WHAT ARE YOU READING? A place for remarks, recommendations or reviews Showing 951-1,000 of 1,112

[Paul]

Here, here! :)

[Jan]

Susan wrote: "I have just finished The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Despite the author being a skillful writer, I have mixed feelings about the novel. You can read my review at;
https://www.g..."
Susan, thanks for your comment and for posting your review. If you want to you could go to 2023/11 Discussion of James McBride's The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store--Mod's Choice to join that discussion.

[Jan]

Paul wrote: "Here, here! :)"

【 ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°】

[Perlie]

Just finished reading The Oppermans and was blown away. Powerful, chilling, prescient. I don't feel equipped to say enough; still absorbing.

[Stacey B]

Perlie wrote: "Just finished reading The Oppermans and was blown away. Powerful, chilling, prescient. I don't feel equipped to say enough; still absorbing."

Glad you enjoyed it. When you are ready, I would love to hear about it.

[Stacey B]

I finished reading Jonathan Dunsky's new April release of the Adam Lapid series.
"In That Sleep of Death". It was terrific , keeping me on my toes the entire time. I especially love the fact all his books include
moral issues that are surrounded by history.
( see review)

[Kszr]

In my quest to read books from around the world I have come to one that, while initially published in 1937 still rings true today. Ali and Nino. Originally published in German, the author is thought to be Lev Nussimbaum, a Jewish writer that used the pseudonyms of Essad Bey and Kurban Said. Born a Jew, he converted to the Muslim religion. Before the true author’s name was known, the Nazi regime included his works on the list of “excellent books for German minds”.

In the descriptions of the book you see comparisons to Romeo and Juliette or Dr Zhivago, and I can see why. This story has fascinated me from the concept that those of the East will never understand how the West works, and have no desire to do so. And the West has no tolerance for those that don't conform. Unfortunately, this leaves me with the following:

Is there any way that someone from the East can come to terms with the sensibilities of the West? Or can someone from the West agree to the terms of the East? Is the moral to the story that we can learn to love each other, but we cannot learn to live in peace together?

[Jan]

Kszr wrote: "In my quest to read books from around the world I have come to one that, while initially published in 1937 still rings true today. Ali and Nino. Originally published in German, the au..."

Tonight I'm going to have to give the short answer, Kszr, and that is that it's ideologies (and sometimes religion as ideology) that sets up these barriers, that tries to tell us they're there, seeing the world through such a lens, and whose proponents often enforce those views, and often going so far as to declare proponents as good and the other as evil. So, it's the dictates of ideologies, not "ultimate reality" that are discouraging you (and certainly all of us to some extent these days). So here is my paraphrase of a quote attributed to Solzhenitsyn: that the line between good and evil doesn't run between one group and another but within every human heart.

In her book The Amen Effect, Rabbi Sharon Brous' 8th chapter gives some idea how to deal with these divides. She says we can't go into them all starry eyed thinking by being loving we will overcome them. We have to be realistic re somebody who wants to do us harm, even though sometimes by the grace of being curious and patient, changes can occur. The entire rest of the book is all about being loving and establishing human contact, except for that chapter 8. Her book was written before Oct. 7, but still it teaches us.

Thank you for your hard question, which I know I've barely touched on.
All the best,
Jan

[Kszr]

Jan wrote: "Kszr wrote: "In my quest to read books from around the world I have come to one that, while initially published in 1937 still rings true today. Ali and Nino. Originally published in G..."

Thank you for that thoughtful response (and not short either). It's great to get that perspective. With two kids on US college campuses, I have been seeing a pretty bleak picture lately. As always, you bring some hope back into the discussion.

[Tony]

Hi folks, I have just finished re-reading The Periodic Table by Primo Levi ... more resonant for me now than when I read it 20+ years ago as I appreciate the Jewish themes. My review doesn't major on this (see my 'Jew-ish' bookshelf). However, one particular scene struck a chord with me; Levi as a chemist in a lab embarking on his trade, ‘The hour of the appointment with Matter, the Spirit’s great antagonist’ He compares this to reciting his Bar Mitzvah prayer in Hebrew to the Rabbi, both occasions being, 'desired and somewhat feared'. A powerful thought.

[Jan]

Tony wrote: "Hi folks, I have just finished re-reading The Periodic Table by Primo Levi ... more resonant for me now than when I read it 20+ years ago as I appreciate the Jewish themes. My review doesn't major ..."

Matter -- can't live with it, can't live (or do anything else) without it. 😉 -- with apologies to Erasmus.

