"Ordeal" (book)

"Ordeal" is a nonfiction book by Linda Sue Park that examines the history and cultural significance of traditional rite-of-passage tests, often involving physical or mental challenges, used by different societies to mark major life transitions. The book explores how these rituals serve to validate individual maturity and community integration, often highlighting stories from diverse cultures. It offers a thoughtful look at the importance of these ceremonies in human development, connecting historical practices to modern understandings of identity and belonging, and emphasizing their role in shaping both personal growth and societal cohesion.