‘It All Began With Caroline: Based on a True Story’

Nava Writz Bogaard’s memoir includes lots of action but little reflection.

"It All Began with Caroline: Based On a True Story," by Nava Writz Bogaard

America, the land of opportunity. Many Americans wake up and go about their day, never thinking for a second that their nation is a life’s dream for someone on the other side of the world. Nava Writz Bogaard is one such woman. Her dream? Emigrate to the United States and leave boring, lackluster Tel Aviv behind.

“It All Began With Caroline: Based On a True Story,” by Nava Writz Bogaard, tells the fast-paced life story of its infant-bedding designer and world-traveling author. Bogaard’s memoir is chock-full of excitement, drama, and scrappy business acumen, but it suffers from a lack of purpose.

A Childhood Dream

Born into a large family that made it clear she was more burden than blessing, Bogaard quickly shed her roots in observant Judaism for the siren song of Western culture’s glamour. The TV taught her more than just English. A world of opportunity awaited, if she could just get a foothold.