[Tony]

I've just finished 'Unapologetic' by Francis Spufford, a very personal description and defence of his own beliefs. He is a Christian, but has some controversial views and uses some strong language. There's a lot about comparative faith, the life of Yeshua/Jesus, and a few references to his [Jesus] Jewish heritage. This will need a bit more processing before I can write my full review! Spufford may not be well known to North Americans hereabouts, but is a favourite author of mine; he has followed (is following) an unusual path from journalism, to non-fiction, to fiction.

[Kszr]

I just finished Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth. This book is well written and outlined exactly what happened on college campuses this past spring. I am looking forward to reading Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew next. Now I need to figure out how to get my college daughter to read this....

[Stacey B]

Kszr wrote: "I just finished Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth. This book is well written and outlined exactly what happened on college campuses this past spring...."

Ha, I get it.
I have been trying to get my daughter to read a particular book and she keeps saying yeah- i will, along with Dont I know how busy she is?
I read the first of the two book, agree with you, and... hope she will read the second one first.

[Kszr]

I am on the wait list at the library and its not in the bookstores yet.

[Stacey B]

I just finished Tap Dancing on Everest
5.0
Loved it. Its genre is "memoir" but has many crossovers.
A Passover Seder on Mt Everest... I dont believe is considered the norm above an elevation of 8,800 and climbing but awesome non the less and the title is literal.

1988
"The plan was outrageous: A small team of four climbers would attempt a new route on the East Face of Mt. Everest, considered the most remote and dangerous side of the mountain and only successfully climbed once before. Unlike the first larger team, Mimi Zieman’s team would climb without using supplemental oxygen, porter support, or chance for rescue. She would accompany the climbers as the doctor—and only woman—although she was still in her third year of medical school. Full of self-doubt, Zieman grappled with whether to go but couldn’t resist the call of the mountains."

see review

[LA]

Current read: Dead Man's Hand by Brad Taylor. I am gradually working my way through his international military thrillers. Taylor is US army retired Lt. Col., formerly in Delta Force, so his operational scenes feel very authentic. He also occasionally includes a couple of ex-Mossad agents as secondary friendly characters.

[Stacey B]

LA wrote: "Current read: Dead Man's Hand by Brad Taylor. I am gradually working my way through his international military thrillers. Taylor is US army retired Lt. Col., formerly in Delta Force, so his operati..."

This sounds good. Are you finished?

[LA]

Stacey B wrote: "LA wrote: "Current read: Dead Man's Hand by Brad Taylor. I am gradually working my way through his international military thrillers. Taylor is US army retired Lt. Col., formerly in Delta Force, so ..."

I'm about 60% finished. It's good. I got a little confused by the various Russian antagonists (this one deals with Russia vs. Ukraine plotline) but enough of a body count that it's finally sorting itself out!

[Stacey B]

LA wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "LA wrote: "Current read: Dead Man's Hand by Brad Taylor. I am gradually working my way through his international military thrillers. Taylor is US army retired Lt. Col., formerly in..."

LA, I can understand that.
Looking forward to your opinion.

[Stacey B]

I just finished "The Paris Novel" by Ruth Reichl and loved every second of it.
A very entertaining easy read book with descriptions and places I knew. Does "Shakespeare And Company" on the Left Bank ring a bell to anyone? The writing is fabulous for this book which flows through the book just as the rare wines do.
It speaks to art, books, visiting authors, food, museums, and wonderful characters who evidently love to eat. There are a few plots going on at the same time that meld together as one.

[Amy]

I will raise the Paris Novel higher on my Not so Secret Phone TBR!!!

[Stacey B]

Amy wrote: "I will raise the Paris Novel higher on my Not so Secret Phone TBR!!!"

Too cute! :)

[Irene]

When I read the summary of the Golem of Brooklyn, I didn’t think I would like it so I didn’t read it. The reviews so far have been mixed and I think it was a good decision for me. However to keep with the golem theme I did read “The Golem” by I B Singer, illustrated by Uri Shulevitz, 1982. It takes place in Prague during the reign of Rudolf II. Rabbi Lieb, a famous Cabbalist, created a golem to help the Jews in terrible times. A rich aristocrat borrows money from a Jewish man and then refuses to pay it back. Instead, he creates a story that the man kidnapped his daughter. At just the right moment, the golem brings in the child. The golem then continues to live with the rabbi and to have adventures, and mishaps, including a romance. The book is about 85 pages, and an easy read, probably a children’s book. I would recommend the book, just to have one more in the golem library.

[Stacey B]

Irene wrote: "When I read the summary of the Golem of Brooklyn, I didn’t think I would like it so I didn’t read it. The reviews so far have been mixed and I think it was a good decision for me. However to keep w..."

