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WHAT ARE YOU READING? A place for remarks, recommendations or reviews
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Maggie
(last edited Feb 17, 2022 12:56PM)
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Feb 17, 2022 12:11PM
Actually, all of the books I just listed [except for[book:From Sarah to Sydney: The Woman Behind All-of-a-Kind Family|55457692], were either 3, 4 or 5 star reads. I didn't include the few books that I didn't like. But I'll add the star rating for the next post, and maybe after that a separate comment for the books I disliked.
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Maggie wrote: "I've been diving into Jewish fiction in the last 8 months, as anyone who reads my Goodreads reviews can see. Here's the last 4 months' worth from most recent to late October: [book:The Rabbi Who Pr..."Thanks! A lot of these are in my TBR pile. Will start with the 4's and 5's!
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Hey, Maggie, at least the the other one isn't a novel. It won our poll for a memoir in April 2020. Here's my review.
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Agree with you Liza.
Just finished Charles Lewinsky's "Melnitz". Highly recommend!
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Perlie- I bet that was a really good book with so much info
in it. I think I was told it's a long book- yes?
Makes no difference to me- There are those books you never want to finish.
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can't wait to hear your thoughts. I just don't have the uninterrupted time to tackle such a tome. I fear that It won't be a book I can keep putting down and picking back up.
The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation, by Rosemary Sullivan (2022)In August 1944, a German SS officer received a telephone tip of Jews hiding in a building located at Prinsengracht 263. The exact details of the raid on the address have been lost to history, but the raid resulted in the capture of the Frank family and 4 other individuals who had been in hiding in the Annex for the past 2 years. Anne, her sister Margot, and her mother did not survive the concentration camp where they had been deported. Anne’s father, Otto, did survive. Anne’s diary also survived. With the publication of her diary, Anne became a symbol of the millions who died at the hands of the Nazis.
This book attempts to answer the question of who betrayed the secret hiding place? In 2016, a team of forensic scientists, a former FBI agent, historians, and others, was put together to comb through hundreds of documents, interviews, and other evidence to find the answer … or at least an answer. This book is the story of the evidence compiled by the Cold Case Team.
The author notes that the Netherlands was responsible deporting more Jews to concentration camps than other European countries. Near the beginning of German Occupation, a Jewish Council, made up of Jews, was formed, ostensibly to help the Jews of the Netherlands and fend off anti-Jewish actions. Soon, however, the Council was ordered to help organize the selection of Jewish deportees to concentration camps. The Cold Case team extensively examined the pasts of the members of the Council for clues to see if one could have betrayed the Franks.
Members of the Council would have had access to lists of addresses where Jews of the Netherlands might be. Thus, Council members could have retained such lists as insurance to be used to save their lives, leading to the conclusion that another Jew betrayed the Franks. The Cold Case Team seems to ignore the fact that whether or not a Council member was the betrayer of the Franks, the Council members certainly betrayed hundreds of other fellow Jews.
The book examined a number of possible betrayers and the Cold Case Team eliminated them one-by-one, until singling one out. The suspect was a member of the Jewish Council, thus would have access to addresses of hiding places. The Cold Case Team believed that Otto Frank knew his betrayer, but for reasons known only to himself, kept his identity to himself.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Clearly, a lot of time and money was spent searching for the betrayer of the Frank family. There are many, many characters in this book, which makes it a bit confusing, especially since many names and titles are non-English. But does find out out who actually betrayed one family, when so many families were betrayed really matter? The take-away is that when faced with a life-or-death situation, one might easily betray another to save one’s self.
3 Stars
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In August 1944, a German SS officer received a telephone tip of Jews hiding in a building located at Prinsengrach..."
Thanks for reading this one & posting your thoughts, Hahtoolah. I had certainly seen some of the publicity and controversy but have not gone into it in detail. These situations can be very complex not just either-or, but as I said haven't read up on this one. For ex, had an urge to see that movie Killing Kasztner but never did.
