Brazen, Julia Haart
Brazen, Julia Haart
3 Rating(s)
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Brazen
My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie

Author: Julia Haart

Narrator: Julia Haart

Unabridged: 19 hr 11 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/12/2022

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

A riveting, inspiring memoir of one woman’s escape from an extremist religious sect and an extraordinary rise from housewife to shoe designer, to CEO and co-owner of the modeling agency Elite World Group

“An irresistible read . . . Written with great intensity and rare candor, Brazen is a story of longing for more and manifesting that vision.”—Tommy Hilfiger

Ever since she was a child, every aspect of Julia Haart’s life—what she wore, what she ate, what she thought—was controlled by the dictates of ultra-Orthodox Judaism. At nineteen, after a lifetime spent caring for her seven younger siblings, she was married off to a man she barely knew. For the next twenty-three years, her marriage would rule her life. Eventually, when Haart’s younger daughter, Miriam, started to innocently question why she wasn’t allowed to sing in public, run in shorts, or ride a bike without being covered from neck to knee, Haart reached a breaking point. She knew that if she didn’t find a way to leave, her daughters would be forced into the same unending servitude that had imprisoned her.

So Haart created a double life. In the ultra-Orthodox world, clothing has one purpose—to cover the body, head to toe—and giving any thought to one’s appearance beyond that is considered sinful, an affront to God. But when no one was looking, Haart would pore over fashion magazines and sketch designs for the clothes she dreamed about wearing in the world beyond her Orthodox suburb. She started preparing for her escape by educating herself and creating a “freedom” fund. At the age of forty-two, she finally mustered the courage to flee the fundamentalist life that was strangling her soul.

Within a week of her escape, Haart founded a shoe brand, and within nine months, she was at Paris Fashion Week. Just a few years later, she was named creative director of La Perla. Soon she would become co-owner and CEO of Elite World Group, and one of the most powerful people in the fashion industry. Along the way, her four children—Batsheva, Shlomo, Miriam, and Aron—have not only accepted but embraced her transformation.

Propulsive and unforgettable, Haart’s story is the journey from a world of no to a world of yes, and an inspiration for women everywhere to find their freedom, their purpose, and their voice.

*Includes a downloadable PDF containing photos and end notes from the book

Reviews

Goodreads review by Orly on April 28, 2022

While I found the book interesting and engaging (though parts are very very cringey), I thought it was very poorly edited. I found this glaringly obvious in a number of ways. Disclosure: I would say that I grew up in a similar community and have a similar educational background as her "long-sleeved"......more

Goodreads review by Anne on August 24, 2022

I’m tiny! I’m brilliant! I work 20 hours a day! I didn’t sleep for 9 months! Every one of my childbirths was the most difficult the doctors have ever seen! Every man that laid eyes on me wanted to sleep with me! Every person involved in my business tried to screw me over! I was the most stylish and......more

Goodreads review by Emma on September 05, 2022

I read this after watching “My Unorthodox Life” and my expectations were a little too high. Reading about her life in the ultra-orthodox Jewish was definitely interesting, especially after hearing about it in the show. But the second half (once she’s left the community) definitely dragged on. I had......more

Goodreads review by Charlotte on May 08, 2022

3.5 stars I really liked hearing Julia Haart’s story! I loved My Unorthodox Life so I was very intrigued to hear more about her story. I listed to the audiobook which Julia narrate herself (and I think this is a must!), but I will say that 19 hours felt quite long and I think it could have been trimm......more

Goodreads review by Bailey on February 08, 2023

I quite literally could not finish reading this vanity project. For someone who complains about having such a hard life she sure knows how to brag about herself any chance she gets. I understand wanting this to be authentic and true, I respect that, but this book could have used some edits. The stor......more


Quotes

“Through her poignant memoir, Julia Haart shows readers that it’s the journey rather than the destination that will fulfill us. Written with great intensity and rare candor, Brazen is a story of longing for more and manifesting that vision. While deeply personal, it reveals universal truths about humanity and womanhood. . . . An irresistible read.”—Tommy Hilfiger

“Julia Haart is a hustler. Her story is an inspiring, believe-in-your-dreams, never-give-up, anything-in-life-is-possible story of hope. She is a very smart businesswoman who also loves women! Run, don’t walk, to get this book!”—Lisa Rinna

“Julia Haart lives her life with an exhilarating fervor that’s contagious to anyone lucky enough to be around her. Never willing to accept the status quo, she has time and again fought for her place in the world and demanded her seat at the table. As a woman and business owner, I’m incredibly inspired by her stories, which are always told with candor, honesty, and heart. This book is a must-read!”—Coco Rocha