Jewish Book Club discussion
Literary Chat & Other Book Stuff
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WHAT ARE YOU READING? A place for remarks, recommendations or reviews
Mod
Cant wait either :D i loved both authors, so very excited to get back.
Rachel -- Have you looked at Chaim Potok's books? Specially, My Name is Asher Lev, was very popular with younger audiences and it resonated with adults as well. It is not hip or modern, but moving. Also, his book, The Chosen, is excellent.
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Mod
Phoenix, thanks for the update.
Let's have this discussion on ...& other interesting, relevant media. Yes we were discussing the Roth miniseries, but fits the present discussion better than "what are you reading?"
Let's have a variety of media sources, please.
Or, if you want to get into it under the new topic that was set up to discuss antisemitism, that could work.
I've just finished Rebel Daughter, and it's fantastic! I'm looking forward to reading Barbara Becker's "Heartwood," a beautiful memoir about dealing with mortality as a way of living a very full and meaningful life. I am in the middle of Caste by Wilkerson. Really amazing book, especially how she looks at the genocide perpetuated by the Nazis and the genocide perpetuated by American slavery.
Mod
Hi L.
Glad you liked the book. I thought it was a great book, which had cross over genres. The number of topics the author includes in her book are worthy of a discussion as they are quite relevant today.
If I have time tonight, I will continue a discussion under the
Rebel Daughter poll winner which is listed.
Mod
https://youtu.be/D1Ecw1X5MNA"
Phoenix..... could you meet me over at the anti-semitism topic?
Mod
Glad you liked the book. I thought it was a great book, which had cross over genres. The number of topics the author includes in her book are worthy of a discussion as they are quite relevant today.
If I have time tonight, I will continue a discussion under the
Rebel Daughter poll winner which is listed. ."
Oops. Stacey, it's not set up yet!
Will go ahead and do that right now....
Mod
Glad you liked the book. I thought it was a great book, which had cross over genres. The number of topics the author includes in her book are worthy of a discussion as they ..."
No, my mistake. I should have looked first, but am having an issue with comments disappearing and book ratings that aren't mine.
Mod
It's up now. For the early birds. 🐦
I recently began reading The Orchard byDavid Hopen and I confess that so far I really dislike this novel. The teenage boy characters are spoiled, irresponsible, and run the gamut from merely unlikable to completely loathsome. The girls are interchangeable and their only purpose seems to be eye candy.
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Jan wrote: "I'm deep into A Tale of Love and Darkness now. Someday this memoir s/b on the group's list. NYT made it one of the 50 best memoirs of the last 50 years, No. 14, to be exact.Taking..."
I loved A Tale of Love and Darkness.
Stacey wrote: "Thank you to Jewish Book Council for sending me a copy of "The Book of V." by Anna Solomon.
The synopsis of this novel is about showing how women's roles have and have not changed over thousands o..."
I did not enjoy this book.
I just finished Homesick, by Eshkol Nevo (2008). The action takes place in a small village somewhere between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. We are introduced to the town when we meet Amir and Noa in the Fall of 1995, who are looking for their first apartment together. They find a tiny apartment in a house that before the War of Independence had belonged to an Arab family. Now the house is home to Sima and Moshe Zakian, a young couple with two small children, and Moshe's parents, who have the upstairs apartment. The family next door, the Averni’s, just lost their eldest son in the war in Lebanon. Because the Averni parents are so distraught, they ignore their younger son, Yotam, who befriends Amir. Nearby, another family is adding on to their home. One of the Arab construction workers, Saddiq A’adana, once lived in the house now home to Sima and Moshe. He is determined to get into the house to seek the a missing treasure that once belonged to his mother. He tries to begin conversations with the elderly Mrs. Zakian, but she is fearful of him.This novel is told through the voices of many characters. Thus, we experience the everyday experiences and interpersonal relationship from many points of view. This really made the characters come alive. I loved this book.
Mod
"The Book of V." by Anna Solomon.
The synopsis of this novel is about showing how women's roles have and have not changed o..."
Hahtoolah..
Sorry about the book. I'm taking your side on this one. I was being kind rating it 3 stars. Not sure I would have chosen it on my own, but the synopsis was a little intriguing.
Mod
Hahtoolah, it's now on our bookshelf as a Moderator's Choice. 🙂
2020/11 discussion for A Tale of Love and Darkness
I'm in the middle of John Gardner's "Grendel". Nothing explicitly Jewish about it, aside from the biblical aspect of Grendel being descended from Cain in the Bible. But it is about a being who's lonely, hated, and misunderstood, so that could sort of be a parallel if you're willing to stretch a little. I think the use of language in the book is incredible in the way it blends modernity with the rhythm of the original Beowulf, and reframes the whole story as a kind of existential tragedy. The whole thing is dark, violent, fascinating, sad, and spooky. Definitely recommend it highly based on what I've read so far.
