What are you reading?

[Erika]

Second Person Singular is on my list, too.

[Sally]

I downloaded "The Innocents" by Francesca Segal, after reading about it on Erika's blog. What a delightful taspestry. Very reminiscent of Wharton's type of cultural anthropological novels. Then, this morning, I was on the Jewish Book Council's website, and I saw that Ms. Segal won the Sami Rohr prize for this novel. How wonderful!

I'm still reading the book, but I can already say that I highly recommend it.

[Erika]

Sally wrote: "I downloaded "The Innocents" by Francesca Segal, after reading about it on Erika's blog. What a delightful taspestry. Very reminiscent of Wharton's type of cultural anthropological novels. Then, th..."

So glad that you're enjoying it!

[Shui]

I just finished Confessions of a Jewish Cultbuster (2013) It is fascinating and informative in its first hand layout of how kids get into cults and how the Cultbuster works to get them out. I found most fascinating is that many ex cult members have to go back to the cult after they are deprogrammed to see for themselves thatit is garbage, although it is risky, it seems to work in most cases.


Overall very easy read and highly recommended

Confessions of a Jewish Cultbuster

[Sally]

Shui. That sounds like an interesting book.

I had a friend back in my high school days who ended up among the Rev. Moon followers. It's always been a point of reference -- and confusion -- for me. She had been so bright, lively, interesting and interested. Then, she became an automaton. I create all kinds of stories in my mind of how and why. But I'll never really understand it.

[Shui]

That must be so difficult for you.

[Sally]

Not as difficult as it is for her family, I'm sure. For me, I find it confusing. For them... I can't imagine their sense of loss.

[Shui]

I understand.

[Erika]

I am now a little more than 100 pages into Jonathan Kirsch's The Short, Strange Life of Herschel Grynszpan: A Boy Avenger, a Nazi Diplomat, and a Murder in Paris. I know and admire the author, so I'm not completely impartial, but I think this is a terrific book. I'd heard of Grynszpan (as likely many of you have), but I didn't know all of the history behind him and his fateful actions in Paris in 1938. Quite a story.

[Lorri]

I finished The Golem and the Jinni. It is a fascinating story, filled with historical content, superstition and so much more, in regards to immigrants and assimilation, family, blending the old with the new, the past with the present, humankind and its condition, and freedom versus enslavement.

It ran a bit long, at just about 500 pages, but I enjoyed the read.

[Tzipora]

I'm reading Chaim Potok's Davita's Harp. I tried reading it a few years ago but ended up in the hospital really sick and it was a library book that had to go back. But a friend visited me who was a big Potok fan like me and said this book was her favorite.

I've been reading a ton lately so I'm sure I've gone through other Jewish themed books recently. Actually let me check- I've been reading a bunch of graphic novels lately- Sarah Glidden's How To Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less. Its about her Birthright trip and she goes on it to try to better understand the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and is convinced Birthright is going to brainwash her. I definitely have very differing views but the trip did change her without brainwashing her and it was a good read. I've been wanting to loan it to a few friends I was recently debating Israel with. I think it has a place in helping other young people get a different look at things. Plus it made me really wish I was healthy enough to do Birthright.

Also read Rutu Modan's Jamalti and Other Stories. She's the author of the rather well known Exit Wounds. This was a short story collection (I am building up quite a collection of Israeli graphic novels and comics. Even own one or two not listed on Goodreads). Anyway seems there's mixed reviews but I enjoyed it. I think it had a very Israeli nature to it in terms of stories and even humor which may be why it didn't appeal to some of the reviewers.

Also read Unterzakhn by Leela Corman. The title is Yiddish for "Underthings" which sort of has a dual meaning. The graphic novel is full of Yiddish phrases though I think the author used some less common transliteration of many because there were a few points I tried to search out definitions but couldn't find them online. Its about two sisters in NY in 1910 who are first generation Americans and is kind of immigrant experience book. They each take separate paths- one sister becomes a dancer/ prostitute and the other a "lady doctor" aka the type who does abortions and such and ends up fanatically anti-marriage basically an early feminist. Interesting look at life for women in this time period and that's very much a major theme in this book. I found it at a book sale and didn't know anything about it except that its fairly new and the price was right! Not sure I'd have read it otherwise but I ended up really liking it and it was very interesting and unique.

