My Mother’s Secret: A Novel of the Jewish Autonomous Region (Audiobook)
My Mother’s Secret: A Novel of the Jewish Autonomous Region (Audiobook)
If you’re a reader of Alina Adams’ novels, you’re probably wondering what you are doing here on my NYC School Secrets site.
This is the not very interesting explanation: My Alina Adams website was not set up to be a sales site. My NYC School Secrets site, was.
I had originally planned to offer the audiobook of “My Mother’s Secret: A Novel of the Jewish Autonomous Region” on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, alongside their print and e-versions. But dealing with ACX, the primary audiobook distributor, is an ongoing adventure.
The book is not ready there. But it is ready for you to download and listen to here! So rather than wait for ACX to get back to us with why they haven’t offered “My Mother’s Secret: A Novel of the Jewish Autonomous Region” for sale yet, I decided to put it up for sale myself.
Because I’m a rebel and I’ll never, ever change. (I’m not, and I probably will.)
So please ignore all the info on getting into NYC schools (or enjoy it as a bonus, it is quite a gripping drama in and of itself) and get your audiobook of “My Mother’s Secret: A Novel of the Jewish Autonomous Region,” narrated by the one and only Yuliya Patsay!
Description of the book, and link to buy, below:
With his dying breath, Lena’s father asks his family a cryptic question: “You couldn’t tell, could you?” After his passing, Lena stumbles upon the answer that changes her life forever.
As her revolutionary neighbor mysteriously disappears during Josef Stalin’s Great Terror purges, 18-year-old Regina suspects that she’s the Kremlin’s next target. Under cover of the night, she flees from her parents’ communal apartment in 1930s Moscow to the 20th century’s first Jewish Autonomous Region, Birobidzhan, on the border between Russia and China. Once there, Regina has to grapple with her preconceived notions of socialism and Judaism while asking herself the eternal question: What do we owe each other? How can we best help one another? While she contends with these queries and struggles to help Birobidzhan establish itself, love and war are on the horizon.
New York Times Bestselling author Alina Adams draws on her own experiences as a Jewish refugee from Odessa, USSR as she provides readers a rare glimpse into the world’s first Jewish Autonomous Region. My Mother’s Secret is rooted in detailed research about a little known chapter of Soviet and Jewish history while exploring universal themes of identity, love, loss, war, and parenthood. Readers can expect a whirlwind journey as Regina finds herself and her courage within one of the century’s most tumultuous eras.
Praise for My Mother’s Secret
“An eye opening family saga. Adams weaves an engrossing tale through little known history that feels both exotic and chillingly familiar. My Mother’s Secret will stay with you long after you’ve read the last page.”
– Kyra Davis, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Just One Night, Pure Sin and Sophie Katz series
“My Mother’s Secret by Alina Adams is a page-turner that has it all: a compelling mystery, sharp insights into Soviet history, a sense of humor, and a complicated and fascinating cast of characters to boot.”
– Maria Kuznetsova, author of Oksana, Behave! and Something Unbelievable
“Alina Adams’ My Mother’s Secret is smart and sumptuous, wry and thoroughly immersive. It transports you to an important moment in Soviet-Jewish history that is more relevant than ever. A triumph.”
– Irina Reyn, Goldberg Prize for Jewish Fiction winner and author of The Imperial Wife, Mother Country, and What Happened to Anna K
“Alina Adams captures the fragility, heartbreak, and humor of love. Truly, she had me from the first page.”
– Susan Dansby, 7-time Emmy-Award-winning writer, The Young and the Restless, As the World Turns
“With her trademark wit and wisdom, Adams delivers another family saga, full of longing and richly-drawn historical details, that will surprise, delight and-ultimately-captivate you.”
– Rebecca Hanover, NYT Times bestselling author of The Similars
$9.99
Instructions on downloading your purchased book and loading it onto your preferred device can be found on this page: Reading your eBooks
Customer Reviews
Just a necessary step to be able to find your way thought the complicated process to choose your first baby his NYC Kindergarten
The light in the tunnel! – that’s how I feel after reading this book and speaking to Alina. The book helped a lot to clarify many questions: I found all necessary information to understand the process, to identify the goals and to make a plan. I was able to discuss with Alina my personal situation what helped a busy mom’s mind to get a piece of mind 🙂 Highly recommended!