Mod
Hi Menachem..
Interesting review; I like it.
Had I not read the modern translation of "Beowulf" from Old English, I wouldn't have been able to tell if it there was any jewish underlying theme. :). I put so much energy into that, I waited a bit to read the modern translation.
"Grendel" was the retelling of that story, but I don't think I ever finished it.
I know there are many different interpretations as to why Grendel was misunderstood, lonely etc-
It was clear to me about Cain; and I read two other theories about Grendel having to do with the Holocaust, but Im not convinced. It would take too much time for research- I don't have it in me.
Grendel wants answers about human mankind and the "why's.
Based on the climate today it's a very apropos tragedy of a book.
What will you be reading next?
I ask out of curiosity that I may miss something outside my comfort zone. :)
Hi, thanks for the response. I'm actually almost finished with War and Peace now, but I took a detour to read "Grendel" since it's short and a fast read. I'm finding it to have a much stronger emotional impact on me than Tolstoy, although his scope and ambition is obviously much bigger.
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How long will it have taken you to read W&P ?
Im beginning to love shorter books. - I get it.
I am reading Lilyville by Tovah Feldshuh and I want to be where the Normal people Are by Rachel Bloom. So far I am not loving either of them. : (
Mod
Do you finish, Suzanne? Do you have a certain number of pages you read, or do you soldier on through?
Hi, I'm new to the group (and to Goodreads!). I read, write about, and teach American Jewish literature and film. Suzanne, if you don't mind my asking, what don't you like about LILYVILLE? Haven't read it yet, but it's of interest!I just started Max Gross's THE LOST SHTETL and am really taken with it thus far.
Mod
Well, we have one out of three so far. :)
Suzanne- it is so frustrating to have two books that you look forward to that disappoint.
I know that feeling!! I downloaded seven books at a time. Within five hours I deleted each one in a row.
Helene- welcome!! Glad you joined us.
I have been staring at "The Lost Shtetl" for two months.
Not sure why I haven't picked it up yet.
But, I read a wonderful article today about your latest book. Now I'm going to drive myself crazy trying to remember where the article was from. I can understand your curiosity about Lilyville.
Suzanne wrote: "I am reading Lilyville by Tovah Feldshuh and I want to be where the Normal people Are by Rachel Bloom. So far I am not loving either of them. : ("Jan wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "I am reading Lilyville by Tovah Feldshuh and I want to be where the Normal people Are by Rachel Bloom. So far I am not loving either of them. : ("
Do you finish, Suzanne? Do you ha..."
Helene wrote: "Hi, I'm new to the group (and to Goodreads!). I read, write about, and teach American Jewish literature and film. Suzanne, if you don't mind my asking, what don't you like about LILYVILLE? Haven't ..."
I am only half way through but I feel like she is realating every person she ever met and every detail of her career. I had high hopes for the book since I love Tovah Feldshuh. Perhaps the second half will be more interesting.
Mod
Glad to hear that, Helene. Have heard good stuff about it and considering for brick-and-mortar group.
Stacey, hope that LOST SHTETL might be a win after the 7 deletions!Suzanne, thanks for the response! Hope that the second half is more to your liking. Figuring out the level of detail is a challenge for any writer but might be even more so for a memoirist.
Mod
Suzanne, thanks for the response! Hope that the second half is more to your liking. Figuring out the level of detail is a challe..."
Very cute Helene!! :)
At long last i have begun reading Rena Rossners THE LIGHT OF FHE MIDNIGHT STARS and Helene Weckers THE HIDDEN PALACE as well as PHANTOM MONEY by S. Alexander O'Keefe. Sweet and blissful reading days are ahead :D
Mod
And...are we enjoying so far???
Oh yes i am enjoying it so far :)
Stacey wrote: "Helene wrote: "Stacey, hope that LOST SHTETL might be a win after the 7 deletions!Suzanne, thanks for the response! Hope that the second half is more to your liking. Figuring out the level of det..."
following is my review on Goodreads of the Lost Shtetl, a book I had been very much looking forward to reading.
3 1/2 stars. If this book had been 100 pages shorter i would probably be writing a rave review. It is based on a wildly creative premise, infused with dry humor and pathos, diverse characters right out of early Yiddish writing and commentary on the human condition. It was well written, and the impact on a community being jerked from its shtetl life to a modern Poland and back again was very well imagined and depicted.. So what's not to like?
To me it just became too much- too many side plots and characterizations, things that were not essential to the story or lessons taking up too much space. I found it morph from an enjoyable read which made me admire the author to something of a slog. I finished it but there were moments when i considered not (which for me is quite unusual).
I am still looking forward to more work of this author as his talent is clearly visible as is his imagination. I just hope they will be edited better.
Mod
Great- Glad to hear it!
I dont know what I would have said if the answer was
-not really. :) Enjoy and let us know.
Mod
Suzanne, thanks for the response! Hope that the second half is more to your liking. Figuring out t..."
