Kissing Girls on Shabbat

A Memoir

By: Sara Glass

Narrated by: Sara Glass

“A searing testament to the strength in claiming one’s destiny.” —The Washington Post

A moving coming-of-age memoir in the vein of Unorthodox and Educated, about one young woman’s desperate attempt to protect her children and family while also embracing her queer identity in a controlling Hasidic community.

Growing up in the Hasidic community of Brooklyn’s Borough Park, Sara Glass knew one painful truth: what was expected of her and what she desperately wanted were impossibly opposed. Tormented by her attraction to women and trapped in a loveless arranged marriage, she found herself unable to conform to her religious upbringing and soon, she made the difficult decision to walk away from the world she knew.

Sara’s journey to self-acceptance began with the challenging battle for a divorce and custody of her children, an act that left her on the verge of estrangement from her family and community. Controlled by the fear of losing custody of her two children, she forced herself to remain loyal to the compulsory heteronormativity baked into Hasidic Judaism and married again. But after suffering profound loss and a shocking sexual assault, Sara decided to finally be completely true to herself.

Kissing Girls on Shabbat is not only a love letter to Glass’s children, herself, and her family—it is an unflinching window into the world of ultra-conservative Orthodox Jewish communities and an inspiring celebration of learning to love yourself.

©2024 Sara Glass (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Absolutely amazing!

A tough but beautifully written memoir of finding and celebrating one’s own identity against all odds. Beautifully written (and read), I found myself gasping out loud at times, laughing at other times. Opened my eyes to the world of ultra-orthodoxy, and the ways we can be inspired by those willing to risk those people and values most dear to them to share their story. Thank you Sarah Glass! You have rocked my world (for the good).

A coming out story decades in the making

I love books about people, particularly women, who come out of oppressive religions and marriages and find their truest, most authentic selves. Dr Sara Glass is one such woman, and her story is captivating. Coming out is one of the most difficult things a person can do, especially when one believes that they will lose everything they hold dear by doing so. This book did not disappoint.

Inspirational

Dr. Glass completely draws the listener in to her struggles in her story. Her search for an authentic life is something that resonates with everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. Especially those from conservative and oppressively misogynistic backgrounds. This book is not to be missed, especially in these troubling political times.

Incredibly thoughtful story of bravery. A masterpiece

Sara tells her story in such an authentic and sophisticated way, that I was immediately drawn into her world. I felt the anxiety and utter fear that developed in her early world, and I felt the release that came as she shed each layer of her protective cocoon. I am so grateful to her for sharing her experiences in such a raw and vulnerable way, which is very difficult for therapists to do. Her kids were right in enthusiastically supporting her writing; this is the kind of book that saves lives. If you are Queer and/or know what it is to live in a high-demand religious community, you will especially benefit from Sara’s writing. I know both (and am also a therapist), and I feel completely moved and inspired by this book. I’m going to take some time to digest, and then can’t wait to read it again!

Holy wow!

Of the 400+ titles in my Audible library, most of which are memoirs, this is one of my absolute favs of all time! I could not stop listening and did not want it to end. Such a compelling story, told beautifully and honestly. Sara, your courage to not only follow your heart and gut, but also to share the journey with us all through your book is healing your family and so many others generations forward and generations back. Thank you!!

Reads like a novel

While this is non-fiction, Sara Glass is an excellent storyteller. Coming out later in life myself, her story resonated deeply with me. Getting divorced was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life, but feeling whole on the other side has been worth it.

Riveting!

I liked the author as narrator and it kept me engaged from the first listen. I typically listen in the car but I found myself listening while getting ready for work, for bed and doing things around the house. I work in mental health in which she is very knowledgeable and I felt her authenticity. As a secular Jew I am always interested in reading about the lives of ultra orthodox. From what I know her descriptions seem very accurate.

Gripping

This was an outstanding title - the growth and bravery exhibited by the author come through in a narrative that brings the reader along for the very emotional ride.

Fantastic work!

Beautifully written and honest story. It was so interesting to get a glimpse inside her religious community and to hear her personal struggles. I loved the book. We’re reading it as a Book Club selection, and I’m so glad we chose it!

Incredible book

Even though the context this book takes place in may be foreign to people, the honest portrayal of what it means to feel human and begin to trust yourself is so relatable.