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(On The Books of Jacob)
I have it on audio, as well as the book. I asked for it for Valentine's and got it locally for a change. Had to call around and find an independent bookstore that had it. Since it's audio it's free time -- listen when I'm exercising or cooking, when I couldn't be reading anyway. I figure it's just like two big long books, maybe like three regular books. It's easy to listen to and has an accessible English translation.
I once asked the young assistant rabbi something about the main (or so I think) false messiah, Shabbetai Svi, and he told me to go read the three volumes of Gershom Scholem, which I wasn't prepared to do. Not so sure I wanted the approved version anyway. So now I guess this is the unapproved version of Jacob Frank. Hope it's wonderful since I'm going to be living inside it for some time!
I just finished Rachel & Akiva. This novel is bizarre. The prose is good, which is why I gave it two stars instead of merely one, but the story is a mess. For a book that's titled "Rachel and Akiva," Rachel get so little attention that she seems to be a minor character. Other characters appear in early chapters, have no place in the plot and are never seen again. Some scenes are extraneous, and a few are entirely gratuitous. Strangely, this book has no mention of Rachel sending Akiva away to study for years during which they don't see each other and she lives in poverty, nor of him returning with many thousands of students, after which her father forgives them--all of which is detailed in the Talmud.
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I'm beginning to see different topics popping up around the big issue that seemed familiar, which opens the book. It wasn't until pages later we found out what the drama was about. Quite clever in the way the author sets this up.
At the time, it was the most controversial discussed subject,. But I have think the topic was still too raw to recognize rational thinking in the purpose for the end game.
So far it's excellent in keeping me on my toes.
I know the research is stellar, based on the many articles written about this subject which intrigued me.
And to the author--Aha, I had eaten at Finks in Jerusalem before it closed so many years ago being famous for their Hungarian Goulash. I was too young to recognize all the political figures in there, but I could have had a field day :)
I’m just about to start The Work I Did-A memoir of the secretary to Goebbels. A documentary was made a few years ago where the author was interviewed. She was defensive and stupid,I’m just reading the book because I want to get rid of it. It’s not very long. She lived until I think 102. Is there justice in this world?
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Alan,
I wonder if it was she- to which her name Brunhilde was coined.
I refused to watch the documentary but didn't know there was a book.
Based on -what you know, why are you reading it? There's always a chance you might find some good will in the book; Im betting it will only give you a feeling of angst.
Based on -what I know from our history today, Pomel , as Goebbel's secretary of PROPAGANDA wasn't exactly forthcoming, wouldn't you say :)
Of course she would be defensive in making sure the world knew she was innocent before passing away with a clean slate, claiming she knew nothing about Nazi crimes.
We know Nazi's didn't hide their evil agenda. They were open, transparent, and extremely proud of their mission. Goebbels was a another fanatic, making public horrid speeches which happen to be documented, yet I hadn't read that Brunhilde Pomel was deaf.
She claims she was one of millions who had no idea. Curious how that worked with her job entailment. Brunehilde feigned ignorance, she was a valuable asset having a modicum of power alongside of Goebbels.
When on the winning side, she pled denial. On the side that lost, she was just following orders.
Yes it is a book based on the film. I think the editor worked with the transcript and turned it into a book. So far she doesn’t strike me as being educated enough to write a book. She never even went as far as high school. I bought it remaindered for very little money years ago and I’m trying to get rid of what I own so..Announced today that the new book about Anne Frank’s betrayer is being pulled for lack of strong evidence to back up its claims. It’s a best seller where I live,now it will sell even more copies.
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Thank you my friend!!!
The subject of denial makes me crazy.
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Interesting- I suppose it wasnt Historical Fiction :)
Between that and Maus, it's becoming interesting.
Alan, something tells me at some point you will not finish the book.
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We could surely use a few more votes to decide our current poll, which at the moment happens to be tied.