Very helpful!
Such a great help understanding the difference between schools!!! This kindergarten application process can be very overwhelm and I this book has helped me a lot! Thanks!
Easy to read
Informative, easy to read, honest insight into navigating NYC Kindergarten! A must read for anyone embarking on their children’s school journey in New York City.
Alina tells you what no one else will!
I’ve been a subscriber to Alina’s educational blog NewYorkSchoolTalk.org for a few years now, and I can’t emphasize enough how much valuable information she has shared on the G&T process. From tips and tricks to ranking schools, working a waitlist, calculating the best test date, I’ve learned so much from her webinars , and would recommend her to anyone trying to navigate the NYC school application process.
Helpful
Good book for getting into kindergarten. My wife and I really loved it and would highly recommend it to others.
Loads of Info!
Alina Adams has built a great network of information for parents facing the hardships of NYC School choice. Getting information has taken away a lot of the anxiety I had in finding the perfect school for my young children. This fall I’ll be on my journey to Kindergarten admissions, and I can’t wait!
Alina is a wonderful resource!
I’ve taken part in Alina’s online seminars, sought her advice, and consulted her written materials on numerous occasions. She helped us navigate the kindergarten admissions process and to advocate for our child when the DOE gave us the runaround. She has been an invaluable resource and I would highly recommend her!
The book is a great overview of the NYC system for elementary schools
The book is a great overview of the NYC system for elementary schools. I purchased the book when my daughter was 2 years old and it has served as a great reference for all these “prep” years when you’re doing your research and talking to other parents. I actually printed it out and turned into a notebook with all my notes on the margins. What is absolutely instrumental is Alina’s coaching services – at some point I realized that I had all the information but couldn’t come up with a strategy that would work for our particular circumstances. Alina gave me great advice, laying out what were our first, second and back up options and provided the timeline for potential hedging actions (including moving to a different school zone as a very last resort). She worked with us patiently as we were put on a wait list to our top choice school and gave excellent advice on how to work it. Needless to say, we received the offer.
everything from her G&T calculator, her website, videos …
everything from her G&T calculator, her website, videos and of course this book are life savers for a NYC parent as myself. I was totally lost until I came across her work
We now have a strategy we are comfortable with!
I have attended Alina Adams workshops and received a ton of helpful information. When we had to make a decision for my son we knew she would have the insight we needed. I reached out to her for a consult via email and she responded promptly and setup a time to talk. My husband and I are so happy we did. We now have the information to make an informed decision.Getting into a good Kindergarten in NYC can be a stressful time but Alina has worked with many families so she has insight on many of the schools. I will highly recommend her book, workshops and private consultations.
Her G&T workshop is the best
I attended Alina’s G&T workshop in April and found it hugely helpful. I asked her for insights of the top schools and discussed rank orderings with her. I’ve been on school tours which are helpful but by design they can be a bit biased. What Alina offers is truly unbiased discussions of strengths and weaknesses of each school which forms important basis for comparison. We just learned my child is going to Anderson. We could not be happier. Alina’s workshop is truly differentiated and offers information not available elsewhere.
This book is a wonderful guide to help you understand the various options for …
This book is a wonderful guide to help you understand the various options for high school in New York City. There are so many things to consider when applyingand the process can be so confusing. The information was so helpful in figuring out what was right for our family.
Highly recommend
I have not read this edition of the book but I have read a past edition as well as following Alina’s blog, newsletter, and YouTube channel. Alina is *the* expert on NYC schools. If you need help navigating the process (and you do), this book is for you.
Must have for NYC Parents!
I met Alina at one of her NYC workshops and immediately purchased this book afterwards. It explains the NYC school admissions process so thoroughly and I felt so well prepared and informed thanks to this book. If you are a parent in NYC, you need this book!
Very knowledgeable!
We have read Alina’s book (and went to a seminar). The book is extremely informative to navigate the crazy NY school applications process. Everything is well explained and organized; truly helps to navigate the maze. Honestly don’t know we would have done it without it.
Indispensable Information. Highly recommended before, and in addition to a phone consult or two.
Give yourself time for this journey. Read the book, write down your questions. Schedule a call with Alina, go back to the book, write down more questions, talk to parents/friends, then schedule another call. You will not understand the system the first time to approach the subject, so give yourself a moment to read, digest, then repeat. Alina has an impressive hold on this knowledge and you can benefit from her many, many years experience with this book.
