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Not Our Kind
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
26 posts | 18 read | 22 to read
With echoes of Rules of Civility and The Boston Girl, a compelling and thought-provoking novel set in postwar New York City, about two womenone Jewish, one a WASPand the wholly unexpected consequences of their meeting. One rainy morning in June, two years after the end of World War II, a minor traffic accident brings together Eleanor Moskowitz and Patricia Bellamy. Their encounter seems fated: Eleanor, a teacher and recent Vassar graduate, needs a job. Patricias difficult thirteen-year-old daughter Margaux, recovering from polio, needs a private tutor. Though she feels out of place in the Bellamys rarefied and elegant Park Avenue milieu, Eleanor forms an instant bond with Margaux. Soon the idealistic young woman is filling the bright young girls mind with Shakespeare and Latin. Though her mother, a hat maker with a little shop on Second Avenue, disapproves, Eleanor takes pride in her work, even if she must use the name "Moss" to enter the Bellamys restricted doorman building each morning, and feels that Patricias husband, Wynn, may have a problem with her being Jewish. Invited to keep Margaux company at the Bellamys country home in a small town in Connecticut, Eleanor meets Patricias unreliable, bohemian brother, Tom, recently returned from Europe. The spark between Eleanor and Tom is instant and intense. Flushed with new romance and increasingly attached to her young pupil, Eleanor begins to feel more comfortable with Patricia and much of the world she inhabits. As the summer wears on, the two womens friendship growsuntil one hot summer evening, a line is crossed, and both Eleanor and Patricia will have to make important decisionschoices that will reverberate through their lives. Gripping and vividly told, Not Our Kind illuminates the lives of two women on the cusp of changeand asks how much our pasts can and should define our futures.
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review
Librarybelle
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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Panpan

This novel covers so many issues, centering on anti-semitism in post WWII NYC. What could have been a remarkable telling of a young woman thrust into the NYC upper class, facing discrimination and sexual harassment, was…very lackluster. The characters are unlikable; the narrative did not flow; and there were so many issues and storylines thrown together.

A pan for me! #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

#Zeke #CatsOfLitsy

CaramelLunacy This sounds disappointing 3y
Librarybelle @CaramelLunacy Not the best read, for sure, at least for me! 3y
98 likes2 comments
review
Blackink_WhitePaper
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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Mehso-so

This book shed light on the antisemitism during postWW time in New York. But I felt the writing is too lengthy. I enjoyed neither plot nor characters 😞

#bookspinbingo #literarycrew #buddyread

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 3y
Librarybelle Perfect assessment of the book, in my opinion! 3y
30 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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Time for discussion of the June #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! I know some of you will agree with me that this book is a struggle (I‘m still reading and finding that I dislike all of the characters, there seems something choppy about the writing, and I feel like the heavy subject matter could have been presented in a “better” (more polished?) way.

What thoughts do you have? Take a look at the questions on my feed, also spoilers.

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Librarybelle
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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5. Would you read more by Zeldis?

Incidentally, Zeldis is a pseudonym for an author who writes in a different genre (I think romance, but I could be misremembering!). #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CarolineLovesToRead I don't think I would read anything else by this author. I didn't feel anything for the characters and for me, felt like she made me like the hats more than the people she was writing about. 3y
Blackink_WhitePaper I don‘t think I read any other book by the author. The writing is too lengthy I felt. I rather like short and quick proses 3y
Jerdencon I don‘t think so either . I‘m not a fan of romance either. 3y
7 likes3 comments
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Librarybelle
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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4. How original and unique was this book? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CarolineLovesToRead I feel like I've read a lot of books set during WWII but not after. I like old New York set in 20s-50s and hats and gloves and was the only reason I kept on reading the story. 3y
Blackink_WhitePaper The original message of the book is unique but it failed in effectively delivering that message. 3y
Jerdencon Right after I read another book set in the same time period in NYC a woman of intelligence by Karin Tanabe - while it didn‘t deal with Jewish racism it does deal with communism and was a much better story in my opinion. 3y
5 likes3 comments
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Librarybelle
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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3. Going along with the prior question…

