The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen

By: Isaac Blum

Narrated by: Josh Bloomberg

Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD!

A WILLIAM C. MORRIS AWARD WINNER!

The Chosen meets Adam Silvera in this irreverent and timely story of worlds colliding in friendship, betrayal, and the hatred that divides us.

Hoodie Rosen's life isn't that bad. Sure, his entire Orthodox Jewish community has just picked up and moved to the quiet, mostly non-Jewish town of Tregaron, but Hoodie's world hasn't changed that much. He's got basketball to play, studies to avoid, and a supermarket full of delicious kosher snacks to eat. The people of Tregaron aren’t happy that so many Orthodox Jews are moving in at once, but that’s not Hoodie’s problem.

That is, until he meets and falls for Anna-Marie Diaz-O’Leary—who happens to be the daughter of the obstinate mayor trying to keep Hoodie’s community out of the town. And things only get more complicated when Tregaron is struck by a series of antisemitic crimes that quickly escalate to deadly violence.

As his community turns on him for siding with the enemy, Hoodie finds himself caught between his first love and the only world he’s ever known.

Isaac Blum delivers a wry, witty debut novel about a deeply important and timely subject, in a story of hatred and betrayal—and the friendships we find in the most unexpected places.

Praise for The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen:

“A deeply authentic story about the terror and glory of encountering the outside world without sacrificing who you are—and who you want to be. It’s touching, tragic, and as Jewish as your Bubbe’s cholent.”–Gavriel Savit, New York Times bestselling author of Anna and the Swallow Man

“Blum gives the common but often-dismissed spiritual journey of many teens the respect it deserves in this witty, profound look at cross-cultural friendship, courageous honesty, and how a willingness to truly see and love our neighbors can change an entire community.”–Vesper Stamper, National Book Award-nominated author of What the Night Sings

“A refreshingly human look at the day-to-day nuances of Orthodox Judaism and the terror of modern antisemitism. I laughed, I gasped, I craved kosher Starburst. Two thumbs up from this nice Jewish girl!”–Tyler Feder, Sydney Taylor Award-winning author of Dancing at the Pity Party

“Bold, brave, and brutally honest, it holds a permanent piece of my heart.”–Dahlia Adler, author of Cool for the Summer

"Isaac Blum has the rare talent of telling searing, visceral truths in a witty, funny, punchy way . . . The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen is a vital voice in Jewish YA canon."–Katherine Locke, Sydney Taylor Honor author of The Girl with the Red Balloon

©2022 Isaac Blum (P)2022 Listening Library

Critic reviews

“The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen is an uncannily insightful and resonant look into a world few of us call home and most never get to see. Bold, brave, and brutally honest, it holds a permanent piece of my heart.”–Dahlia Adler, author of Cool for the Summer

“The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen is a wry and poignant coming-of-age tale about trying to reconcile two different worlds. As Hoodie begins to reckon with the way his Orthodox community fits into their new town—and the way he fits into his community—he must also ask questions about love, family, and friendship. Both humorous and heartrending, readers will devour this book.”–Hannah Reynolds, Sydney Taylor Honor author of Eight Nights of Flirting

“Hoodie’s irreverent and witty voice draws you in immediately; though the novel deals with heavy topics, the pace never lags. I came for the Jewish rep and stayed for Hoodie and Anna-Marie. Can’t wait to see more from Isaac Blum!”–Leah Scheier, Sydney Taylor Honor author of The Last Words We Said

A total knock out

This book will make you rethink everything you know about Jewish communities. Important, heart warming and an absolute stunning performance.

smart compassionate funny

A story that shares the perspectives of Orthodox Jews most of us will never talk to, so a needed chance to learn and reflect. At the same time, mainstream perspectives rendered with as much insight. Centering on a friendship the story allows two young people to experience challenges and newness while they grow into taking responsibility for themselves as young adults. The story addresses hate crime and the healing process. Loved listening to these thoughtful young people grow.

Incredible book, great narration

This book is extremely timely. The protagonist is lovable and funny even with such a serious topic. The audiobook narrator did a great job and knew how to pronounce the Hebrew and Yiddish words.

Out of the park - A Must Read!!!

This can not be a debut. Josh Bloomberg is perfect. I am so glad I did a hybrid of reading and listening. His voice is wonderful and pronunciations are fantastic. He really gave the characters their voice and as an avid audible listener that is rare.

I loved this story. The main character is witty and insightful. He reminded me of my own son not understanding the rules of the outside world. But, so certain he was right.

Starburst Please!

I could not stop listening to this! Absolutely amazing! It is funny, it is uplifting, super random at times, hits some serious points, dark and yet you find yourself giggling randomly and totally relating to Hoodie on so many levels. Honestly I wish this book would go on forever but it had enough of everything to keep you daydreaming about what these beautiful characters are up to. Here’s to hoping that if at some point it does get picked up by Netflix or Hulu they do it right. Such a beautiful story and perfectly narrated. I finished this within 4 days of purchasing it and if it wasn’t because I’m a mom, working full time and studying for my second specialty I would have finished this within 24 hours. I will miss my days of listening to Hoodie and his life adventures. Please we need a follow up! NYU where you at???