Adam Unrehearsed by Don Futterman
What's It About?
This novel beautifully captures the essence of growing up in a turbulent era, navigating the complexities of friendships, confronting racism and finding one's identity.Adam Unrehearsed (Wicked Son) is a captivating coming-of-age novel set in Flushing, New York, during the early 1970s. Skillfully crafted by co-host of TLV1’s The Promised Podcast, Don Futterman, the story revolves around Adam Miller, a Jewish boy on the brink of his bar mitzvah, who is navigating the fragility and resilience of friendship, racial prejudice, school, family and self-discovery.
Coming-of-Age in Jewish New York
Adam Miller is a seventh grader at J.H.S. 189 Daniel Carter Beard. He also attends Hebrew School three times a week in preparation for his bar mitzvah. He is the star of the Hebrew School. He is not very good at science but is brilliant at acting under the guidance of his favorite teacher, Mr Selenko.
One day, Adam and his friend get the fright of their lives when a gang of “older, years older, giants, black” kids ambush them on their way from Yankee Stadium, taking their bats and money. Thankfully, they are saved, at the last minute, by a very mysterious man in a black suit and a black hat.
Later, Adam faces a heart-wrenching betrayal from his best friend, Jason Boyer. Jason turns against him and alienates him from their group of friends. Jason’s out-of-the-blue coldness toward Adam breaks his heart to the point where he wishes Jason dead.
The challenges of school, bullies and the evolving dynamics of his relationships eventually push him to accept the end of their friendship and make new friends. However, Adam’s empathy is tested when tragedy strikes Jason’s family, leaving him torn between the rage and hatred he feels toward Jason and his desire to be there for him in his time of need.
A Wonderful Reading Experience
Don Futterman’s writing style in Adam Unrehearsed is a literary masterpiece that combines creativity, sharpness and impactful storytelling, delivering a wonderful reading experience. The content contains humorous dialogues and chains of events that will make you laugh until tears stream down your face.
I was rolling on the floor with laughter after I read about the surprise Mr. Selenko received from his students. It was a brilliantly and hilariously executed scene. The author’s wit and comedic timing are nothing short of genius, making the book an absolute joy to read.
Close Look at Racial Relations
In this tale, Futterman gives readers a glimpse into the long history of the Black-Jewish partnership between Jewish Americans and African Americans in the American Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century. Futterman portrays this through the relationship between Adam and Michael Mason, a 15-year-old Black boy.
Michael’s presence challenged Adam’s preconceived notions and biases about race. Initially, Adam admired Michael but struggled to trust him, reflecting the prevalent racial tensions and stereotypes during the 1970s. His internal struggle of wanting to be friends with Michael but being held back by these doubts provides a microcosm of the broader historical context of Jewish-American and African-American relations.
The relationship also reflects the tensions and complexities that existed within the Jewish-Black partnership, particularly within the Civil Rights Movement. This relationship presents an opportunity for readers to reflect on the challenges and rewards of overcoming prejudices, forging unlikely friendships, and acknowledging the shared experiences of minority communities in the United States.
Compelling & Thought-Provoking
The portrayal of the Miller family, under Mr. Jeremy Miller’s guidance, adds depth and warmth to the narrative, providing readers with a relatable and authentic depiction of a loving, caring family dealing with the trials and tribulations of life.
Futterman’s portrayal of Mr. Miller captures the essence of parenthood and family dynamics. His character embodies the notion of balancing protection with empathy. His parenting represents a commitment to instilling values that promote understanding, non-violence and the importance of unity in the face of adversity.
Don Futterman has crafted a humorous and remarkable narrative that resonates with readers of all backgrounds. This novel beautifully captures the essence of growing up in a turbulent era, navigating the complexities of friendships, confronting racism and finding one’s identity. Adam Unrehearsed is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling and thought-provoking coming-of-age tale.
About Don Futterman:
Writer, actor and storyteller, Don Futterman has written for the Daily Beast and for the past eleven years has been a co-host of TLV1’s The Promised Podcast, a weekly review of Israeli politics and society with more than three million downloads. In addition, Don has been a columnist for Haaretz, has a performance podcast of autobiographical monologues, Futterman’s One-Man Show, and has published two children’s books in Hebrew.
Don is also the founding director of the Israel Center for Educational Innovation (ICEI), which transforms underperforming Jewish & Arab elementary schools serving low-income communities, including the Ethiopian immigrant community, and is the Israel Director of the Moriah Fund, a private American foundation working to strengthen liberal democracy in Israel and the US. Married with three children, Don grew up a public schoolboy in Flushing and currently lives in Israel.