[Erika]

Tzipora wrote: "Also read Rutu Modan's Jamalti and Other Stories. She's the author of the rather well known Exit Wounds. This was a short story collection (I am building up quite a collection of Israeli graphic novels and comics. Even own one or two not listed on Goodreads). Anyway seems there's mixed reviews but I enjoyed it. I think it had a very Israeli nature to it in terms of stories and even humor which may be why it didn't appeal to some of the reviewers."
I have EXIT WOUNDS from the library and hope to get to it very soon. Do you plan to read Modan's new book, The Property?

[Tzipora]

As for Pearl Abraham's Giving Up America, I liked it more than most looking at reviews. I haven't read The Romance Reader so I'm not sure what kind of style she uses there but she definitely had a particular style to this book. I can't quite explain how it made me feel but the dialogue was written without quotation marks so it all flowed in with everything else and it weirdly switched point of view to the husband towards the end a few times which was most odd because its told in third person to begin with and normally viewpoints shift when a book is written in first person. Anyway this is coming out sort of rambly but I'm not sure I've seen anyone write quite like that. It was also very alive of life which personally appeals to me though its a book that others may well read and say "nothing happens". That's not exactly true but the plot combined with the style do leave you feeling kind of distanced which I think was intentional and it fits. Ultimately its a tale of a husband and wife who are growing apart and that distance and the strange style of writing kind of put me in the wife's head. It worked well for me. Just not sure I'd recommend it to others because I'm sure it wouldn't work for many others.

I also realize that's a very vague description. It is a slow going book so I'm not sure how to describe it without just giving away the entire story. Sounds totally in appealing doesn't it? Yet again, it worked for me.

[Erika]

Reading a complimentary e-galley of My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel, by Ari Shavit, which was just named inaugural winner of the Natan Book Award.

[Sally]

This morning, my rabbi lent me Prooftexts A Journal of Jewish Literary History. I've put it beside my bed to start tonight. Looking forward to getting lost in the sense of wonder.

[Helen]

I fell in love with the cover of Helene Wecker's The Golem and The Jinni-- --and then I fell in love with the story. To me, Chava the Golem is a metaphor for all Jewish European women, freed from subservience by their arrival in America.

[Sally]

Definitely, Helen.

[Helen]

I haven't figured out if the Jinni is supposed to represent a particular group yet...he doesn't seem to be your typical immigrant. Maybe it will become clearer as I go further along.

[Sally]

I'll be interested in hearing what you end up deciding about him. Since you appear to be still reading the book, I won't chime in just yet.

[Helen]

That is so thoughtful of you! I'll be finishing it this weekend. Then we'll talk!

[Susan]

Haven't read much Jewish books lately. But, I am going to be reading Rav Hisda's Daughter for the second time time this year.

I am preparing for our Jewish Grand Strand Community reads". Our speaker, a female rabbi from our town in Myrtle Beach. She is such a great speaker.

She will be talking about magic,potions, amulets, women, and mysticm in Talmudic times. If anyone is going to be in Myrtle Beach area, you are welcome to join us.

[Sally]

Sounds like an interesting talk, Susan. Wish I were in the area to hear it.

[Tzipora]

Susan, that sounds like an awesome talk! I've only read the Rashi's Daughter's books but as those too somewhat discussed superstitions (like demons and I recall some pregnancy amulets and the like) I've been curious to know more about that part of Jewish history. Out of curiosity, how big is the Jewish community in the Myrtle Beach area? I've met a few southern Jews who always talk about the south (outside of Florida) as if its a Jewish wasteland and they're the only Jews around. Granted my own community in Metro Detroit isn't so big and the average age of the Jewish population puts it second to the community (communities?) in Florida in terms of age of the average community member though they've done a lot in recent years to reach out to people in their 20s-40s...