Check it out, and be a tie-breaker
Exile: Portraits of the Jewish Diaspora, by Annika Hernroth-Rothstein (2020)Journalist, Annika Hernroth-Rothstein, grew up Jewish in Sweden where she encountered antisemitism at a young age. Her family was not originally Swedish, and she looked different from blond-haired, blue-eyed classmates. This later was the seed for her quest to explore how Jews managed to survive in other countries throughout the world. In the course of a few years, the author traveled to several countries, including Cuba, Iran, Siberia, Venezuela and Morocco, to delve into the small Jewish communities.
The first stop in her book (although not necessarily her first stop chronologically) was the small island of Djerba off the coast of Tunisia. There she found the Jewish community was thriving, albeit in a self-imposed ghetto. The community kept to itself, and its non-Jewish neighbors left them alone. In Iran, the Jewish community emphasized that the country’s constitution provided them the freedom to practice their religion, subject, however, to Sharia law and refrain from showing support for Israel. Synagogues in Iran were unguarded, unlike synagogues in Europe and the United States.
The author observed vibrant Jewish communities in places where one would not think such a community would be possible. In each country and community, she visited, she observed how local practices impacted the community. In some places, such as Venezuela, the community was deeply traditional, but not necessarily religious. Despite the horrors and poverty of the country, the Venezuelan Jews were a tight-knit community protecting and looking out for each other.
In discussion each country, the author also provided a brief history of how the Jews came to be in that particular country. It was interesting to read of the Jews of Cuba and Cuba’s interaction with the United States from a Swedish perspective. American’s view the Cuban Revolution very differently.
I found this to be a very fascinating look at Jews throughout the world.
4.5 Stars
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I love your post of this book. You intrigued me and now I have to read it.
Quite interesting about Djerba. I had no idea, but am thrilled the author used the word "thriving". I'm also curious as to what else the author found surprising, if at all while in Cuba.
I was there on a mission of sorts- Poverty is heartbreaking.
Yes the American viewpoint is different; I dont to make this about politics, but- Listening to our guide speak his personal opinions instead of "just the facts, mam" was an ear full.
Curious what she said about the jewish community in Cuba. We went to Sat am service in Havana, a new temple at that time, built by American relatives and friends of. They explained why most members were inter-married which I totally get and only appx 1100 people identify as jewish who are still there. We did not see
a jewish populated area like we see all over Europe.
Stacey B wrote: "Liza wrote: "I just finished The Choice: Embrace the Possible and found it to be very powerful."Agree with you Liza."
Loved that book! Its in my Top Ten for Life!
Stacey B wrote: "Liza wrote: "I just finished The Choice: Embrace the Possible and found it to be very powerful."Agree with you Liza."
Loved that book! Its in my Top Ten for Life!
I am just seeing this thread. Really happy to see the resurgence of this group under the expert direction of Jan and Stacey. So fabulous we are having wonderful discussions and community together. Chag Sameach everyone.I just wanted to add that a a month or so I read and reviewed Can We Talk About Israel. And I wasn't sure which or what tack the author would take. Who I largely agreed with until the very last section of the book, where I felt a staunch difference. This feels like an important topic to talk about at some point. I welcome folks to look up my review.
I do read a lot of Jewish themed books, particularly Historical Fiction. Right now I am starting the Paris Architect. I will have to become more closely attuned to what is going on here. I had no idea of how vibrantly the group has grown! Thank you Jan and Stacey and everyone for that.
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Thank you Amy-
What a nice testimonial you gave this group.
We wish more people would join and be part of this; similar to a
solidarity move with the understanding personal opinion is ok.
There is always something to be learned.
Hi Amy, Please let us know what you think of the Paris Architect. Our book club was going to read it a few years back, but decided against it because we had just read two other holocaust books and needed something lighter. I think it is still on my books shelf. We did read Only Woman in the Room and enjoyed that. Hedy Lamarr did have an uphill battle and several strikes against her when she tried different times to help the war effort. Too bad her contributions were not accepted. There was a documentary on TV at that time, possibly PBS, about her life. It covered her older years, and how she became reclusive in her apt, not seeing anyone. She was hurt and disillusioned.