Excellent resource for NYC parents!
I’m getting all confused with the school choices in NYC and this book provides a clear big picture overview. in addition, it contains links to many useful topics and having it in digital version makes it easy to click on the links to learn more about a particular topic of interest. Highly recommended!
Extremely helpful to get an overarching picture of the whole school system
Alina Adams’ book is a must-read for parents who plan to have kids in school in New York City. The system can be as complicated as you want it to be, and this book gives a solid framework for understanding the basics of the system. Once you read it you’ll have a solid foundation to delve into the parts of the system that you’re interested in. The timeline is very helpful and the content is always being updated since the DOE and independent schools are often changing their systems. Since it’s an e-Book you’ll have the links to the latest information. It’s short and to the point, a quick read packed with information. It’s not a comprehensive guide to every single school, but invaluable at seeing the whole picture and getting a sense of what you want for your family. Plus she just has a lot of helpful hints and good ideas since she’s worked with many families in this process.
The timeline provided is a great resource and the book provides insider tips and tricks
I find this book to be very thorough and informative. The timeline provided is a great resource and the book provides insider tips and tricks. Alina has been extremely helpful in my quest to find the perfect school for my twins. Alina is super knowledgable and personable! I highly recommend.
Get started early and read this book now.
This book is incredibly helpful. The writer clarifies a very confusing process and has lots of great suggestions. My son turns three in December and I’m glad I read this book now. Hopefully by the time testing and applications start we will be ready!
Fantastic resource for all NYC parents
Highly recommend this book if you are in NYC or consider moving here and getting your child into Kindergarten. Alina is going into great detail, explaining thoroughly what to expect from the process, what things to consider, outlines the timeline and possible strategies: you will gain a lot of info for your money along with related links. Also consider going to one of her free workshops, where you get to meet the author and ask questions relevant to your situation.
Essential
This is has been a clear, comprehensive guide to the daunting task of finding the right high NY school for our child. I highly recommend it.
Extremely Helpful and Timely Guidance!
I have been following Alina Adams for my daugters Kindergarten admissions and being on her mailing list was very helpful. I always got timely alerts for activity and steps that needed to be completed. I have also attended her call for advice on ranking schools and picked up some great tips. The perspective really helps! I would recommend any parents going through the admissions process to get on her mailing list and attend her events. It’s worth it!
NYC School Process is Nuts. This will help!
Extremely thorough and informative book! How crazy is it that we need a book to explain getting into kindergarten in NYC? Very….but if you want to navigate the myriad of options, this book is a must. I do not know that there is a better way to learn about the differences between the different programs (even if excluding private schools) – the time table that the author provides is very valuable as well. I am sure this information (or most of it anyway) exists out there, if you have the time and energy to decipher the DOE website, various parenting board posting sites, and talk to all of your neighbors with older children. But I don’t have that time, so this book really helped!
around the kindergarden/elementary school admissions process in NYC and great that it is digital given the constant changes
A must-have to wrap your head around the kindergarden/elementary school admissions process in NYC and great that it is digital given the constant changes.
Is a great book! Extremely thorough and informative
If I could give more than 5 stars I definitely would! Is a great book! Extremely thorough and informative. She provides links and resources that are crucial in this process.
She is a great resource.
If you’re looking for a clear and concise guide to the overwhelming labyrinth of NYC schools, buy this book. Alina Adams has put in one place a user-friendly road map that allows parents who are confronting the NYC school system for the first time a way in which to navigate their way through. Between the book and Ms. Adams’ willingness to talk with parents, she is a great resource.
Amazing
Buy this now if you live in NYC and are considering the public school system. Invaluable.
Welcome back Sanity!
This book is an excellent reference that would guide parents through the tedious and complicated kindergarten admissions proccess. Meeting with Alina brought me back to sanity. She understood my priorities and catered to my requests. I left with a long list of possible schools and a specific to do list.
Five Stars
Extremely useful information. Alina Adams knows everything!
An excellent starting point
This book is an excellent starting point to orient yourself in the byzantine labyrinth of NYC school. It helped us a lot when we started searching for better schools for our daughter. The author also runs very helpful podcasts that provide more details about NYC schools.