There are some horrific subject matters in this book. How well do you feel Zeldis handled these subject matters? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CarolineLovesToRead So many different subjects going on in this story that I wish was more focused on a few and developed those more. I loved the friendship she has going on between Eleanor and her mother. The sexual harassments and the differences in class were really the main focus of the story but felt like it was never resolved. Zeldis also threw in the Polio epidemic and how a lot of Jews changed their last name to be able to fit into society. 3y
Blackink_WhitePaper I felt author concentrated on too many horrific subjects, but few subject matters ended abruptly. I couldn‘t understand what was the POV of Eleanor‘s mother. The subjects of Patricia‘s friends were discussed elaborately in the beginning but later there is not much attention is given to them. 3y
6 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
This post contains spoilers
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2. One reviewer commented that the book itself was 7 different storylines crammed into 1 story. What do you think of this assessment? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CarolineLovesToRead There was a lot going on in this book. I understand what the reviewer is saying. I feel like the story could have gone in so many different directions. 3y
Jerdencon I guess I could see that - but I didn‘t feel that I couldn‘t follow the story. 3y
6 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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1. What do you think the author‘s purpose was for writing this book? What ideas was Zeldis trying to get across? Did the author succeed? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CarolineLovesToRead The author was trying to teach us that people may have prejudice and bigotry/racist thoughts about one another but can learn from each other and learn to like and respect our differences. In some ways she might have succeeded but I never felt like the book ended or anything resolved 3y
Blackink_WhitePaper @CarolineLovesToRead I completely agree with you. I appreciated the overall message given in the book but author could have done it better. 3y
Jerdencon I agree too @CarolineLovesToRead she was trying to bring up good points - it just didn‘t go well. (edited) 3y
6 likes3 comments
review
BethM
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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Panpan

I. Have. Thoughts. I‘ll leave a lof of them for our #literarycrew discussion. I found almost none of these characters likable and I particularly loathed Patricia. This book is filled with isms- anti Semitism, classism, sexism, abelism. Other than opening my eyes to the fact that apparently American antisemitism existed post WW2, I didn‘t find much to praise here. Not to mention all of the -see spoiler post- and the fact that the books just ends.

DivineDiana Thank you. Think I‘ll pass on this one! 3y
Librarybelle Yeah…this is definitely not one of the better books we‘ve read! 3y
38 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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First checkin post for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead . Have you started? Any thoughts on the book? My comments below under the spoiler…

Librarybelle I‘m a little…underwhelmed. I‘m not clicking with the writing style, and while I can tell there are some big themes (such as Jewish people post WWII), I‘m just not falling for this one. I did see Beth‘s comments too for further in the story, so I am keeping that in mind. 3y
CoffeeNBooks I'm having a hard time really getting into it. It feels like it's dragging a little. I've set it aside for now, but will try to get back to it before the end of the month. 3y
CarolineLovesToRead I‘ve gotten to chapter 5. I too am having a hard time getting into it. None of the characters are pulling me in yet. I‘ve put time aside tomorrow afternoon to read more and will hopefully get into it as I get further in. (edited) 3y
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BethM I‘m 6 chps from the end and the front half was much better. So. Much. Bigotry. 3y
Jerdencon I actually finished the book - it was ok - but I finished it quickly. (edited) 3y
MrsV I haven‘t been able to read too much yet, we took a last minute little vacation trip, so I didn‘t have dedicated reading time. This week will definitely have that reading time worked in. 3y
catebutler I just got the chance to pick it up this weekend, and I‘m now on ch. 24, so I‘ve found it to hook more than others. There is so much to discuss! Not sure how I‘ll rate this though, I definitely have some issues… (edited) 3y
Librarybelle @catebutler Yes…lots to discuss! 3y
44 likes8 comments
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BethM
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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#literarycrew Trigger warning in the comments that also serves as somewhat of a spoiler.

BethM 3 instances of sexual assault so far and though it‘s clear the story was leading here, it‘s becoming far more central to the plot than I would‘ve liked. 3y
Librarybelle Good to know 3y
34 likes2 comments
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BethM
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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I have to go into the office in dress clothes today- I now find this very annoying lol. Loving this #literarycrew read! I read so many books I wouldn‘t otherwise pick up:)

JenReadsAlot I'm still working from home and dread that day! 3y
BethM @JenReadsAlot we are too for the most part. I‘ve lived in yoga clothes for over a year, putting on “real” clothes makes me salty 😂 I hope we never have to go back in full time. 3y
JenReadsAlot Omg me too!! 3y
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Librarybelle So glad you‘re liking this month‘s read! 3y
Twainy LOL I wear yoga pants, anime shirts, gym shoes and sometimes a flannel if it‘s cool in the office. They keep trying to get me to purchase a new wardrobe but nope. I was here every day in 2020. It was a long year. I like your cup! 3y
BethM @Twainy I work in a federal courthouse so I definitely wouldn‘t get away with that! Thanks- it‘s one of my favorites! 3y
41 likes6 comments
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Librarybelle
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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June‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead starts tomorrow!

