Unmatched [Paperback]

With her sometimes funny, always intimate, uncensored memoir, Sarah Lavane puts a human face on the challenges of being “unmatched” in a “matched” Orthodox Jewish world. She takes us along on her journey. We learn how her background shaped her relationships and perceptions of God from a young age. She then delves into the ups and downs of dating, the tug-of-war she feels between men she may date and those who are off-limits, her heartfelt attempts (conventional and not) to change her fate and her poignant struggles with God through it all. Thoughtful and humorous, this page-turner draws the reader in.

Unmatched aims to bring solace and comfort to the “unmatched” as well as foster sensitivity and awareness to the “matched.” This memoir is a must-read for the currently “unmatched,” anyone who’s ever wondered, “Why isn’t so-and-so married?” and readers who enjoy memoirs that give insight into the human condition.

Unmatched in the world of Orthodox Jewish literature... in a conversational style that is refreshing... Lavane is impeccably honest about her pain, her mistakes and her resolutions to work on herself...
– The Jewish Press, Rosally Saltsman

Unmatched is superb in that it illustrates the quandary of the single women that most of us simply do not understand. Lavane shares her struggles and bares her soul of her frustrations and challenges, and it is a heartbreaking read. Some of the dating stories are funny and par for the course. Others are devastatingly brutal... Lavane does not play the blame game or launch irrational rants. She shares her struggles and challenges in an honest and often humorous manner. I have never read anything like this before.
- Jewish Link, Ben Rothke

An important book... potentially cathartic for long-time singles and an eye-opening lesson in sensitivity for others.
– Rabbi Jack Abramowitz, author, The God Book

I never had such an experience reading a memoir. I was captivated throughout. When it ended, I mourned as though I had lost a profoundly decent, most hilarious and loyal friend. Unmatched indeed.
– Ruchama King Feuerman, author, Seven Blessings

I hung onto every last word and visualized each situation. A poignant memoir that speaks of the heartbreak and stereotypes when you are unmatched in the Jewish world. Her stories are not hers alone...
– Jodi Samuels, founder, Jewish International Connection

Editorial Reviews:
UNMATCHED in the world of Orthodox Jewish literature... in a conversational style that is refreshing... Lavane is impeccably honest about her pain, her mistakes and her resolutions to work on herself... The Jewish Press, Rosally Saltsman

?UNMATCHED IS SUPERB in that it illustrates the quandary of the single women that most of us simply do not understand. Lavane shares her struggles and bares her soul of her frustrations and challenges, and it is a heartbreaking read. Some of the dating stories are funny and par for the course. Others are devastatingly brutal... Lavane does not play the blame game or launch irrational rants. She shares her struggles and challenges in an honest and often humorous manner. I have never read anything like this before. - Jewish Link, Ben Rothke

AN IMPORTANT BOOK... potentially cathartic for long-time singles and an eye-opening lesson in sensitivity for others. Rabbi Jack Abramowitz, author, The God Book

I NEVER HAD SUCH AN EXPERIENCE reading a memoir. I was captivated throughout. When it ended, I mourned as though I had lost a profoundly decent, most hilarious and loyal friend. Unmatched indeed. Ruchama King Feuerman, author, Seven Blessings

I HUNG ONTO EVERY LAST WORD and visualized each situation. A poignant memoir that speaks of the heartbreak and stereotypes when you are unmatched in the Jewish world. Her stories are not hers alone... Jodi Samuels, founder, Jewish International Connection

From the Author:
This memoir has been written as a labor of love. My compulsion to share how an Orthodox Jewish single life and its challenges are truly experienced, grew over the years. I wanted to clear the air, sweep away presumptions and unlock the door for those who misunderstand. Would sharing my story, just one of thousands, illuminate the layers of complexities? Would it lead to more awareness, compassion, and empathy in those who are "matched" while providing validation and support to the "unmatched"? I didn't know, but I wanted to try. This book is the result - the key that will open that mystifying door for you.

 Won't you step over that threshold and join me? I'll take you along from my early childhood's growing awareness of God and relationships to my adult struggle as I search for a spouse. You'll accompany me on the winding road of adventures, dates, and challenges to my faith. We will arrive at our destination with the lessons I've learned along the way. 

Love, heartbreak, and faith are woven into the fabric of all our lives despite our differing religious outlooks and backgrounds. I included uncomfortable truths regularly brushed aside to avert controversy, yet I sought to disclose those truths with modesty and privacy. As an antidote to the weighty, nature of these tales, I relate them with a light touch.

It is impossible to convey the full account, but I hope that by opening the door I have given you a small, yet realistic glimpse into the "unmatched" world.

Binding: Paperback
Pages: 226
Size: 5.5" x 8.5"
Language: English
Publisher: Sifria Publishing (August 24, 2022)
SBN-13: 979-8218010324

Unmatched [Paperback]
An Orthodox Jewish woman's mystifying journey to find marriage and meaning
By: Sarah Lavane


Best Sellers Rank:
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in Women & Judaism
in Jewish Biographies
in Dating (Books)