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Authors Announcing Their Work
My new novel, Perhaps For This Moment, grew out of a decades-long fascination with Jewish history in the first and second centuries, a time of political upheaval and war for the Jewish people, but also marked by the emergence of a sect that would eventually become a different religion. The book begins against the background of an ancient tragedy. Not the familiar “destruction of the Temple,” which resulted from the first of two major struggles for Jewish independence from Rome. That war was indeed tragic, yet it yielded an imperial compromise with a group who came to be known as ‘the rabbis,’ allowing them to establish an academy of Jewish law under watchful Roman eyes. But the second, hard-won Roman victory in 135 CE concluded with a virtual genocide in Judea and the public execution of rabbis who had supported the war, rabbis from that very academy.
Some escaped. My book tells the story of Dalit bat Levi who, with her rabbi husband Yose ben Halafta and their children, fled to the Roman province of “Asia” (now Turkey) and settled in a crossroads city named Laodicea. As Dalit emerges from her shell of fear and caution, she discovers a culture where the world turns on a word or a sword. Rome is in its glory, and its philosopher-orators dominate discourse. Yet the outlawed sect of Christians is growing too, scrambling to free itself of heresies while also redefining itself vis-à-vis its mother religion.
Dalit – a fictional character; we do not know the actual name or lineage of Rabbi Yose’s wife – tentatively makes a life for herself in this society, while also unexpectedly encountering many of the sectarians. Her husband longs to return to the homeland and help rebuild; she is not so sure she wants to go back. She seems pulled by forces beyond her understanding, and only when those forces are unmasked will she be able to make the decisions that determine her future and that of her children.
That is perhaps the question underlying this book – and not just a Jewish question. How do women decide, let alone prevail, in societies that seem to block their power from every side? That’s one of the things I like about historical fiction: exploring near-eternal themes in the context of a unique historical situation, interesting in its own right.
I loved writing this book (even re-reading and re-writing it). I hope you’ll read it and give me feedback!
I'd like to recommend A Place of Exodus by David Biespiel. It tells the story of the rise and fall of his Jewish boyhood in Texas. Early praise from Robert Pinsky and Edward Hirsch, as well as a Starred Review from Kirkus Reviews. Biespiel is a contributor to The New Yorker, New Republic, Slate, as well as a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts fellowship. This book is his 12th book.
After 30 years of writing and editing academic books and articles, I'm happy to announce the publication of my first two novels, A Rooster for Asklepios and A Bull for Pluto, which are now available for purchase on Amazon.com. Both books are set in a world that I know well from my academic research, first-century Asia Minor (modern Turkey) in the first century CE (Nero's era), and both deal heavily with the place of Jews (and attitudes toward them) in the Roman world. A third volume will follow later to create a trilogy, but the first two books tell a complete story on their own.As a scholar of early Judaism and Christianity, I have made a serious effort to ensure the historical and cultural accuracy of every detail in the novels, including careful on-site research at most of the places that appear in the books. My aim has been to expose readers to the lived realities of people in the Roman world (including their complex relationship with Judaism) rather than updating ancient life for modern sensibilities. Be warned: the books include blatant expressions of anti-Judaism by some of the characters, but it gets better as you go along... ;-)
To learn more about these books (including lots of supporting historical material) and view links to the relevant Amazon pages, see my Website for the series, aslavesstory.com, where you can also download the first five chapters for review. The books are available in both paperback and Kindle format. PDF and epub versions are also available for those who don’t have a Kindle—e-mail me at cstanley@sbu.edu. I also maintain a Facebook page for the series (https://www.facebook.com/aslavesstory) where I will be posting information on various topics relating to the social work of ordinary people in the period covered by the novels. "Like" the page to receive these updates.
Finally, I'm offering a free copy of the second book in the series (A Bull for Pluto) in any format to the first ten people who buy and post a review of the first book (A Rooster for Asklepios) on Amazon or Goodreads. Just e-mail a screenshot of the review to cstanley@sbu.edu.
Hello, I am taking the opportunity to introduce my debut novel The Flight of the Veil, a Holocaust-themed novel set largely in Greece. Here's a link to the trailer: https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/se...
The Flight of the Veil is the story of Greek siblings separated by the Holocaust who rediscover each other after almost five decades and give each other new reasons to live. Here is some insight into the plot: Nicky Covo is a Holocaust survivor from Salonika, Greece. In early 1990, Nicky – now a psychiatrist in Brooklyn – receives a letter from Abbess Fevronia, the head of a women’s monastery near Inousa, Greece. Although Nicky has long believed that the rest of his family died at Auschwitz, he learns that Theodora, a mysteriously silent nun who has lived at the monastery since 1944, may be his sister.
Thanks for letting me share this news!
