Bolts from the Blue

by Lionel Blue

Hardcover

Published September 1, 1986

Reviews

[Anne Morgan]

'Bolts from the Blue' by Rabbi Lionel Blue. This is the first book of Lionel Blue's I've read. Despite him being pretty well-known, I wasn't familiar with him at all. He actually died in 2016 and the headline of the Guardian's obituary describes him as 'One of the most popular religious figures in Britain as a result of his regular broadcasts on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day'.
This book, published in 1986 is one of many he wrote. He's even written cookbooks. 'Bolts from the Blue' is series of thoughts and reflections, each just a couple of pages long, on his life, relationships, religions, people he's met and parties he's attended. He gently pokes fun at himself as he tells his stories and each little story has a message on life to be pondered. Because of the nature and style of this book, it's a good one to dip into, rather than just read from cover to cover.
I enjoyed reading this book and I think Rabbi Blue is someone I'd have like to have known - maybe I'll add him to my hypothetical dinner guest list (you know, the lists where you plan an imaginary dinner party and can invite 8 guests, dead or alive?) I'm really wondering why it took me this long to discover him!

[Anna Butler-Whittaker]

These books are lovely. My dad has always been a fan of Rabbi Lionel Blue, and I usually try and have a flick through some of his books whenever I am visiting. As I was there for Christmas and was trying to finish my reading challenge for the year I thought I would read a couple. They are just so sweet and real. They are thought provoking and heart warming but also humbling. The writing is incredibly relatable. I really enjoyed revisiting this.

[Diana180]

Jokes and family stories shading into pitches for faith from British media rabbi. I enjoyed the jokes and family stories. I'm glad he finds solace in the faith part but wasn't sold myself.