I'm guessing you enjoyed the Rav Hisda books since you're rereading. Have you read Rashi's Daughters? Are they similar? Better or worse? Same sort of female take on Jewish history? My dad and I shared the Rashi's Daughter's books and he was talking about them the last time we spoke and I mentioned we should get our hands on the new series!

[Helen]

I finished The Golem and the Jinni! I haven't written a review yet, but I will...I was gripped from start to finish, and it was lyrical and lovely. I loved everything about it. Definitely going to recommend this to everyone I know.

[Sally]

I agree Helen. I thoroughly enjoyed The Golem and the Jinni. I'll look forward to reading your review.

My rabbi recently lent me "Prooftexts: A Journal of Jewish Literary History" from January 1988, which focuses on women's voices in our Jewish literary heritage. I've only just begun it, and I find that I need to go slowly, trying to absorb the dense information and analyses. Fascinating.

My rabbi suggested it to me, because I confided in her that I'm researching a book that I probably won't start writing for another couple of years. (The research will be quite intense, and in the meantime, I have other books on the schedule.) As part of the research, I've also joined a women's Torah study at our synagogue. The first session will be in a few weeks, and I'm really looking forward to it. So, I suppose I should add the Torah to my current reading list.

[Helen]

Heh heh...good idea! I've had to learn Beresheit several times, as all my kids go through it in school...and to my astonishment, the stories just knock me down, time after time.

[Helen]

I finished The Golem and the Jinni. One of those books that I loved living in so much that I didn't want it to end. I'm going to recommend it to everyone I know. Here's the link to my Goodreads review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Helen]

I'm obsessed with finding out about the book of spells and incantations that Helene Wecker was referring to--I wonder if it's this one. Hmmm...wonder if they have this at the library? http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/97...

[Sally]

Let me know if you find it, Helen. I'm curious too.

[Tzipora]

Awesome review Helen! After so, so much talk on the book and such an awesome review- Honestly Helen, I loved it and am even more interested as you've described not wanting it to end and not wanting to put it down even when you were done. Loving a book that much is one of the best things in life, I think. I definitely need to get my hands on this book!

[Helen]

Thank you for the kind words, Tzipora! It's a really wonderful book!

[Sally]

I'd definitely agree about Golem & Jinni. A very enjoyable book, filled with a sense of wonder.

[Helen]

I hope she writes a sequel. I'd love to see where she goes with these characters.

[Sally]

It does appear to be set up for a sequel.

[Erika]

This weekend I had the pleasure of reading a complimentary copy of To Sing Away the Darkest Days, by Norbert Hirschhorn. Post to follow on my blog.

[Susan]

Tzipora wrote: "Susan, that sounds like an awesome talk! I've only read the Rashi's Daughter's books but as those too somewhat discussed superstitions (like demons and I recall some pregnancy amulets and the like)..."

The answer to your question, debating about it. I would say yes, that they are about strong women. Since, the father raised the children, not the typical for a girl in those days to be torah scholars. But, my reason to pick it up. I was astonished to learn about sorcery, and Enchantress was "legal" in Judiasm. I always thought prayer was accepted. If you think beyond g-d that is a no-no. I was brought believing that anything with magic was out of the norm. Then learning that Rav Hisda's Daughter was a enchantress. That just blows my mind. To the answer of the southern experience of South, specifically, Myrtle Beach. Most of the people are transplants from the north. But, if you belong to a temple, you don't feel Jewishly isolated. I was at one time active, but not lately. But because I live in a resort area, it may not be as bad. I still miss the culture of the north. I used to belong to a academic literary book club. But, down south they are more social than anything else. That is what I miss is the book festivals, Jewish movie festivals. ballets, and symphonies, etc.