5.0 out of 5 stars wealth of knowledge
We had the additional benefit of using Alina as a consultant while we navigated the NYC school landscape with our children. She is a wealth of information–her finger really is on the pulse of everything. She’s met with so many families, she understands who is happy where and what schools are better fits for what families (based on family priorities and the types of learners that the kids are). She talked us through the public school versus private school decision and the ins and outs of G&T testing and G&T schools. Once we decided to pursue private schools, she directed us to several to go tour and then based on our feedback from those tours, suggested other schools for us to look at, she gave insight into our list of schools to apply to, and advice for the applications and admissions process. What’s more–her advice was spot on. Very happily looking forward to the coming school year and very pleased with the application process outcomes. Highly recommend Alina’s book, her website and youtube videos, and most of all her presentations and consulting services.
I strongly recommend this book
I strongly recommend this book. The content is exactly spot on and serves as an important read for any expectant parent about to embark on the cyclone of options, competition, public policies and types of schools which your family and pre-K darling will face in the coming few years. Alina’s book is full of facts and insights that EVERY parent should be aware like the positives and negatives of each type of public and private schools in the modern era of choices in which we live if you’re a NYC dweller or are planning to become one and want to get your child into the right kindergarten program. While I’m still mulling over options for my own child, this book helped me make sense of the process and gave me confidence regarding my planning correctly for the decisions I will be making over the next two years of my family’s life and child’s education.
Excellent Resource
Alina Adams is an excellent resource whether you’re interested in public school options, private school options, or both. Her candor is atypical and a breath of fresh air.
Comprehensive and realistic overview of the NYC Kindergarten application process
The book provides invaluable information on the preparation and application processes for NYC kindergarten admissions. We will refer to it every step of the way; only wish we got our hands on it sooner!
Essential Guide for the NYC Parent
Alina Adams helps navigate you through every step of the NYC kindergarten application process in this essential book with support, up-to-date information and spot-on wisdom. The best book on this particular subject yet. Must get!
Most useful book ever
After reading the first chapter of the book, I wrote down all my questions and just paid for a call with Alina. No one has so frankly broken down the school system for me before. I mentioned what she told me to my son’s ABA therapist who works with the DOE and she confirmed everything Alina said. In 30 minutes she had offered SEVERAL solutions to our (possible) predicament. If you cannot afford her phone call, READ THIS BOOK. If you CAN afford her phone call, READ THIS BOOK TO REMIND YOU OF WHAT SHE TOLD YOU.
Well-structured, clear, concise, with website links to schools and articles!
I read this cover to cover! Full of well-structured, clear and concise information for first-time NYC Kindergarten navigators. The author makes herself available for one on one and group questions which is very very helpful when you want to tease out specific situations. I had a half hour phone session with the author and all of my questions were answered. Thank you Alina!
Five Stars
Alina’s book and webcasts are phenomenal.
A must-read for NYC parents
Alina summarizes everything you need to know about your child’s elementary school options in New York. The book is well-written, organized in a very intuitive way and is updated on a regular basis to show relevant information. Alina uses an appropriate amount of humor to support her points and it’s easy to read.
Immensely helpful!
Such a clear breakdown of a complicated system! The timeline is a very helpful tool as well! Thank you for this 🙂
Best resource on NYC high schools!
Updated every year! A++++
Thorough book on the confusing Kindergarten options in NYC
The public school options in NYC are super confusing and Alina Adams is THE expert on NYC public schools. Her book is thorough without being confusing and has specific links and deadlines the she updates every year. I found it so helpful that I subscribed to her podcast and email too. If you’re a parent of a toddler, do yourself a favor and but this ebook.
Insightful and thoughtful
Alina guided us through the kindergarten process with tailored recommendations gleaned from taking a thorough intake. Her insights ultimately led to strong choices and a perfect match for our child.
Great book
This book has very good informations I did not know about applying for different high schools. And how the school system works.
A Great Overview of Everything You Need to Know About NYC School Admissions!
