I HATE TO SAY GOODBYE:  Fascinating stories unfold from the perspective of a precocious and sensitive girl growing up during a historical and momentous time — the rebirth and rise of a nation. Threats loom everywhere: Arab neighbors, the hardship of nature as war refugees make their home in the uncultivated promised land, Israel. Farm life, with its unique toils and delights, forbidden young love among foes, bliss and abysmal gloom, laughter and tears—reality meets fantasy, and valuable life lessons are interwoven into this stormy, tumultuous, and tragic-comic family drama. I Hate to Say Goodbye (based on a true story) takes place in Israel during the 50s and the 60s. In this humane and spiritual journey, Ruti Yudovich passionately and vividly shares her insights she calls “Moments of Deepness.” This compelling book, originally written in English, has also been translated into Hebrew under the name כּוֹאֵב לוֹמַר שָׁלוֹם (based on a true story).

“This story has the ability to stir up many different emotions-some of them very conflicting, but the author handles them well, drawing the reader into her life-story. I learned so much and I am grateful I stumbled on this wonderful memoir: it has enriched my understanding of cultures important to our world. I REALLY enjoyed learning about this amazing woman and her quirky family. I wish I could have known her Father: his love for her is what I believe we all desire to experience”. – M.M

“Loved the book ‘I hate to Say Goodbye’… I had a hard time putting it down and an even harder time saying goodbye to the tale when I finished. I found the story entertaining and inspiring. Its a spellbinding account of the Rimi’s courageous personal journey growing up in the young state of Israel both Rimi and Israel striving to survive…Rimi in a partially dysfunctional, but loving family surrounded by neighbors, friends and classmates, and Israel in a backdrop of a looming war with the Arab enemy that surrounds it.

Young Rimi is bright and strong, a winner…she overcomes barriers by finding solutions during ‘Moments of Deepness’ which I found inspiring.

A fun and moving read for anyone who seeks a unique personal account about a special child growing up in Israel at that special time of it’s inception.” – O.V.