In the New York City, there is always a place for everybody. The streets are flooded and packed with people of all different races, cultures, lifestyles, purposes, etc. Everybody may seem to be in one area, but they can still be divided. Devorah and Jaxon both live in Eastern Parkway: Devorah lives in streets filled with Hasidics, while Jaxon's neighborhood is filled with African Americans. The two sides NEVER meet because of race riots that happened in 1991, and even though it has been 20+ years later, the two sides never get along. Due to Devorah's religion and the racial discrimination, Devorah and Jaxon's feelings seem impossible to go in to full affect.In the city, everything is easily accessible by foot. This made Devorah sneaking around to meet Jaxon way easier because she did not have to rely on anybody for transportation. Devorah simply lied and said she was going to the hospital to see her sister, and her parents did not even question about it.
If the story were to not take place in the city, things would definitely be different. I would think that there would be less and racism between the blacks and the Hasidics. Also, news would not spread as quickly. If Devorah were to get caught with Jaxon, news would not be passed through her people, and she would not have to worry about ruining her family's reputation in the Hasidic community because not ever Hasidic is together in one area.
Is this book for everyone?
Like No Other is a great book because it educates people on real life instances and situations. These type of things are really happening in our world. Both Jaxon and Devorah are facing issues and this book can make someone realize they are not alone. Jaxon everyday faces racism because of his skin color. Being a black teenager in New York City automatically makes people stereotype him. "People have enough reasons not to like you based on how you look; don't give them anymore based on how you act" (LarMarche 177). Devorah is faced with the daily challenge of trying to mask her thoughts and doubts about her religion and her family's lifestyle. "It's silly. It's not just unrealistic to fall in love before marriage, it's destructive to our faith. Because to have romantic thought bout someone before being joined by G-d constitutes a sin, and a union based on sin is be definition unholy" (LaMarche 186). Not only is this book educational, but it is also relatable. Teenagers are pressed everyday to fit an image for their parents, just like Devorah is. Also, many people have to face the daily challenge of fighting racism, discrimination, and stereotyping, just how Jaxon is. I would say this book is a good read if you like a twist on a romance novel. To me, this book seems like a modern day Romeo and Juliet, where just like Romeo and Juliet, Jaxon and Devorah's love is forbidden.
Would you like to live in the city? If so, why?
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