If you are interested in joining, comment below! Use the above timeline as a suggested guideline, but read at your own pace. I will post periodic checking throughout the month, and discussion questions will be posted at the end of the month. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

catebutler Can‘t believe it‘s already June. Please count me in! 3y
Blackink_WhitePaper Sounds interesting. I am in 😀 3y
CarolineLovesToRead I'm in! Looking forward to this one. 3y
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MrsV I‘d like to join in. 3y
Jerdencon I‘m picking up my copy from the library tomorrow! 3y
CoffeeNBooks I'm planning to read this one! 3y
42 likes8 comments
review
AmyK1
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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Mehso-so

I was looking forward to reading this historical fiction set in New York City shortly after WWII about a young woman who experiences discrimination and anti-semitism & her wealthy employer but it fell flat for me. The characters were inconsistent and the writing was juvenile. It probably would have worked better as YA.

OrangeMooseReads I have this in my TBR. Sad to see that it may not be all that great . 3y
31 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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Here is #LiteraryCrew ‘s June selection! Post WW2, a chance meeting between the MC‘s leads to consequences.

Tagging those who are part of this month‘s #BuddyRead , but everyone is welcome to join. Please comment below if you are interested, and I will tag you in posts for June.

This is a low key buddy read. Read at your own pace; the suggested timeline is just a guide. Discussion questions posted on June 30th, and I post periodic check ins.

Librarybelle @Jerdencon @BethM Tagging you as well - you both expressed interest in knowing the June selection. Hope you are able to join! 3y
Jerdencon Library has this one so I just requested it! 3y
CarolineLovesToRead Awesome. Thanks so much 3y
See All 11 Comments
CoffeeNBooks I'm planning on reading this! 3y
BethM We‘ll be moved by then so im@in! 3y
Librarybelle @BethM Yay! Good luck with everything! 3y
Chrissyreadit I‘ve been missing so many posts and lost track of time. I do plan to read this. 3y
BookwormAHN I'm going to pass on June but I'm curious to see what y'all will read for July. 3y
Librarybelle Great, @Chrissyreadit ! My Litsy checking has been sporadic too! 3y
Librarybelle Sounds good, @BookwormAHN ! 3y
55 likes11 comments
review
kelli7990
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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Mehso-so

This is my review for a book I just finished listening to.

review
Crazeedi
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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Pickpick

I read this in a day. The story of a Jewish woman who comes into her own in the mid 19th century. This was a good palate cleaner after the previous book I read!

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megnews
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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Pickpick

Took me a while to get through this audiobook. The above quote about sums it up. 3.5 stars.

Book 89/90 3/6/19

ReadingisMyPassion Loved this book. 6y
23 likes1 comment
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megnews
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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wordzie 😁❤ 6y
16 likes1 comment
review
Nitpickyabouttrains
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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Pickpick

Historical fiction set in New York after wwii. It was about communities and how people interacted with people of different races and religions.

27 likes2 stack adds
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BookishMarginalia
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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Sills Can't wait to hear your review🤗 6y
BookishMarginalia @Sills I enjoyed it — the issues of anti-Semitism, classism, and sexism were well-developed without hitting you over the head with them. 6y
Sills Definitely added to my TBR list❤️ thanks for the recommendation. @BookishMarginalia (edited) 6y
106 likes3 stack adds3 comments
review
ReadingisMyPassion
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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Pickpick

Zeldis has given us a well written and engaging novel about two women from two different worlds who are bound by their mutual love of one young girl. Set in NYC in 1947.

Eleanor is Vassar educated, a teacher and Jewish while Patricia comes from an affluent life, lives on Park Avenue, and leads the life of a socialite. Normally they would never have connected, but fate has brought them together and an unlikely friendship begins.

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RebelReader
Not Our Kind: A Novel | Kitty Zeldis
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2. 7
3. Dark
4. 5-6 weeks
5. I really enjoyed the tagged book. Recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction!
#HumpDayPost

CouronneDhiver 👋🏽 hi! where have you been hiding lately? 6y
RebelReader @CouronneDhiver I still love Litsy, but I‘m working full time now and I also went back to school to become a Health/Life Coach so just a lack of time which is why I dropped out of the #jb group. I couldn‘t keep up my end of the correspondence. Happy New Year! 6y
CouronneDhiver Glad you‘re ok! I hope you‘ll be back around soon... All the best in 2019 😘😘 6y
Cinfhen Hi!!! Just thinking I haven‘t seen u on Litsy for awhile! I read your response to @CouronneDhiver so at least I know you‘re ok!! Happy New Year!! Reading anything good?!?? 6y
RebelReader @cinfhen Life is great! I‘m currently reading A Gentleman in Moscow and Dare to Lead by Brene Brown and listening to Priestdaddy. The Lockwoods are crazy! 😱 (edited) 6y
52 likes5 comments