Shelly-
I'm sorry you were disappointed in the book, though I can understand the issues that bothered you. Too many side plots and characters would disrupt any book for me, so I get it.
What will you be reading next?
Always curious to see what people are reading.
Mod
Hi. Welcome back.
R. Sherwin Wine was nice man, and a reconstructionist rabbi after he had a pulpit for a little while. He was a close friend of my grandmothers who was conservative. I remember hearing them trying to validate their points to one another.
Instead of raising her voice, my grandmother would swear at him in Yiddish with a smile on her face. And ...she didn't speak Yiddish :)
I have heard about Zen Judaism, but no nothing about it. Without any reading it, it sounds similar to practicing very intense Kabbalah at the higher levels. Might be good for me. Suggestion for an intro book????
Love the infinite circumcision line- my grandmothers comment for that was "thats the only pain a man will feel" . omg, she got away with sarcasm and more.
Mod
Not a problem, but I loved the description anyway. The one above is pretty good too! :)
Thank you for responding.
I came across a book called "What Did They Think of the Jews" collected and compiled by Allan Gould. It is dated 1991, so a little old. It is an historical compilation of quotes, essays, letters, speeches, etc. starting from ancient Greece and Rome, up to the current (1990) time. It is broken out by era and location (ie Renaissance, Post-Revolutionary America, Communist revolution, US Writers) There are hundreds of people that he quotes, some out and out anti-semites and others that are pro-Jewish people. He includes early Church founding Fathers and Nazis, and the PLO, so all of it is covered. I read some of the quotes from people, just dipping in and out of each section where a name caught my attention. Raold Dahl is in included, and I read what he said, remembering the conversations from a few months back.
It is an interesting reference book, something (at least for me) to read in pieces.
Just checked, Amazon still has this edition and it was well reviewed.
Mod
I don't think I know of that book. This will another on TRL
Sounds like a find and filled with good stuff.
Would it be a book of essays?
I can imagine what Arafat, Hitler and Goring said.
And I also remember the article you are referencing, that is here somewhere about Dahl- At the very least, was it consistent?
Dahl 's comments come from a 1990 interview in the Jewish Chronicle of London. He said (paraphrase) I am certainly anti-Israel and I've become anti-Semitic..... He said there aren't any non_Jewish publishers anywhere. there was also one other comment. I didn't see Arafat specifically included, though the PLO Organizational Charter is partly included. I chose not to read Hitler and Goering. The book is about 580 pages, and includes summaries of people's ideas, direct quotes from letters, speeches, etc. There is a bit of a history lesson in some of the quotes.
Mod
I know that I shouldn't be surprised, but I am.
Dahl's words in print were and are more threatening than any verbal spewing.
It is extremely sad he felt this way.
Actually, it makes me very uncomfortable thinking that an author of children's books and maybe even someones hero could have been so mean spirited. :(
Stacey wrote: "Irene wrote: "Dahl 's comments come from a 1990 interview in the Jewish Chronicle of London. He said (paraphrase) I am certainly anti-Israel and I've become anti-Semitic..... He said there aren't a..."
I certainly will not recommend his books to my son, when he grows of age. If he asks, i will mention that the author hated people like me, and, by extension, him.
I certainly will not recommend his books to my son, when he grows of age. If he asks, i will mention that the author hated people like me, and, by extension, him.
Also, am almost done with Rena Rossner, and conversions are disappointing...
Mod
I admire your attitude Aurora. You will be a great model.
So- what happened with Rossner's book?
If you almost finished, Im not seeing how it could get any better so quickly. :). What made them disappointing? Expectation ?
Mod
Mod
Aurora, you will be a great model for your son.
Per Rossner's book-
I haven't read it, but am curious about what aspect of the book
disappoints? Was it an expectation that she would have ....?
Hey, i am seeing it. Some of the characters in the book decide to go through baptism, and one of the characters' point of view towards religions is very naive, considering what she and her family went through. You are right that for the most part i dont pay attention to ratings, and I wasnt bothered by a lot of stuff, but baptism part really rankles me. I had "friends" trying to get me to convert to christianity, i live in a bible state where its rare or almost non existent to find Jewish products near me, thus i cant agree with characters assessment of religions. Religions are not treated the same. We want to think yes, they are and should be, but reality is different. If religions are treated the same, then there shouldnt be the December war that causes me to look forward to 26th of December.
Mod
Seems that one persons naivety spreads quickly in their POV. It plays a larger role not only in the book.
So, its late where I live, which is part of the excuse I'm going to use in saying my brain is tired which is why Im not getting the reference to the December War and the day after X-mas.
Are you referring to Hanukkah? omg- Im laughing because I cant make make the connection, so unlike me. Forgive me.
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Ok Madame- You stole two off my list for Rachel. :)
Gonna make me work a little, but those are great choices Aurora !!
xo