Bruce J. Berger
Hi--I'm the recent former president of a synagogue in Indiana.I'm also a writer who has just finished writing my 2nd novel titled "Who Shall Live," inspired by Unetaneh Tokef. Why is a small town Jewish community suffering from these ancient fates? Why are firstborns disappearing? Are they hidden in the forest?
I hope to connect with other Jewish authors and readers in this group.
Welcome, Carolyn! I expect you will find connections here - I have. Your novel sounds intriguing! Is it published yet? I don't see it on Amazon. --Tamar
"Who Shall Live" is being proof-read and will be looking for a publisher. My debut novel "Take Me Out The Back," which us not bout the Jewish experience, is on Amazon.Thanks for the welcome and for asking, Tamar.
New Historical Novel Takes on Reconstruction — the Roots of America’s Racial DivideSOMETHING IN MADNESS, the startling conclusion to my Southern DarkHorse Trilogy, will be released Oct. 23. Set in 1865 Mississippi during one of the darkest and least understood periods in American history, SOMETHING IN MADNESS uses real events and attitudes from the era, as well as varied points of view — black, white, mixed-race, Native American, male and female — to ground both the characters and the story in reality.
Learn more and preorder now! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Mod
Thanks for the welcome and ..."
Thanks so much for moving your book's introduction over here, Carolyn. Much appreciated!
Members -- and other authors -- are invited to come over here and talk with authors any time.
"My Name is Rebecca: A Novelette," is the story of a father and his sons who emigrated from Russia to the United States in the early 1900s, living in New York and then settling in Wisconsin. The reader accompanies the family as they leave behind their homeland to escape persecution and poverty, searching for religious freedom and a better life. They bring not only their beliefs and traditions to America, but they also bring the story of their family to pass down to future generations. I wrote this story as a tribute to my mother's family who came to America from Russia in the early 1900s. As the story evolved, I realized it is a tribute to all who have come, and are coming, for a better life. While it is historical fiction, I included stories that I heard while growing up. As a side note, the photo on the cover is of my mother when she was four years old, taken in 1937. The book is available on Amazon in both kindle and paperback formats. For reviews, please click on this link. "My Name is Rebecca: A Novelette," is the story of a father and his sons who emigrated from Russia to the United States in the early 1900s, living in New York and then settling in Wisconsin. The reader accompanies the family as they leave behind their homeland to escape persecution and poverty, searching for religious freedom and a better life. They bring not only their beliefs and traditions to America, but they also bring the story of their family to pass down to future generations.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Mod
Hi Phyllis...
Welcome to this group.
Happy you joined. We are always looking for input, so hopefully if you have some time, you can be active and meet some new friends. I saw you have written four books. Very impressive.
The only thing I can write are welcomes and average reviews-
no one publishes those... : )
Enjoy the JBC.
-Stacey
Mod
re your book.
I just saw that book the other day.
Coincidence? No.
I don't believe in coincidences.
Congrats on your book-wishing you much success-
-Stacey
Stacey:Thank you and thanks for the suggestion re: moving title to "Authors Announcing...."
New to Goodreads (after 30 years writing) and not familiar with many of the opportunities
Michael Halperin
Mod
Thank you and thanks for the suggestion re: moving title to "Authors Announcing...."
New to Goodreads (after 30 years writing) and not familiar with many of the opportunities
Michael Halp..."
Hi Michael-
I see you found the topic to post your new book.
For some reason I am not seeing any info re the book here.
If I were to move it here for you, it would send itself as a message from "me"- not from you.
You could "private message" me, and I can help ( with your permission)
I promise not to stalk you :)
Sept. 20, 2020 Floricanto & Berkeley Presses will release "MY NAME IS DAVID: SEARCH FOR IDENTITY", a true post-Holocaust odyssey.Rescued from the Warsaw Ghetto by Polish-Christians, a young Jewish boy hides in the guise of a Polish child. In a remarkable act of altruism his rescuers refuse to abandon him as they traverse war-ravaged post-Holocaust Europe seething with a new rise of Anti-Semitism.
www.FloricantoPress.com
ISBN: 978-0-915745-27-2
Reviews:
“The true and unique story of David Gilat (Gutgeld) a young Holocaust survivor takes place in the chaotic years at the end of World War II… David’s post-Holocaust search for his identity serves as background for a variety of human experiences and adventures as well as touching personal relationships… Michael Halperin has written an impressive document about David Gilat’s journey to self-discovery that will contribute to our understanding of those important times.”
HAVI DREIFUSS, Ph.D.
Historian of the Holocaust in Eastern Europe
Dept. of Jewish History, Tel Aviv University
"'My Name is David' is an important contribution to the study of Christian Heroism during the Holocaust. While there are a few other books written about Christian rescuers of Jewish children, I have not come across any demonstrating the devotion that equaled the Roslan’s. In my work with The Altruistic Personality and Prosocial Behavior Institute I met personally with children, now adults, rescued by Christians who had tragic experiences. Alex and Mela Roslan were especially devoted to David and his brother Jacob and recognized as Righteous Gentiles by the State of Israel. Both children grew up to become scholars and contributors to society. Michael Halperin has written a book that is an easy read and will appeal to the general reader as well as Holocaust scholars."
