Jewish Book Club discussion
Literary Chat & Other Book Stuff
>
What kinds of books should we read--and when?
One of the best things about being in a book-club is the diversification in reading it brings. Left to my own devices, my reading selections are pretty compartmentalized (History, Historical Fiction & Holocaust). Last year we had a short story month and I had a chance to read The Best Places on Earth, which I thought was brilliant and really brought me back to the days when I was a student and we would read short stories in literature class. So if we are considering for nominations for future months I would like to suggest a short story nomination.
Thanks
Mod
Jonathan, you read my mind!
In one of the Nomination threads, I believe there were suggestions for genres but I can't remember where. So was going to ask again.
"Short stories" -- great!
I was also thinking about possible nonfiction categories:
History (other than Holocaust)
Religion/Spirituality (I guess that could be either nonfiction or fiction; would need to specify)
Biography (not memoir)
Theology or historical-critical
health/medical/food/aging (self-help? self-understanding?)
literary criticism -- about how some great writer writes/wrote and why?
Can't always think of a genre when I want to or on the spur of the moment, so brainstorming is appreciated!
In regards to history I saw a movie over the weekend called Unsettled Land it was about a group of Zionists who came to Palestine after WW One. I thought this would be an interesting time to read about Palestine after Dreyfus and prior to WW Two. Not sure what is available in books might also be a historical fiction pick . Just a thought.
Short Stories is a reasonable category (have read a few collections recently) Agree with Jonathan, "Best Place On Earth" was our most recent selection local book club and its very much worth the read!Israeli Authors is another category that our bookclub rotates through.
Mod
Just a thought."
A good thought, Jonathan.
Mod
Israeli Authors is another category that our bookclub rotates through."
Thank you, Debra.
What if sometime we choose a particular author and nominated a number of his or her books -- such as a Bellow, or a Zimler -- if his doesn't win -- or an Ozick -- any one of these whom we haven't read? Authors as categories!
The Forward has a Zoom book discussion. That group is currently reading and discussing The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to his White Mother, by James McBride. Interestingly, his mother was raised in an Orthodox family who disowned her when she married a Black man. It is an interesting look at race/religious relations.
Mod
Going to check the time of it.
It was a great book.
Mod
I didn't go to the Zoom discussion but I saw that. I received it as a gift way back when it was written but only read it in recent years--so I remember it. Actually when I saw that, was thinking of putting in for the Mod's choice to go along with whatever book wins our upcoming poll.
Mod
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.
Mod
Welcome to JBC.
We love seeing new recommendations, so thank you!
Hoping you will share opinions and read some of the books we offer.
Don't be a stranger :)
Best, Stacey
Mod
Welcome to JBC.
We love seeing new recommendations, so thank you!
Hoping you will share opinions and read some of the books we offer.
Don't be a stranger :)
Best, Stacey"
Hi Ruth-
me again.
Im sure you haven't perused all the discussion boards on this site yet.
I forgot to tell you there is another topic just underneath where you wrote this post -on our site for "book recommendations."
This particular topic is for "What kinds of books should we Read".
If you have a free moment, it will work there in receiving attention from those looking for a new read.
Thank you so much in advance.
Mod
Mod
I like many of these suggestions. I like books about immigration in America (e.g., Call It Sleep) or books/novels dealing with important events other than the Holocaust. Right now, I'm reading a book about the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. I also like to revisit "classics" or lesser-read works by notable Jewish authors.
I love books about Jewish culture, religion, politics and hard experiences in perseverance due to dealing with immigration and persecution issues!
Dear Jewish Book Club. I have a couple of suggestions, including a Canadian novel, Natalie Morrill's The Ghost Keeper, which follows an Austrian Jewish family's story through and beyond the Holocaust. I also thought Ayelet Gundar-Goshen's novel The Liar, which I read in translation from the Hebrew, was brilliant.
Mod
Thank you the suggestions.
The books you suggested don't have to wait for our monthly genres, to be read.
I happen to have read "The Liar" awhile ago. Good pick!!
It was a great read having a very clever story.
We love to receive input from our members. It can only make us better to become a thriving and necessary presence.
Happy Hanukkah, or Chanukah.
Or- however you learned to spell it. My hebrew is not up to snuff.
Be safe Rhea, and thank you again.
Best, Stacey
Mod
Hi Rhea-
Are you by any chance related to Michael Tregabov, the author of the the book "The Briss"? ( Briss- is not my spelling)
Hopefully its ok to mention, but i wish we could read USSR Jewish immigration books. I know of a few books that could help :)
Mod
Suggestions very welcome, Aurora!
You mean fiction? Memoirs?
What are some examples?
