The Judgement of Yoyo Gold
By: Isaac Blum
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Number of Pages: 304
Published: October 15, 2024
Publisher: Philomel Books
Dates Read: December 21, 2024 - December 25, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover / Audiobook

Yoyo Gold has always been the perfect Jewish daughter of the rabbi – she keeps Kosher, watching her siblings, volunteers at the local food bank, she even respects and encourages others to observe their Orthodox faith. But when her best friend is sent far away from her community for what Yoyo feels like is a seemingly innocent transgression, Yoyo’s eyes (and ears) begin to open to her neighbor’s hypocrisies.

As Yoyo’s frustration with the secrets builds, so does the pressure to speak out. She finds release by posting anonymously on TikTok, an app forbidden for her. But when one of her videos goes viral, Yoyo’s decision to post not only affects her life, but also the relationship with the boy she is falling for, and her world is thrown into mayhem. She is forced to choose a path, not only for her community, her family, but most importantly for herself. 

I don’t know how I found myself reading about teenagers who begin questioning their relationship with religion, but I guess that’s a part of growing up isn’t it? Though this book is about an Orthodox Jewish teenager, anyone who has struggled with the pressures of doing what you’ve always been told to do and with the desire to be your own person, you’ll relate to this book.

I grew up Baptist. I can’t say if I met anyone who practiced the Jewish faith until I was well into college. I also can’t say if this book is a good representation of the modern Orthodox Jewish experience or not as I don’t know. But, I do think there’s a voice in here for many to feel seen.

*Thank you Philomel Books and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review