[Susan]

I have been following the thread. Many of you have been talking about the Golem and the Jenni. I am excited, this year we did Rav Hasdi's Daughter for our community Jewish Read. Next year we are reading The Golem and the Jenni. I am so excited. Our Jewish Grand Strand Reads is tomorrow and looking forward to the announcement of our next book. Hope they are all excited as much as I.

[Thelma]

You might be interested in Mirta Trupp's With Love: The Argentine Family. I've posted an interview with Mirta on my blog, www.widowsphere.blogspot.com.
If you have a memoir and would like to be featured, send me a private message and I'll get you on the schedule. Meanwhile, check out Mirta.

[Sally]

I've been wanting to read Mirta's book. This has put it higher on the pile for me now. Thank you, Thelma.

[Mirta]

Thelma wrote: "You might be interested in Mirta Trupp's With Love: The Argentine Family. I've posted an interview with Mirta on my blog, www.widowsphere.blogspot.com.
If you have a memoir and would like to be f..."

Thank you for providing this platform. I enjoyed your questions
I think the interview was successful, even if I do say so myself!

[Helen]

I'm reading Josephus's The Jewish Wars today, in honor of Tisha B'Av. His first-hand descriptions of the massacres and destruction of Jerusalem are immediate and horrific. So, I guess I'm grateful that he wrote it...but it's a very difficult read. He's such a suck-up when it comes to the Romans! Has anybody else read it?

[Sally]

I'll be facilitating the first of our temple's woman's Torah study group this coming Saturday. So, I spent the morning on my back porch reading Genesis 1 and 2 and various commentaries. Given that I consider myself a secular Jew, and that the last time I studied Torah was for my conformation, I'm finding this all very fascinating.

On the other hand, I've just started "Redwood and Wildfire" by Andrea Hairston, which is comes to the sacred from a very different tradition, quite exquisitely.

[Susan]

Tzipora wrote: "Susan, that sounds like an awesome talk! I've only read the Rashi's Daughter's books but as those too somewhat discussed superstitions (like demons and I recall some pregnancy amulets and the like)..."
Rav Hisda's Daughter is better than Rashi. I think

[Susan]

I finished reading The Golem and the Jenni over a week ago. I can't stop thinking about it. Awesome. I have been putting off posting. Because I want to do justice to the post. I have been preoccupied. I hope to have it up the end of the week. I wanted it to go on the Jewish Book Carnival, but that did not happen. I may use it next month instead.

I am not into fantasy, but It is a awesome novel. You have to get beyond the weird stuff. I promise you this is the best book. I am voting on our community read for this one. In my life time the best book of all time. Can anyone see this as a movie? I can.

Historical fiction, romance, thriller, fantasy, Jewish folklore all rolled up into one.

[Sally]

I too enjoyed The Golem and the Jenni. The fact is it takes the best of fantasy and uses it. what is unfortunate is that most folks think of fantasy in terms of pulp-type stories about fairies or vampires. But the best is more along the lines of this book.

[Helen]

Susan wrote: "I finished reading The Golem and the Jenni over a week ago. I can't stop thinking about it. Awesome. I have been putting off posting. Because I want to do justice to the post. I have been preoccu..."

Yes! Literary fantasy! When the fantasy character is a commentary on the real world. Incidentally, another book that deals with fantasy in this way--and has a Jewish element to it--is The Ocean at The End of the Lane, by Neil Gaiman. An exquisite book. If anyone is interested in my review, it's at http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

[Sally]

I have enjoyed Gaiman's work. After reading your review, Helen, I've put this one on my to-read list. Thanks.

[Helen]

I hope you like it!

[Thelma]

My book club is reading Peony by Pearl Buck. Peony is a chinese bondservant who lives in a Jewish household. I'm enjoying it but I did notice a glaring mistake. A few days after the seder the family is eating bread on Friday night.

[Erika]

Highly recommend The Property. Read it in a single sitting last night.