Title: Hush
Author: Eishes Chayil
First published August 2, 2010
340 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780802720887 (ISBN10: 0802720889)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
In the tightly-knit community of Borough Park, the ancient script that governs the lives of the Chassidim is never questioned. However, when Gittel discovers that her best friend has been abused by a family member, she finds herself caught in a web of silence.
As the adults around her deny the truth, Gittel begins to question the very foundations of her beliefs. Eishes Chayil’s Hush is a powerful and nuanced novel that delves into a world of tradition and conflict, where the past echoes into the present, and the truth is often shrouded in secrecy.
With humor and horror, depth and understanding, this book will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
About the Author
The author of this piece goes by the name Eishes Chayil, which is not her real name. She comes from a family with a strong connection to Chassidut, a Jewish movement that originated in Poland during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Growing up, Eishes Chayil was immersed in a world of Chassidic schools, synagogues, and summer camps. Today, she works as a journalist for two orthodox newspapers based in Brooklyn, New York.
Editoral Review
Jacked: The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto by David Kushner is a fascinating and thrilling account of one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. Kushner is an accomplished journalist and author who has written extensively on topics ranging from science and technology to pop culture and crime.
In Jacked, he takes us deep inside the world of Grand Theft Auto (GTA), a game that has sold more than 250 million copies worldwide, generated over $6 billion in revenue, and become one of the most controversial cultural phenomena of our time. At its core, Jacked is a behind-the-scenes look at the creation, evolution, and impact of GTA.
Kushner tells the story through the eyes of key players – designers, programmers, marketers, executives – who were involved in every stage of the game’s development. He reveals how GTA went from a small, experimental project to a global phenomenon that has revolutionized the gaming industry and made its creators rich and famous.
Along the way, he explores the many controversies and criticisms that have dogged the game, including accusations of promoting violence, misogyny, and racism. One of the strengths of Jacked is its thoroughness and attention to detail.
Kushner leaves no stone unturned as he chronicles the history of GTA, tracing its roots back to the early days of video gaming and exploring the many influences – from movies to music to real-life crimes – that have shaped its world. He also does an excellent job of bringing the game’s creators to life, painting vivid portraits of the people who dreamed up and executed this groundbreaking project.
Another highlight of Jacked is its exploration of the cultural significance of GTA. Kushner does an excellent job of placing the game in its historical and social context, showing how it has both mirrored and influenced the larger culture.
He also delves into the many debates and issues that have arisen around the game, from free speech to censorship to the role of violence in media. One potential weakness of Jacked is its heavy reliance on interviews and first-person accounts.
While Kushner does an excellent job of weaving these together into a compelling narrative, some readers may find themselves longing for a more analytical or critical approach to the material. Another potential issue is the sheer amount of information that Kushner packs into the book – at times, it can feel overwhelming and a bit disjointed.
Overall, however, Jacked is a thrilling and informative read that will appeal to gamers, pop culture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of art, technology, and society. Kushner’s writing is clear, engaging, and often deeply moving, and he clearly cares deeply about the cultural impact of GTA.
Whether you love the game or hate it (or have never played it), Jacked is a must-read.
Rating: 4/5