Irene,
I didnt read it either; only because golems and I do not get along. :) But Im happy you found another to add in the library collection. I bet you have a fantastic library.

[Jan]

There is a new local-interest golem book that I came across. I am sometimes a sucker for local-interest books, so may read it. :)
The Curators

My husband & I are reading Graham Moore's The Wealth of Shadows, for a change of pace. It's about a team trying to surreptitiously take Germany down with economic maneuvers during the period FDR & the US were confined by the doctrine of neutrality. Based on a true story. We like it!

[Liza]

After reading Stacey's review of Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure, I decided to get the audiobook. Absolutely loved this memoir read by the author, Mimi Zieman. Her adventurous spirit, vulnerability, and courage was inspiring. Highly recommend.

[Stacey B]

Liza wrote: "After reading Stacey's review of Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure, I decided to get the audiobook. Absolutely loved this memoir read by the author, Mimi ..."

Hi Liza.
Im happy to see another reader enjoyed this.
Thank you for letting the group know.

[Mrs]

I wanted to recommend a book which is a Jewish family saga set against the background of twentieth century history, taking place in Europe and Israel. An excellent read. Good For a Single Journey by Helen Joyce.

[Stacey B]

Mrs wrote: "I wanted to recommend a book which is a Jewish family saga set against the background of twentieth century history, taking place in Europe and Israel. An excellent read. Good For a Single Journey b..."

Hi "Mrs",
Thank you for posting a comment.
I have heard about this book from friends in Israel and thought I already read it. Just added it. Pertaining to it's title, I love how the author chose it.

[Michal]

what is the name of the book?

[Stacey B]

Michal wrote: "what is the name of the book?"

Hi Michal,
I believe in message 979- the title is "
"Good For a Single Journey" by Helen Joyce

[LA]

Stacey B wrote: "LA wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "LA wrote: "Current read: Dead Man's Hand by Brad Taylor. I am gradually working my way through his international military thrillers. Taylor is US army retired Lt. Col., ..."

I liked the book, but I found it slightly confusing because of all the Russian characters who comprised different teams of antagonists. Hard to keep track of. I like Taylor, but if you're going to dip a toe into the waters, I'd suggest End of Days as a first read. A few scenes are set in Israel, and it includes the former Mossad characters he occasionally uses.

[Stacey B]

LA wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "LA wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "LA wrote: "Current read: Dead Man's Hand by Brad Taylor. I am gradually working my way through his international military thrillers. Taylor is US army r..."

L.A.-
I used to read Brad Taylor and really have no idea why I stopped
reading his work, which I like. I agree with you about keeping track. Ha, hes not the only one; but when I mix up the good guys with the bad, then its time for me to close the book. :)

[Tony]

I have just finished The Final Solution by Michael Chabon, who is fast turning into a favourite author of mine. I have filed in my bookshelf as 'Jew-ish'. It has oblique references and hints to the shoah (happening off-camera like recent film 'Zone of Interest'), but very subtle. It's more of a homage to mystery novels in MC's rich literary style. I'd be interested in your views.

[Stacey B]

Tony wrote: "I have just finished The Final Solution by Michael Chabon, who is fast turning into a favourite author of mine. I have filed in my bookshelf as 'Jew-ish'. It has oblique references and hints to the..."

Tony,
Sounds good. I just read the books synopsis-seems its got my name on it and its short enough for me to get through in no time. The book may be subtle, but I suppose he captures the essence of the book by his choice of titles. :) Ha, it reminds me of Dara Horns title "People Love Dead Jews" in sort of convoluted way.
I think the two books you read were first published in 2004 and 2007.
I will be curious if you see any difference in Chambon's writing from one his recent books.

[Tony]

Stacey B wrote: "Tony wrote: "I have just finished The Final Solution by Michael Chabon, who is fast turning into a favourite author of mine. I have filed in my bookshelf as 'Jew-ish'. It has oblique references and..."

Hi Stacey. True, I've gone straight into the middle of his writing, but I'm enjoying the journey! The book title is more about the retired detective (IMO), but Chabon plays around with the genre and doesn't fill in all the gaps, which has irritated some ... an interesting little book, let me know what you think.

[Stacey B]

Tony wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "Tony wrote: "I have just finished The Final Solution by Michael Chabon, who is fast turning into a favourite author of mine. I have filed in my bookshelf as 'Jew-ish'. It has obliq..."

Hi Tony,
I will.

[Hahtoolah]

Stranger in the Desert, by Jordan Salama (2024)

I just read a fascinating book about a young man seeking to trace his Arab-Jewish roots through Argentina.

