SKU: 51118014647

Goyhood - Reuven Fenton

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Goyhood - Reuven FentonReuven Fenton''s novel Goyhood is a brilliant debut about a devoutly Orthodox Jewish man who discovers in middle age that he's not, in fact, Jewish, and embarks on a remarkable road trip to come to grips with his fate; it's Chaim Potok's The Chosen meets Planes,Trains and Automobiles. When Mayer (ne Marty) Belkin fled small town Georgia for Brooklyn nearly thirty years ago, he thought he'd left his wasted youth behind. Now he's a Talmud scholar

Reuven Fenton''s novel Goyhood is a brilliant debut about a devoutly Orthodox Jewish man who discovers in middle age that he's not, in fact, Jewish, and embarks on a remarkable road trip to come to grips with his fate; it's Chaim Potok's The Chosen meets Planes,Trains and Automobiles.

When Mayer (née Marty) Belkin fled small-town Georgia for Brooklyn nearly thirty years ago, he thought he'd left his wasted youth behind. Now he's a Talmud scholar married into one of the greatest rabbinical families in the world - a dirt-poor country boy reinvented in the image of God.

But his mother's untimely death brings a shocking revelation: Mayer and his ne'er-do-well twin brother David aren't, in fact, Jewish. Traumatized and spiritually bereft, Mayer's only recourse is to convert to Judaism. But the earliest date he can get is a week from now. What are two estranged brothers to do in the interim?

So begins the Belkins' Rumspringa through America's Deep South with Mom's ashes in tow, plus two tagalongs: an insightful Instagram influencer named Charlayne Valentine and Popeye, a one-eyed dog. As the crew gets tangled up in a series of increasingly surreal adventures, Mayer grapples with a God who betrayed him and an emotionally withdrawn wife in Brooklyn who has yet to learn her husband is a counterfeit Jew. 
 
Industry Reviews
"A big-hearted novel about the enduring importance of faith and family . . . overall, a lot of fun." — Associated Press

"A unique story of identity and redemption that examines no less of an issue than the essence of Judaism." — The Jerusalem Post

"A sweet-natured, fast-paced picaresque, the narrative blends the fun of an impromptu, disaster-laced road trip across the American South with a more serious inquiry into American Jewish identity." — The Forward

"Fenton has a knack for the telling and visually arresting detail. His character sketches, too, are to be relished." — Atlanta Journal Constitution

“If you’re looking for a fun novel about the very real subjects of faith and brotherhood, then you must read Goyhood.” – National Public Radio

Fenton “writes with skill and verve, and his expe­ri­ence as a jour­nal­ist shines through in the detail and tex­ture of his writ­ing and in his ear for dialogue.” – Jewish Book Council

“A riotous, tongue-in-cheek romp of a road trip through the American South…fascinating, funny and soulful.” – Hadassah Magazine

“The prose flows with easy cadence and sly wit. And Fenton’s personable touch is an essential virtue here…Goyhood is, by turns, a rambunctious romp and a novel of ideas.” – The Arts Fuse

* A Zibby Summer Reads Selection

"Nothing is authentic except the quest for the authentic and it's just such a quest that speeds-way-over-the-legal-limit through the pages of Reuven Fenton's remarkably funny and compassionate novel about Goys, Jews, and that most crisis-prone of contemporary identities: the male at middle-age." — Joshua Cohen, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Netanyahus

"Bravo, Reuven Fenton, for finding humor, heart, and meaning in a lost soul’s religious ups and downs. Are Mayer and his twin Jewish? Will happiness win over self-doubt? Goyhood is funny, stirring, smart and beautifully written. Such lovable characters! Such a profoundly delicious book!” — Elinor Lipman, author of Ms. Demeanor and The Inn at Lake Devine

"A surprising and compelling novel written with the authenticity of an insider, the evocative precision of a journalist, and the heart of an audacious romantic." — Jonathan Tropper, author of NYT Bestseller This is Where I Leave You

"A novel with plenty of spritz." — Kirkus Reviews

"With its intricate character development and evocative storytelling, Goyhood is a must-read for those who seek a story with depth, humor, and heart.” — The American Israelite
Central Avenue Publishing 2025, paperback
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SKU: 51118014647

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Miss Beckworth
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Designer quality and design
Color: Vanilla/Acorn
This is the second Michael Kors bag in my collection, and I’m pleased with both of them. These are quality items that are timeless and complement pretty much everything that i own. At first, i thought that this was a travel bag in the sense that you would put toiletries in it, but it’s intended to be a smaller crossbody bag that you can travel with. It’s meant to hold essential items and look quite stylish while doing so. I chose this color since my luggage set and toiletry bags are all cream and brown. Classic, chic, elegant and sophisticated without screaming that this is a designer bag. This comes packaged beautifully and carefully so that it’s protected. The strap is adjustable on both sides. The bag lives up to Michael Kors quality and is worth every penny. I need a matching wallet or wristlet NOW. Highly recommended if you appreciate designer products that have a higher price point but will last for years and always be in style.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2026
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Victoria C.
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
My go-to shorts this summer
Size: 30, Color: Athens Mid Short - Medum Indigo
These are easily my favorite shorts this summer. The fit is super flattering and they have that classic Levi’s look that never goes out of style. The denim feels high quality and holds its shape without stretching out too much during the day. They’re comfortable once you break them in, and they pair well with pretty much anything. I also like that they’re not too short or too long—just the right length for everyday wear. Definitely worth it if you’re looking for a staple pair of denim shorts!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2026
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Carley
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Favorite Summer Shorts worn on repeat
Size: 31, Color: Luxor Heat - Light Indigo
These are my favorite shorts for summer. I have several pairs that I wear on repeat because they’re comfortable, flattering, and hold up really well. I ordered a size up from what I already have since I’m postpartum, but I ended up not needing it—my original size still fits me best. So I did return these, but only because of sizing, not the product itself. I do suggest sizing up 1 size from your normal size. I usually wear a 29 and have these in a size 30 and they fit great. They are a true jean material and not strechy. Highly recommend these if you’re looking for a reliable, go-to pair of denim shorts.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2026
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Krissy
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Cute & Comfy
Size: 28, Color: Athens Mid Short - Medum Indigo
The only pair of shorts that actually fits really well! Coverage is perfect.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026
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Allie
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 4
Cute - SIZE UP
Size: 33, Color: Luxor Heat - Light Indigo
these are super cute and look very flattering but they run SMALL. I used to wear 32s in Levi’s but lost 30 pounds this year so I ordered a size down and they didn’t fit at ALL. I reordered a size 33 and they still fit tighter. My Levi jeans in a 32 barely stay on me anymore but these are snug in a 33. They’re still super cute and comfy, guess it gives me room to size down into them for awhile lol
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Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2026

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