As the subtitle to this humorous, thoughtful, and daring memoir indicates, Starcrossed is the story of three Jewish American Princesses (JAPs) who wanted to be Catholic in the early 1960s. A unique coming-of-age tale about growing up in a tumultuous time, it carries readers into the lives of three Jewish teenage girls who are spellbound when they find heaven-in a Catholic church.
Enticed by the blonde locks; small, turned-up nose; and smooth dance moves of a Catholic boy in their neighborhood, Gail, Carolee, and Marilyn defy convention and cross a line that their parents had clearly drawn.
The girls were forbidden to mingle, or "mix," with persons of other religions-but, Starcrossed shows how the trio defied these rules and were able to explore life, find personal freedom, and, ultimately, claim their independence.
Despite the fact that it was unheard of at the time, Gail, Carolee, and Marilyn regularly attended dances held in a Catholic church, where beautiful boys lined up to dance with them, and they were surrounded by music, laughter, and friendship that was blind to faith.
Sure to touch your heart and lift your spirits, Starcrossed is a refreshing work that stresses the innocence of youth, rather than its corruption.
About the Author: Gail Fisher and Marilyn Brownstein have been friends since childhood. They grew up on the same street, fought over the same toys, and chased the same boys. Both women attended Northeast High School in Philadelphia during the early 1960s, and each found a way to break the boundaries that limited their lives.
Inspired to share their memories with others, Gail and Marilyn penned a personal memoir together. Their autobiographical account, Starcrossed, tells tale of their triumph over turbulent times and celebrates how each woman, as a young girl, found ways to make her life, and the lives of those around her, more pleasant, powerful, and enjoyable.
After high school, Gail attended finishing school in New York City, while Marilyn attended college in Philadelphia. Both women now live in New Jersey-Gail in Mt. Laurel, with her husband Norman, and French Bulldog, Kody; and, Marilyn in Pitman, with her husband Charles.
