How to Ruin My Teenage Life by Simone Elkeles Read Free Book Online Page A

Can I still be a Jew if my brain can’t grasp around certain Bible stories?”
    The reason I can talk to Rabbi Glassman honestly is because he’s never judged me or laughed at my opinions or arguments in class. He makes me feel like everything I have to say is really important and smart. Even when I’m disagreeing with him.
    Rabbi Glassman leans forward and whispers back, “Amy, I think it’s far-fetched, too.”
    My mouth goes wide. “You do? Don’t worry, Rabbi. Your secret is safe with me.”
    Rabbi Glassman smiles and says, “I think it all comes down to faith and trust.”
    â€œIn people?” I ask.
    He shrugs, as if he doesn’t have all the answers to all of his questions. “In people … in God … in yourself. Do you think you have faith and trust?”
    I look up at him. “Should I answer that now?”
    My rabbi shakes his head. “I don’t know if you’re ready to answer that yet. Why don’t you think about it for a while and get back to me when you’re … let’s say … twenty years old.”
    I stand up, taking in all the information Rabbi Glassman gave me as I leave his office. “See you at class, Rabbi,” I call over my shoulder. “And thanks for the talk.”
    â€œAny time,” he calls back.
    Five minutes later, I’m in conversion class with five other people. Even though my father is Jewish, my mother isn’t. I’ve lived with my mom most of my life, and she raised me without any religion. I went to Israel this past summer and realized I was missing something in my life: being Jewish. So I’m learning as much about my faith as I can.
    Hence the conversion class.
    We meet once a week. Rabbi Glassman has us read stories from the Bible and we discuss our opinions and reflect on the meaning or lessons behind the stories. He also teaches us about the different Jewish holidays and laws. The rabbi says a lot of Judaism comes from traditions. Since I don’t really have any Jewish traditions, I’m going to have to make up some myself.
    Back at home, I take Mutt out then walk over to Perk Me Up! Yes, I’m officially a Perk Me Up! employee, thanks to my father and Marla. My punishment is a job at my favorite café, and I’m not thrilled about it.
    Marla greets me with a huge smile. “Nice to see we’re all perky this evening.”
    â€œIt’s been a long day.”
    â€œOh, then maybe I’ll just have you sweep floors and wipe off tables so you don’t have to interact with the customers.”
    I put a fake smile on my face.
    â€œThatta girl,” Marla says. “That’s what my customers like to see.”
    Marla directs me behind the counter, has me sign forms, then holds out a yellow apron. “Here, put this on. You can shadow me until your shift ends.”
    Yellow isn’t really my color, but I hang the sunshiny thing around my neck and tie the wrap at my waist without complaint. Even though it’s seven o’clock, there are still customers hanging out and ordering pastries. They’re even drinking coffee this late, especially the ones who pull all-nighters.
    The most all-nighters I see are lawyers. The ones who have to head to court in the morning or prepare for what they call depositions. Do you think the money they make is worth it for the amount of sleep they’re missing? There’s no way I could ever be a lawyer. I like my sleep too much.
    After fifteen minutes, Marla hands me a white rag with antibacterial stuff on it and tells me to wipe off the tables.
    I was really hoping to hide behind the counter all night until my shift was up, but Marla’s having none of that. I’m just thankful she hasn’t asked me to clean out the bathrooms so I shuffle over to the tables and start wiping them off.
    I start cleaning the private nook where a couch and two cushy chairs are located, then I freeze. Sitting in