Very little is talked or known about Jews from Soviet Union. For some people, Russia isnt a shtetl that existed hundreds of years back. I actually had in mind both, if its ok, and maybe some books about Jewish experience in Russia. Some rough examples would be:
THE MATRIMONIAL FLIRTATIONS OF EMMA KAULFIELD by Anna Fishbeyn,
A REPLACEMENT LIFE by Boris Fishman
MASTERING THE ART OF SOVIET COOKING by Anya von Bremzen
THE PATRIOTS by Sana Krasikov
HOTEL MOSCOW by Talia Carner
HEAVY SAND by Anatoli Rybakov
THE MATRIMONIAL FLIRTATIONS OF EMMA KAULFIELD by Anna Fishbeyn,
A REPLACEMENT LIFE by Boris Fishman
MASTERING THE ART OF SOVIET COOKING by Anya von Bremzen
THE PATRIOTS by Sana Krasikov
HOTEL MOSCOW by Talia Carner
HEAVY SAND by Anatoli Rybakov
Mod
Thank you, Aurora. A good idea for a genre one of these days.
I just finished The Assistant by Bernard Malamud. Shockingly, I hadn't read him, and it knocked my socks off. But don't know if Poland or Russia. And a long time ago. You're thinking of more recent, when the wall came down & Jews could immigrate? (Your selections may give the answer, but looking them up will have to wait a little longer.)
My father's side of the family came over from Russia, but a long time ago; both my grandparents born here, which isn't the norm .
Mod
Basically Jewish experience in Russia post 1900s up to 2000s.
Hi, I'd like to read something in this category also. My grandparents are from Russia, coming here in the early part of the 20th century. I think I've read the Assistant a number of years ago. Is this the story of the store keeper who hires a non-Jewish young man to work in his store? If so, it was a gut punch for me. I also read Malamud's The Fixer for another book club. That is hard reading, and I could not sit and read for long stretches of time.
I'd like to recommend a memoir called "The Soup has Many Eyes" by Joann Rose Leonard. It is a lot lighter , fairly short book, and easier reading than these other books I've mentioned.
Mod
Thank you for your comments/request. Always appreciated.
You are correct about the "The Assistant".
I read them both and I think Malamud is such a creative author.
Per your request of "The Soup has Many Eyes"..... I love this title, its intriguing , and reminds me of a similar title which of course is on the tip of my tongue and will probably stay there. I just looked up the book. You are right, it looks like a lighter read. Where did you find this one?
You may want to enter the books you have read in your reading profile. It is great information to have as well as keeping tabs of new books you want to read. Members love to peruse reading lists when they are stuck at what to read next or bored with their lists.
So, heres where we are now..
Jan and I plan out the genres and topics about 4-5 months ahead-
That's meant as general fyi so you wont think we forgot about your request or ignoring you :)
We do have a few requests in front of yours; hopefully we can figure out a way to be more inclusive a little quicker. Don't hold me to that- its wishful thinking at the moment.
In the meantime, have you read any of the books from our JBC bookshelf? What did you like?
It gives us a sense of what our members enjoy reading, or what they don't care for.
Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe.
Mod
I just looked it up and it is Russia the characters had immigrated from in The Assistant. Just read it and so fresh in my mind -- but haven't reviewed yet. The "assistant" put himself into the picture, really, rather than their hiring him. Those characters are so real they could jump off the page, especially Frank and...Helen. Can you believe it, I had to go check her name? How fast we forget!
I am putting out there - YA as a category. I love exploring what some of the young readers are getting. ie: Blackbird Girls won top awards this year for Jewish YA.
Mod
Well, not that one in particular, but you are in luck as far as the genre, Suzanne. See upcoming for June. 🙂
Mod
The genre for current nominations, though, is Israeli literature, not as a political move such as "solidarity" (although no problem if that works for you). Instead, it's about retaining our voices. Feeling squelched or silenced by current events is depressing and to be avoided.
Jan wrote: "These suggestions are such good ideas; just checked out Aurora's list from comment no. 27, on Jews from the Soviet Union; mostly fiction and that one fascinating-sounding memoir. And Irene's second..."
I dont think it was me that gave food idea. I agree about the feeling. Yesterday in Book Riot, saw an article about six books that are written by Palestinian women. Couldnt help but wonder where the article is about six books that explore Israeli/ Jewish identity and writers are women. I hate that people are one sided and refuse to see or understand Jewish/Israeli point of view. If you need some recommendations, let me know :D
I dont think it was me that gave food idea. I agree about the feeling. Yesterday in Book Riot, saw an article about six books that are written by Palestinian women. Couldnt help but wonder where the article is about six books that explore Israeli/ Jewish identity and writers are women. I hate that people are one sided and refuse to see or understand Jewish/Israeli point of view. If you need some recommendations, let me know :D
Mod
I don't mind if we discuss all that...maybe in the new "antisemitism" thread? Or the "related media" thread originally for discussing The Plot Agst America miniseries? Or could set up new thread?
Whoever gave me the idea for food-related did it by accident by mentioning the book on the sublimity of Schmaltz. 😛
I just set up the discussion thread for nominations, Nominations for our book of July 2021. Haven't sent out the email yet. Jump on in w/your nomination, Aurora! And anyone!
Mod
I think I've read the Assistant a number of years ago. Is ..."
Hi, Irene. Turns out it was you who gave me the idea for the food-related genre, when you mentioned Michael Wex's Rhapsody in Schmaltz in a prior discussion. Sorry for the misattribution & thanks for the great idea!
