Summary

The Middlesteins is the story of seven members of a dysfunctional, suburban Jewish family and how they deal with one event, Edie Middlestein's health, amidst their own insecurities and fears.

Chapter 1 begins with five year old Edie (maiden name Herzen, married name Middlestein) and her mother climbing the four flights of stairs to the family's apartment. Edie weighs 62 pounds and is having a hard time making it up the stairs. She begs her mother to carry her. Her mother, who is weighed down with groceries and Edie's library books, refuses. She tells Edie that she's tired, too. In an effort to get Edie to help, she gives her the library books to carry since they are hers anyway.

The added burden proves to be too much for Edie. She plops down on the stairs and throws the bag of books on the...