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Rating: 
Summary: totally unrealistic
Review: First of all, this book's portrayal of immigrant Jews in the early 1900s was TOTALLY UNREALISTIC! Joshua, a highly observant and traditional 1910 Jew, would NEVER kiss Rachel, a girl he is not even married to, in public. Also, the dialect was unrealistic. (I.e. they would not have said skullcap--they would have used a Hebrew or Yiddush word for this head covering.) I also did not like how it was always Rachel's beauty that opened doors for her. And the book was always talking about how Rachel was trying to choose between her heritage and being an American. It never once attempts to explain exactly what this heritage is or means or what she would be giving up by marrying Nathan. The characters were flat, predictable and two dimensional. Basically, a horrible book.
Rating: 
Summary: Hello! It's a teenage romance novel!
Review: I love the reviewers going on and on about the historical inaccuracies of "Rachel". The Sunfire books were never meant to be history book-perfect, but an entertaining and romantic glimpse into another time. I read all 32 of the Sunfire books and remember particularly enjoying "Rachel". While the book has its inaccuracies, the important thing to remember about the Sunfire books ("Rachel" included) is that they were intended to entertain girls while getting them interested in history. From there, girls could read non-fiction historical accounts to learn more(as I often did).Also keep in mind that, during the early part of the century (when "Rachel" takes place), many immigrants DID give up the traditional lifestyles of their home countries to adopt a more "American" lifestyle. So, in this respect, "Rachel" reflects the trends of this time in history. But, most importantly, this was just a fun and romantic read. By the way...another reviewer's description of the plaid suit on the cover was HILARIOUS!
Rating:
Summary: Hello! It's a teenage romance novel!
Review: I love the reviewers going on and on about the historical inaccuracies of "Rachel". The Sunfire books were never meant to be history book-perfect, but an entertaining and romantic glimpse into another time. I read all 32 of the Sunfire books and remember particularly enjoying "Rachel". While the book has its inaccuracies, the important thing to remember about the Sunfire books ("Rachel" included) is that they were intended to entertain girls while getting them interested in history. From there, girls could read non-fiction historical accounts to learn more(as I often did). Also keep in mind that, during the early part of the century (when "Rachel" takes place), many immigrants DID give up the traditional lifestyles of their home countries to adopt a more "American" lifestyle. So, in this respect, "Rachel" reflects the trends of this time in history. But, most importantly, this was just a fun and romantic read. By the way...another reviewer's description of the plaid suit on the cover was HILARIOUS!
Rating:
Summary: Hello! It's a teenage romance novel!
Review: I love the reviewers going on and on about the historical inaccuracies of "Rachel". The Sunfire books were never meant to be history book-perfect, but an entertaining and romantic glimpse into another time. I read all 32 of the Sunfire books and remember particularly enjoying "Rachel". While the book has its inaccuracies, the important thing to remember about the Sunfire books ("Rachel" included) is that they were intended to entertain girls while getting them interested in history. From there, girls could read non-fiction historical accounts to learn more(as I often did). Also keep in mind that, during the early part of the century (when "Rachel" takes place), many immigrants DID give up the traditional lifestyles of their home countries to adopt a more "American" lifestyle. So, in this respect, "Rachel" reflects the trends of this time in history. But, most importantly, this was just a fun and romantic read. By the way...another reviewer's description of the plaid suit on the cover was HILARIOUS!
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful book.
Review: Rachel and her family are Jewish immigrants that have just arrived in New York City. Rachel gets a job at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory. Then there is a terrible fire in the factory. Can Rachel escape before it's too late? And can she choose between the two men she loves?
Rating:
Summary: One of the best Sunfire books!
Review: Rachel was one of the first sunfire books I ever read and is by far one of my favorites. It is all about a Jewish immigrant who must choose between two men. The book is exciting and romantic.
Rating:
Summary: a typical Sunfire book
Review: This book had countless flaws, including historical inaccuracy, but I think the most notable one is that the conflict in this book is supposed to be Rachel, the main character, choosing between being an American and a Jew. It briefly sketches what Rachel would gain by being an American, but not once does it mention anything about being a Jew or what she would be giving up by turning her back on her heritage (which, I might add, she does)! What kind of book does not explore the main problem? I also did not care for the assumption that you cannot be an American Jew--you have to choose one or the other. Having Orthodox Jewish American friends, I know for a fact that this is far from true. Also, I actually prefer a main character who has a personality. Rachel was formulated and predictable--your typical Sunfire book.
Rating:
Summary: One Heck of a Good Book
Review: This is a very good book and the best out of the Sunfire I have Read. It's about a Jewish girl who has to chose between her heritage or to be an American. There are two men she loves reflecting both ideals.
Rating: 
Summary: Jewish History Lite (and a plaid suit!)
Review: Vivian Schurfranz ain't exactly Jane Yolen, and as the previous reviewer noted, this book- when it comes to the historical details and sociology of turn-of-the-century Judaism- is as thin as the broth in matzoh ball soup. But the Sunfire series (with a few exceptions) is History Lite at its finest, and I imagine that most people interested in reading "Rachel" are not gonna to be too concerned in the lack of authenticity. I know I wasn't- I really liked this book when I was in junior high. There's romance, teen angst, and a gripping description of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire. But my favorite part of the whole book has always been the cover by Joel Iskowitz- it's really a scream because it features a guy (Nathan) in a bow tie and a really obnoxious blue plaid (PLAID!) suit. There's a smaller picture in the corner of this guy embracing our heroine. I guarantee that this is the only book in the English-speaking world where a romantic hero is depicted in a plaid suit. If you are, like me, a fan of cheesy paperback art, "Rachel" is worth checking out. If you are, however, looking for an examination of eastern European Jewish history, than you might be better off renting "Fiddler on the Roof."
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