Mod
Aurora, I came across a little book by an immigrant from Russia, Irina Nevzlin, The Impact of Identity: The Power of Knowing Who You Are. I found it in an odd way; it was included in a Literary Hub article on the connection between language and identity https://lithub.com/the-syntax-of-belo... I checked it out, but it's not about language. While it's a memoir, it's closer to a self-help book, with a thesis exactly the opposite of the assimilationist tendency. It's good but a little too matter-of-fact and so far doesn't address the pressure on Jews to hide their identity. Very short. I came across it too late for the month we were looking for books about identity. :)
This is a very interesting questions, What type of "Jewish/Israeli" books should we read and when. Personally, as a active Jew who lived in NY Metropolitan Area for 30+ years, California for another 25 years, and now in Israel, I try to read a variety of books in different categories every year:Fictional -I read 1-2 fictional books of Jewish themes each year. I have found most recently I have been focused on Israeli authors.
Non-Fictional - This is the major focus of my reading. I read 1-2 on different sub-topics every year:
- Biographies
- Zionism
- Israeli History
- Jewish History
- Religion
- Antisemitism
- Espionage (I love a good book on Israeli operations)
- IDF -
- Classics
I also devote part of my time to reading Palestinian/Arab perspectives.
Mod
Thanks for your suggestions, Alan. We've hit some of those genres. We try to cover a range.
Have you had a chance to peruse our bookshelf?
We didn't have a poll this month due to full plates and running out of steam, to mix up my metaphors a little bit. We will soon, though. Stacey's working up a topic for this month, and for next month, there has been interest in David Grossman's books.
Mod
Alan wrote: "This is a very interesting questions, What type of "Jewish/Israeli" books should we read and when. Personally, as a active Jew who lived in NY Metropolitan Area for 30+ years, California for anothe..."I am the lay leader of my synagogue book group- and would love your book list of what you recommend. All of our books touch on some aspect of Jewish life, experience, history, etc. and I try to stretch our comfort levels and learn about lesser known places, etc. I read a great many books that I don't use because they would not lend themselves to an interesting or challenging discussion.
BTW you probably have already encountered the Jonathan Dunsky mysteries which take place in the early days of the State of Israel, although the prequel written last (so far) took place in Auschwitz and IMO was the best.
Mod
Ha- Shelly-
Dunsky was in my head when I came up up with this. Adam Lapid is great.
Alan wrote: "This is a very interesting questions, What type of "Jewish/Israeli" books should we read and when. Personally, as a active Jew who lived in NY Metropolitan Area for 30+ years, California for anothe..."Alan -- From friends and family in Israel, I know getting ahold of English language books can be difficult, especially if the there is no local distribution/printing. How do you deal with this? Do you basically limit yourself to ebooks? A number of friends ordered books from Book Depository, which provides 'free' shipping, though it can take 2-3 weeks to get a book. Just curious.
Hi Alan, I'm a lay leader of our synagogue book club as well. Over the last 10-15 years we've read tons of books, fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, israeli authors etc etc- ALL our books have some kind of jewish content. For good discussion I would recommend "Waking Lions" Ayelet Gundar-Goshen,; Israeli/Palestinian: "All the Rivers" by Dorit Rabinyan. And as a new yorker: "Joshua: A Brooklyn Tale".The book list from this group is an excellent resource for lots of suggestions! ( I too enjoyed the Jonathon Dunsky mysteries!)
Mod
Debra-
Jan and I thank you for the compliment- :)
Mod
The book list from this group is an excellent resource for lots if suggestions! ..."
Yes, thank you, Debra!
Waking Lions is on our bookshelf, and if I'm not mistaken, All the Rivers and Joshua: A Brooklyn Tale have been nominated although they didn't win their polls. Will keep your recommendations in mind.
Jewish Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Aerograms Across the Ocean: A Love Story in Letters, 1970-1972 (other topics)Parsha in Pink - Weekly inspiration from the Parsha to ignite the lives and Hearts of Women Today (other topics)
Parsha in Pink - Weekly inspiration from the Parsha to ignite the lives and Hearts of Women Today (other topics)
A Pigeon and a Boy (other topics)
A Pigeon and a Boy (other topics)
More...
The reason I've started a new topic instead of commenting in the "feedback" discussion, is that our book coming up for April, The Choice: Embrace the Possible, is a Holocaust book, and you might be concerned about reading about stressful subject matter right at the present when we are under so much stress from the coronavirus pandemic.
Yet even on that there's a multiplicity of opinions. Some reading lists are suggesting The Plague and other books and movies about pandemics. Some suggest crime writing as an escape. Can reading about other kinds of emergencies be an escape or at least a change of pace?
On the other hand, I have a friend who won't read Holocaust books at all. Ever.
I'm thinking the best remedy for the current situation is to talk about it. So I'm going to go on and set up the early-thoughts thread for The Choice. Click right here to go to that discussion.
For general talk about what kinds of books to read, continue below.