SAMUEL P. OLINER, Ph.D.
Founder/ Director of the Altruistic Personality
and Prosocial Behavior Institute.
“Through a series of episodic adventures, 'My Name is David' reveals the ways in which the hidden identity of Jewish children deeply impacted their lives during and after the Holocaust. Based on a remarkable true story, the tale renders an existential, yet picaresque journey of a young boy forced by circumstances beyond his control to vacillate between two worlds. The crisis at the heart of the story is not just survival under catastrophic conditions; it is the tension between what one is and what one knows. As such, it is a story about the Holocaust that can be universally understood. As Halperin writes: ‘We all have stories about survival...They’re different and at the same time they’re the same’.”
HOLLI LEVITSKY, Ph.D.
Director, Jewish Studies Program, Loyola Marymount University
Fellow Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies,
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Mod
Rescued from the Warsaw Ghetto by Polish-Christians, a young Jewis..."
I see it now.
Thank you for sharing this book with us.
Jan wrote: "A discussion thread for authors who would like to introduce their own books"I always feel a bit awkward at this. But I'd appreciate y'all checking out my recently-published book, The Coat.
It deals with a young, atheist-Jewish man's journey to self-awareness after he inherits a Nazi officer's coat from his Holocaust-survivor grandfather. He tries to learn more about his inheritance by researching and writing stories about how this coat might have come into his family.
You can check it out, here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Thank you!
Mod
I always feel a bit awkward at this. But I'd appreciate y'all checking out my recently-published book, The ..."
April, I read your book as you know, and I saw it on Jewish Book Council website.. Wishing you the best-
Stacey
Stacey wrote: "Michael wrote: "Sept. 20, 2020 Floricanto & Berkeley Presses will release "MY NAME IS DAVID: SEARCH FOR IDENTITY", a true post-Holocaust odyssey.
Rescued from the Warsaw Ghet
Hello fellow readers,I'm happy to announce the publication of my new novel, The Auschwitz Detective, book 6 in the Adam Lapid series.
The Auschwitz Detective is a prequel to the Adam Lapid series. It is a historical mystery that takes place in Auschwitz-Birkenau in the summer of 1944.
Mod
I'm happy to announce the publication of my new novel, The Auschwitz Detective, book 6 in the Adam Lapid series.
The Auschwitz Detective is a..."
Jonathan- A big congrats to you!!!
Myself as well as others have been waiting for a new book from you! Prequel or not, makes no difference. :)
Im not sure you are aware that your book "Ten Years Gone" won in the poll vote for July's read. If you have the chance, you may want to read a few of the comments made from that discussion.-
The best of success to you-
Stacey
Mod
I'm happy to announce the publication of my new novel, The Auschwitz Detective, book 6 in the Adam Lapid series.
[book:The Auschwitz Detecti..."
Stacey, you beat me to the punch.
Yes, congratulations to Jonathan Dunsky, author of a recent Jewish Book Club poll winner, on the new book. 🥰
With over 1000 Goodreads reviews, it's about time I put this here: my memoir "Uncovered: How I Left Hasidic Life and Finally Came Home" is the only gay memoir ever to come out of the hasidic world. I was born in Texas and joined the hasidim as a teen, and lived among them thirty years--arranged marriage and seven children--before I left to live the life I needed to live, as an artist and a lesbian. Don't read if you're looking for a takedown of the hasidim. My book charts a loving spiritual path to freedom.Five years out, Uncovered got a number of awards, it's in libraries around the world, and is being turned into a modern opera.
Mod
Yes, its about time you posted your work :)
I say that as I read two of them some time ago. Curiosity on a subject I know so little about got me.!
An opera? -I think that might be a the first of it's kind.
Hopefully you will add a few comments to this group-if you have a free moment.
Best, Stacey
A new book of the Jewish BookshelfA Tale of Two Shtetls by Elissa Allerhand traces the life and history of 18th century Eastsern European Jewry. The story is told through the eyes of a child prodigy (learned "Iluy" from his youth through adulthood. Faithful to his Lord and enriching the people of his community he lives in a world of gooness and warmth. Idyllic, but for the treacherous path he must follow, weathering tragedy, danger fervor, joy, grief, conflict, crisis and happiness. The book is a tribute to the inspiring Jewish life in the shtetl - a world forever gone. Available on Amazon as paperback or E-Book. Available on Book Depository.
Mod
You must have done quite a bit of research for this book.
Yes, a tribute to the life in the shtetl, hopefully that world forever gone.