If you will be applying your child to New York City Kindergarten in the next year or two, I highly recommend that you read “Getting Into NYC Kindergarten,” the only book of its kind that covers all available options, including:· Public School/General Ed (zoned and unzoned)· Public School Gifted & Talented (District & Citywide)· Public School Dual Language· Public School Magnet Programs· Charter Schools· Hunter College Elementary School· Private Schools (Independent and Religious)Plus advice on prepping your child for intelligence tests, insider tips on “working the waitlist,” how to ace a parent interview, the pros and cons of red-shirting, and a detailed timeline covering everything you should be doing in the 18 (yes, 18!) months prior to your child starting Kindergarten.
Priceless information on the NYC school system that you can’t find anywhere else
Navigating the NYC school system can be an overwhelming and confusing black hole. Despite the many school options available, there is very little real, useful information available on each of the options to figure out the best fit. Which is why we felt so fortunate to have found Alina. Her newsletters and kindergarten workshop were incredibly helpful and gave us access to a wealth of real world information we could not find anywhere else. Once we got to the point of having to make the difficult decision of choosing between two options for our child, we had a one-on-one consult with Alina which we found invaluable. Alina is not only knowledgeable but also thoughtful and genuinely cares. Thanks for all your help, Alina!!
Five Stars
Excellent overview of the NYC K system and the admissions process.
Short and comprehensive
A good start if you feel overwhelmed by this confusing NYC Kindergarten system. I feel more confident, armed, and ready to start now. Thank you!
A great place to start your school search!
I saw Alina speak at a local workshop and subsequently purchased her book for follow ups. Her information stays up to date with the ebook and you are able to get emails with any DOE changes as well as links to all of the forms and paperwork as needed too. We live in a not so great area for schools and she was able to give me some rays of sunlight for our kids, but without giving us unrealistic expectations. I would recommend this book to anyone who is embarking on the NYC school journey.
Best Book
I just ordered and devoured Alina Adams’ book. I’m your typical NYC parent overwhelmed and anxious about the options available to our child for Kindergarten. We don’t live in a particularly great public school district, have a very limited budget for private school, and feel that a G&T option where a 99% score is too much of a stretch to rely on. Alina was able to give us concrete information and options to help us feel like that it would all work out and we would still find the right solution for our child. She spells everything out very clearly (time lines, types of schools, testing, etc.) , explaining every option, the ins and outs, etc. It is clear she truly cares and wants to help the NYC parent and child navigate this process in the most effective way – and she does! Thank you Alina. Will let you know how it goes!
A MUST for anything NYC school admissions!
I feel like Alina took my hand and walked me through the mirky waters of getting into kindergarten. Subscribe to her email list ASAP because she will remind you of important dates and times to your due dates, your results, and how to make sense of it all. She goes above and beyond!Start with the book and get on her mailing list. She will tell you things you wouldn’t know otherwise.
Timely and valuable information
I am on an private email thread of hers because I am navigating the NYC DOE system for both my Kindergartener and Preschooler. Hew newsletters were timely and provided valuable information. She has a lot of people subscribed so when they are experiencing any difficulties or were relayed any news, they email her and she quickly updates everyone. Its as if she has field helpers to gather information for her and she consolidates them and passes info on.In addition to her email list, she has free youtube videos, she hosts webinars, and has this book. If you are about to put your kids thru NYC schools, I highly recommend this book and checking out her website.
Great overview and starting point!
Wish I had read this first, and over a year ago! Really helpful in laying out the changes over the years (which I was finding impossible to figure out, even after removing pandemic influenced changes).Doesn’t address the fact that the “Getting Into NYC K” actually for many programs (both public and private) is now “Getting into NYC Pre-K”. (Or at least that’s my sense, in the middle of the PreK season right now.)
Mom from the Bronx
I wanted to drop you a note. I understand we don’t actually know each other, but I wanted to thank you for being my companion for the last ten years.
I found one of your articles online while my son was in preschool and loved your personality and practical advice. I bought your Kindergarten book, and later your High School book, but specifically enjoyed all your columns and emails over the years.
In particular, your Covid letters were such a light of good sense in an increasingly crazy world. (“What are they drilling? Who knows??)
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that my son will be attending Bronx Science in the fall. It feels like a good portion of this accomplishment is due to your encouragement, enthusiasm, and communication of your own family’s good natured but frustrating experience with DOE red tape.
Thank you for making me laugh, encouraging everyone not to give up, and mostly, for helping a single mother know that we could actually do this. We got this kid the opportunities he needs. Together. Thank you.
Parents helping parents
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