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Thank you Amy-
What a nice testimonial you gave this group.
We wish more people would join and be part of this; similar to a
solidarity move with the understanding personal opinion is ok.
The..."
Yes, thanks, Amy! 🥰
Wonderful to hear from you.
Hi, everyone-I didn't know this thread existed before I saw these last posts. When I started on Goodreads I was very active but fell off due to the needs of my job (work always gets in the way of reading).
The Hedy Lamar book (Only Woman in the Room) made me mad (the content, not the beautifully written words). Yet again a woman's work was dismissed in her lifetime, and as soon as the patents were free, the establishment took them as their own and built the technology we live on today. Totally underscores that a woman's looks were valued more than brains, even if they had them and that the men in charge would rather wait to capitalize than give credit and money to those that they felt above.
I have taken a breather from reading the holocaust books - it is a well-developed genre with many entries. I had started to read more modern Israeli authors (What to do about the Solomons, Judas, One Thousand Lovers, Look for Me). Reading these books has put me in a totally different head space around the current Israeli psyche. These books were amazing (listed in order of my recommendations) in both writing and depth.
I have since challenged myself my own DEI type journey. I have a list of 107 countries in the world and I am trying to read a book (typically novel) set in each. Throughout this journey, I keep seeing common threads that match what I found in the modern Israeli books, especially as I am reading my way through Africa. Born from war, the generations carry that pain. It shapes their perception and reaction to all that happens. The other common thread is the overwhelmingly poor status of women around the world.
I would love to explore this more, as well as the increasingly volatile divide between 'religious' Jews and 'secular Jews' in modern Israel. Does anyone have any good recommendations on this?
Only 10% through Paris Architect! Busy preparing for the two seders, but will keep you all posted on my review of it, as well as for my Marie Benedict journey! Chag Sameach everyone!
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I didn't know this thread existed before I saw these last posts. When I started on Goodreads I was very active but fell off due to the needs of my job (work always gets in the way of ..."
Hi Kszr,
I'm so glad you found this thread!!!
Not having read "The Only Woman in the Room", I can't comment, but do see the point you make.
I certainly can understand a need for a breather regarding Holocaust books. I love your idea of a DEI journey.
When you refer to books about the "religious vs. secular jews", are
you interested in the deeply religious sects, such as the Haredi, to understand issues such as not serving in the Israeli army- as well as the newer issues changing Kashrut and conversion laws that may cause quite an upset with two seats on the Knesset.
I can recommend a few, but they are not current as in the last three or four years. Ha, they aren't ancient either :)
Stacey B wrote: "Kszr wrote: "Hi, everyone-I didn't know this thread existed before I saw these last posts. When I started on Goodreads I was very active but fell off due to the needs of my job (work always gets i..."
Thank you Stacey -
I am very interested in the challenges happening around Israel by the introduction of a very US based Reform Judaism, especially as it pertains to the status of women. The Women of the Wall movement, the growing Haredi community and its impact on women's standing in modern Israeli society.
In addition, I am interested in how the society is moving from the socialistic focus of communal living and earning to that of a non-agriculture driven economy and the economic divide that is happening as a result.
Thank you, in advance, for any titles you have to share.
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I didn't know this thread existed before I saw these last posts. When I started on Goodreads I was very active but fell off due to the needs of my job (w..."
Hi.
Not the list I was going to send, so I'm glad I asked.
You chose quite a controversial subject for book recommendations-:)
-This would make for an interesting discussion topic and as you know, W.of the Wall is not something new within the last five years.
As for books and stats on the economic divide, its funny you bring that up now.
The last time I was in Israel we were invited to attend a discussion just about this subject you bring up. I want to check out the reference pages I have. Don't thank me too soon. :-
Stacey B wrote: "Kszr wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "Kszr wrote: "Hi, everyone-I didn't know this thread existed before I saw these last posts. When I started on Goodreads I was very active but fell off due to the needs..."
I will continue to thank you, because you get what I am looking for!
