Romance Reader (I'm not) Word from: Jake

I have to preface this by saying that my school's library was having its annual sale, each book for $1, so I couldn't say no. I guess I'm making excuses because the title doesn't sound like anything I'd want to admit to reading.

Pearl Abraham's Romance Reader came out a decade ago. If I read it back then, I would have loved it. At this point, I've heard everything I ever wanted to hear about the "rebels" of the Chassidic community. However, the book also happens to be a coming-of-age novel, and it was specifically the combination of the two that redeemed the subject matter for me.

What I liked best, were the short deceivingly-simple punchy sentences. Up Hemingway's alley. They give the main character (rebellious Chassidish girl with a thing for romance novels) a distinct voice that I thought was very appealing. Totally realistic, heimish, prematurely mature (as the oldest sister of six), very down-to-earth. After the first thirty pages, I started yawning and massively skipping, stopping over occasionally for dialog and one or two erotic scenes. Still and all, on the whole I'm definitely happy to add it to my book collection. It was a bargain you know.

I remember hearing about The Seventh Beggar a few months ago. That's Abraham's new novel, and as far as reviews go, it sounds good. Contemporary Chassidic dilemmas in the frame-work of Rav Nachman's tale. Has anyone read it?