Congrats on your book.!!!
Thank you Stacy. Yes. It required a lot of research.All the best.
Elissa
Resurrection Lily is a story of inheritance and intuition...Resurrection Lily: The BRCA Gene, Hereditary Cancer & Lifesaving Whispers from the Grandmother I Never Knew Happy to mention my book here in this group and announce that
Resurrection Lily received a very nice review from the Association of Jewish Libraries and also won the CIPA EVVY Book Award for Memoir. - Amy Byer Shainman
Mod
Congrats..-How great is it your book won an award!
Your grandmother would have been proud-
Great news all the way around.
Best, Stacey
Congratulations to Amy. All the best. Elissa Allerhand
Amy wrote: "Resurrection Lily is a story of inheritance and intuition...Resurrection Lily: The BRCA Gene, Hereditary Cancer & Lifesaving Whispers from the Grandmother I Never Knew Happy to men..."
Thank you Stacey!
Stacey wrote: "Amy, Glad you had the test so you could pen this book. Congrats..-How great is it your book won an award!
Your grandmother would have been proud-
Great news all the way around.
Best, Stacey"
Thanks Elissa!
Amy wrote: "Resurrection Lily is a story of inheritance and intuition...Resurrection Lily: The BRCA Gene, Hereditary Cancer & Lifesaving Whispers from the Grandmother I Never Knew Happy to men..."
FYI - I'm doing a Goodreads Giveaway Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Week Sept. 29 - Oct. 5th.
This post is for Susan, who asked about my books. Yes, I am the author of FERTILITY. That came out at the end of 2012. My second novel, ENGAGEMENT, which was published in 2016, tells the story of a young interfaith couple who find their assumptions and their lives turned upside down by the war in Iraq. My latest novel, THE BIOGRAPHY OF A LUCKY GIRL, is currently in the editing stage. I'll be sure to announce its release, likely in the next few months.
Thanks so much for your interest, Susan.
Be well
Denise
Mod
Rescued from the Warsaw Ghetto by Polish-Christians, a young Jewis..."
Michael, I cant find you. If you are still here, I wanted you to know I finished your book last night. Wow.
Im now going to continue this under the topic"What are reading"
Stacey:I haven't disappeared. Thanks for the "Wow". On Monday, Nov. 23, 7pm PST, Rabbi Ed Feinstein, Valley Beth Shalom, Encino, California will hold a virtual discussion with me. It will appear on Facebook and YouTube.
Read your recent review. Perhaps you would consider sending it to the book's Amazon site.Michael Halperin
Mod
So glad you re-appeared.
I was hoping you were still here.
I cant get over the moral compass you instilled in Alex.
Watching the boys through the years in slowly recognizing that a complete stranger would become their role model. When that happened, a family was born.
It is completely different scenario compared to the kinder-transport.
Thank you for the info on the upcoming discussion.
//
I didn't see a contact email for "you" on your site.
I tried to friend you, but that wasn't an option.
I have a suggestion for you. Is there a way for me to contact you? You can always "friend" me.
Btw..I am not the stalking type. :)
Mod
website: www.michaelhalperin.com"
Thank you. I will write you tomorrow.
Mod
Michael Halperin"
I would be happy to do it.
Mod
https://www.jccgv.com/jewish-book-fes...
reply | delete | flag *
Mod
2371 books | 134 friends
see comment history
Mod
Hi Rhea-
Congratulations on your book and award.
I can only imagine how thrilling this must be for you!!!
We have a topic "discussion" for only authors.
Could you please scroll to the topic of
of "Authors Announcing their Work" where you can formally place and introduce your book? Thank you in advance.
Stay safe.
Best,
Stacey
Mod
"Rhea Tregebov | 2 commentsHere is the link to the announcement on my novel, Rue des Rosiers.
https://www.jccgv.com/jewish-book-fes...
reply | delete | flag *"
Mod
Rhea Tregebov | 1 commentsJust wanted to recommend my 2019 novel Rue des Rosiers, which has just been awarded the Western Canada Jewish Book Award for fiction. Hope members might find it interesting.
reply | delete | flag *
Hi everyone! I'm so excited to share that the National Library of Medicine has chosen "Resurrection Lily" as its December book club selection along with 2 other amazing titles.https://nnlm.gov/all-of-us/nnlm-readi...
Mod
Congrats.
I had no idea they had a reading group.
Your subject is a necessary one.
I have had many friends qualify for the BRCA test.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Best, Stacey
Thank you Stacey!I will also be doing an author webinar for the National Library of Medicine reading group (alongside a certified genetic counselor) on March 11, 2021. I will post info when I have it.
Warmest Regards,
Amy
Mod
I will also be doing an author webinar for the National Library of Medicine reading group (alongside a certified genetic counselor) on March 11, 2021. I will post info when I have..."
:)
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FYI..
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