As for controversy - I have never been one to shy away. Told my parents when I was in my early teens that the men in ancient times messed up the male/female assignments in the torah because there were no vowels. ;-)
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I didn't know this thread existed before I saw these last posts. When I started on Goodreads I was very active but fell off..."
Love that!!
I'm all for controversial discussions as long as they stay kind.
Different POV cam be a learning tool.
Stacey B wrote: "Kszr wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "Kszr wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "Kszr wrote: "Hi, everyone-I didn't know this thread existed before I saw these last posts. When I started on Goodreads I was very active..."
Completely agree. There is plenty of room for differing POV, as long as everyone is respectful of other's POV and experience.
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Still on my hunt for the other references; here are the first two titles re subject of W.of the Wall
I think these may be familiar to you..
Lahav, Pnina. “The Woes of WoW: The Women of the Wall as a religious social movement as and a metaphor.” In Women’s Rights and Religious Laws, edited by Fareda Banda and Lisa Fishbayn Joffe, 123-151. London: Routledge, 2016.
Women and the Holy City: The Struggle over Jerusalem's Sacred Space - Kindle edition by Ben Shitrit, Lihi. Politics & Social Sciences
Thank you! I will start there. Most of my reading on this has been newspaper articles.
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:)
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"A Death in Jerusalem" was one of books nominated from our last poll.
I have to applaud this book.
Jonathan Dunsky has entertained me with his books for over eight years, including his short stories; so when his latest release "Death in Jerusalem '' came out I was in my glory. Once again, he delivers an outstanding novel.
Adam Lapid survived Auschwitz; beginning to build a second chance at a life in Israel. This was a time when the subject of -reparations to Israel were in full swing; the wounds of the war were still so raw to recognize any reasoning.
Except that.. Adam Lapid knows better. He was part of a demonstration with hundreds of others in front of the Knesset to protest an upcoming vote made by Ben-Gurion to accept the German Reparations Agreement in 1952 - when he is suddenly arrested for the wrong reason.
A surprise intervention shows itself as a man who knew a bit of Adam's history before the war. Knowing he needs work to support himself, he asks Adam to do a job for a well connected friend of his which would get him released. If Adam declines, he is all to familiar with the understanding that he will stay as a prisoner behind bars once again. But Adam isn't your everyday detective which we see by his moral compass and character.
It's a funny thing how history can repeat itself as we saw in contrast to the events of January 6th 2022.
This novel is one of historical fiction including the genre of mystery.
It isn't- a who done it theme.
It is... why.
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I love Ron Charles. He also comments freely on what is going on in the world and has strong opinions which some readers may or may not share.
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He does that, and I've emailed him a couple of times. He is open to and invites email comments. That helps!
Funny, at the moment I'm curious about a book that's said to deal with those sorts of reactions to each other: Reading Dangerousy, by the author of Reading Lolita in Tehran (which I didn't get to). In the process of looking into that book right now.
Sorry if this is not the correct place to post this, but I just happened to stumble upon the American Writers Museum - which is now celebrating its 5th year in existence in Chicago IL. They are hosting a festival on May 15, with a ton of programming. the schedule is here: https://americanwritersmuseum.org/ame...They will also host three virtual programs:
MAXINE HONG KINGSTON & VIET THANH NGUYEN
American Writers Festival Online
9:00 am - 10:00 am
9:00 am Central
May 15 2022
AARON SORKIN & IVY WILSON
American Writers Festival Online
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
12:00 pm Central
May 15 2022
KIM MICHELE RICHARDSON
American Writers Festival Online
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
3:00 pm Central
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This is fine, or it could fit with Books I've been hearing about. Some things have to be put wherever you think they'll fit.
Is it hybrid this year? Or still all virtual? Which one are you interested in? I'll check it out soon as I finish commenting.
I went to a real live author interview this afternoon. Couldn't believe when I saw it in the paper. No Zoom link!
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this actually has both in person and virtual. I didn't even know this existed!
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