The author, Jordan Salama, seeks to learn more about his family history after finding a notebook his grandfather had compiled called Historia Antigua. Although living in New York, Jordan’s family roots were Sephardic, Syrian, and Argentinian, which in South American were referred to as turco. Turco referred to the fact that many people immigrated to South America pre-World War I when much of the middle east was under Ottoman control.

Jordan knew that his father’s family had immigrated to Argentina in the 1920s and that his great-grandfather was a traveling salesman. Many first-generation immigrants to Argentina during this period became traveling salesmen. The local population in the more remote areas of Argentina relied on the salesmen to bring them supplies.

So, Jordan traveled to Argentina to search for traces of his family. His grandfather still had family and a few contacts in Buenos Aires, so Jordan started his trek there. After spending time with his extended family in Buenos Aires, Jordan set out for the Andes hoping to follow the trail of his great-grandfather. He meets many people along the way and as he goes, he realized what a melting pot his Sephardic Jewish background blends in, and is influenced by, the surrounding cultures.

I loved reading about Jordan’s travels and the people he met along his search.

5 Stars

[Stacey B]

Hahtoolah wrote: "Stranger in the Desert, by Jordan Salama (2024)

I just read a fascinating book about a young man seeking to trace his Arab-Jewish roots through Argentina.

The author, Jordan Salama, seeks to lear..."

Happy Sunday Hahtoolah,
Wonderful surprise when you post here.
To begin with I must say you read some great books; this one having my name on it.
I haven't ever heard the word Turco used before. Ha, something I just now learned from a review.
Jordan's experiences sound like finding all the pieces of a puzzle
together and "fascinating" how they will eventually fit together. Thank you for bringing this book to our attention.

[Jan]

Here's that link:
Stranger in the Desert: A Family Story

[Stacey B]

Jan wrote: "Here's that link:
Stranger in the Desert: A Family Story"

Thanks for adding it.
I bought this right after I wrote her back.

[Jan]

👍

[Hahtoolah]

Stacey B wrote: "Jan wrote: "Here's that link:
Stranger in the Desert: A Family Story"

Thanks for adding it.
I bought this right after I wrote her back."

I hope you enjoy this book.

[Stacey B]

Hahtoolah wrote: "Stacey B wrote: "Jan wrote: "Here's that link:
Stranger in the Desert: A Family Story"

Thanks for adding it.
I bought this right after I wrote her back."

I hope you enjoy this book."

Thank you.

[Brina]

This was a great book. I hope you read it , Stacey.

[Stacey B]

Brina wrote: "This was a great book. I hope you read it , Stacey."

Thanks Brina. I know I will love it.

[Stacey B]

Hi everyone.
We hope you are enjoying the summer and reading some great books that you will share with us. Its been a little quiet lately.
Has anyone read In the Shadow of the Greenbrier by Emily Match? I started it last night and haven't gotten far, but the book hasn't grabbed me yet. Curious what others have to say.
Stay safe.

[Lee]

I've got a couple of new books I'm intrigued by that I haven't started yet. Fervor is a debut novel by Toby Lloyd about a Jewish family in London that seems to have something of the campus novel and dysfunctional family novel to it, marketed as both horror and magical realism as "Hannah begins to suspect that Elsie has delved too deep into the labyrinths of Jewish mysticism and gotten lost among shadows..."

And then Long Island Compromise the second novel from Taffy Brodesser-Akner about a Jewish family in NY that reached a pinnacle of wealth but now comes crashing down. I really liked her debut novel Fleishman Is in Trouble, which was pretty widely read. This, to me, from a Goodreads review sounds promising though YMMV: "This book has possibly the best propulsive opening scene I have ever read, followed by one of the hardest chapters dealing with sexual transgressions and drug use that I could barely stomach. Then we veered back into a chapter that was so funny that I actually laughed and laughed."

[Stacey B]

Hi Lee,
I hope its ok to chat about your third book first.
I read Fleishman's is in Trouble and enjoyed it. I didn't know it was made into a movie- Im really happy for her.
I just downloaded LIC. Im seeing it everywhere and read several reviews from different media sources that all refer to the "sexual transgressions" as you did, but not as kind. The sex and drugs must be so detailed for you to react this way. - Very hard to ask questions that wont turn into "spoilers". I am seeing this book everywhere so I suppose the author has another hit. Good!!
Where does the jewish theme come in?
Ok, now the first book "Fervor. " Im not a horror fan, but do like magical realism.
Please let me know when you finish that one.
Enjoy your books and have a great weekend.