Synopses & Reviews
When sixteen-year-old Carlie learns that her older cousin Mitch is staying in Israel to study at an Orthodox yeshiva, she is upset and angry. Since she was orphaned years ago, Carlie and Mitch have lived together like brother and sister. Now she wonders, is there more to the relationship, and is it wrong to care so deeply?
In Israel Mitch finds fulfillment in studying the Torah, in his work as an artist, and in his new relationship with an Israeli girl. In California, Carlie, her aunt Vivian and uncle Harry grow increasingly alarmed at Mitch's defection. They fear he has been brainwashed. Aunt Vivian decides to take Carlie to Israel to lure Mitch back home. Once there, Carlie is awakened by Mitch's new spirituality. After surviving a traumatic incident she realizes that she has a strength of her own. Finally, Carlie holds the key to the changing paths that each of them will take.
Told in alternating points of view, this dramatic novel contrasts two cultures and compels readers to think about the role of religion in their own lives.
Synopsis
When sixteen-year-old Carlie learns that her older cousin Mitch is staying in Israel to study at an Orthodox yeshiva, she is upset and angry. Since she was orphaned years ago, Carlie and Mitch have lived together like brother and sister. Now she wonders, is there more to the relationship, and is it wrong to care so deeply?
In Israel Mitch finds fulfillment in studying the Torah, in his work as an artist, and in his new relationship with an Israeli girl. In California, Carlie, her aunt Vivian and uncle Harry grow increasingly alarmed at Mitch's defection. They fear he has been brainwashed. Aunt Vivian decides to take Carlie to Israel to lure Mitch back home. Once there, Carlie is awakened by Mitch's new spirituality. After surviving a traumatic incident she realizes that she has a strength of her own. Finally, Carlie holds the key to the changing paths that each of them will take.
Told in alternating points of view, this dramatic novel contrasts two cultures and compels readers to think about the role of religion in their own lives.
About the Author
Sonia Levitin is the author of more than thirty books for young readers. She is perhaps best known for her fiction on Jewish themes, such as
Journey to America, Silver Days, and
Annie's Promise, all of which came out of her personal experience as a refugee from Nazi Germany.
Journey to America and another novel,
The Return, won the National Jewish Book Award. Her novelization of the Exodus story,
Escape from Egypt, was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, a
Booklist "Editor's Choice," and a
Voice of Youth Advocate's Outstanding Book for 1994.
The Singing Mountain combines Ms. Levitin's fascination with family dynamics and her love of Israel. She says, "Israel is a symbol, a hope, as well as a place to visit and, like Carlie and Mitch, to grow. When I walk in Israel, I can feel the vibration of history all around me; I hear echoes of thousands of years of prayers for peace. I catch a glimpse of the promise that sometime -- maybe soon -- this world will be repaired."