Showing posts with label 2014 Book Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2014 Book Challenge. Show all posts

Monday, February 10, 2014

2014 Book Challenge: Margot by Jillian Cantor

Margot by Jillian Cantor
Riverhead, 2013
338 pages

What if Margot Frank, Anne Frank's older sister, had survived the camps?

Examining the post-Holocaust Jewish experience, set in about the same year as Between Friends by Amos Oz, by imagining the life of Margot Frank if she had survived Bergen-Belsen. Margo Frank has recreated her life as Margie Franklin, working as a legal secretary in Philadelphia.

2014 Book Challenge: Between Friends by Amos Oz

Between Friends by Amos Oz
Houghton-Mifflin, 2013
212 p.

A collection of eight inter-related stories about kibbutz life in the late 1950s - and more. The lives of the characters reflect the flaws and inevitable failings of the kibbutz. So beautifully written. I am in awe of writers who can convey so much with such an economy of words. It makes me want to read more by Amos Oz but I am intimidated by his intellect. But, I will try. Also makes me want to learn more about the kibbutz movement and how it evolved and changed.

I stayed at Kibbutz Lavi in Northern Israel a year ago. Quite an elegant place, very beautiful.


Saturday, January 18, 2014

2014 Book Challenge: Seven Blessings by Ruchama King Feuerman

My daughter and I have challenged each other to read a number of books this year. She thinks she can toss down 100 books. I'm more realistic: I'm aiming for 50. I think she's already finished four or five. I'm on number two.

 Book One: Seven Blessings by Ruchama King Feuerman . Although ostensibly about matchmaking in contemporary Jerusalem, it is much more than that. The characters search for their own soul mate or a match for someone else becomes part of their own search for understanding - of themselves, of G-d, of Torah. Satisfying and thoughtful look at modern Jerusalem and a small slice of religious Jews. Four and one half stars. What does the title mean: Seven Blessings, or shevat brachot are the blessings said for the bride and groom at their wedding.