[1] It tells the story of her early life in what is now Belarus and her immigration to the United States in 1894.

The book focuses on her attempts to assimilate into the culture of the United States.

[2] It received very positive reviews and sold more than 85,000 copies in the three decades after its release.

[3] The book's popularity allowed Antin to begin speaking publicly, a platform that she used to promote acceptance of immigration to the United States.

Some Jewish writers criticized the book for leaning too assimilationist, arguing she did not sufficiently respect her heritage.