I got it. I read it whenever I had down time and within 2 days, I finished the book.

This is a story of one person’s journey. Abby had some hard experience but the book is not filled with hate. Abby described her story without bashing the community from which she came.

Despite it all, or because of it, Abby emerges with a fierce gentleness that is conveyed clearly in the book.

Brava – Yashar Kochech.

I’ve been captivated by this memoir all weekend. Abby’s book is a rare glimpse into the insular hasidic world which is right here in the US but might as well be on Mars for how different it is from secular America. It is honest, humble and heartfelt – clearly told in Abby’s own voice – and beautifully written. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I knew of Stein and I know the whole Stein family since I was a kid, every character comes to life so vividly and intimately. This book has made the heavy Hasidic rabbinical life of rabbis like Stein, into a very sexy read.

I loved the intimate context of how Stein became OTD and trans. I have witnessed Stein’s transition but never understood it so good. 12 kids starting with 5 girls and a so loving home. How Stein became from Satmar to Vizinitz. And the struggles in Yeshivas as a rebelling hormone enraged teenager. Until the last chapter when the father and kid part ways in eternity so tragically, that tears start gushing, but the book has just ended.

This book of Stein’s rich life, still in transition, is so freshly and shockingly mind and heart changing, as if every cell of the reader is on a roller coaster. No question this book is only a preface to many many more books to come. Every page is so surprising with such wild twists and turns. What a fascinating life story is still waiting to be written I am left only lusting for so much more words, pages, chapters, and books, to digest of Abbey Chavey Stein.

This book was a page-turner, full of pathos and honesty. I thought I knew something about Ultra-Orthodox and Hasidic life, but there was so, so much I didn’t know. This peek inside the community was equally as interesting as the author’s frank and inspiring personal story. The book ended somewhat abruptly right as Abby was exploring the secular world and preparing to leave the community. I found myself with a lot of questions about what happened next, and how subsequent events transpired. I believe the author has stated publicly that she is shielding the privacy of others involved, including her ex-wife and child. Still, I was left hungry for more! I will wait eagerly for the sequel.

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member