Guide to Jewish Literature - January/February 2023

With Madeleine Albright, Stuart Eizenstat, Aminatta Forna, Azar Nafisi, Leo J. O’Donovan, Samantha Power, Cynthia Schneider, Timothy Snyder, David Strathairn, and Deborah Tannen

Richly illustrated with stills from the black-and-white film adaptation of the acclaimed stage play, Remember This tells the story of Holocaust witness Jan Karski, who risked his life to carry reports from war-torn Poland to the Allied nations and Oval Office. This play carries forward his legacy of bearing witness so others may follow his example to share the truth and fight for human rights.

Days are bad in the Great Depression of the 1930s. But for little Willie Mittleman and the Mittleman clan in their Bronx, NY neighborhood, life is still good, proving that laughter and love will always be the lifesaving forces to rescue us from adversity and pain.  A big-hearted gem. Funny, touching and insightful.  For readers of all ages.  

Welcome to Otisville Prison in upstate NY– the only Jewish prison in the federal system – where a talkative crew of white-collar criminals, led by a rabbi and fellow convict, hold daily services, debate Talmud and ethics…until a celebrity inmate’s arrival upends everything. “A puckish Philip-Rothesque satire” – Publishers Weekly.  “Delectable . . . glorious . . . you want immediately to read it all over again . . . this most cherishably Jewish of books.” – Jewish Chronicle.  

Inspired by a real-life incident. When a favorite teacher gives an assignment requiring students to pretend they’re Nazis and debate the Final Solution, two brave teens speak up and refuse to participate. The situation explodes, forcing the school and larger community to confront antisemitism and bigotry. What does it take for tolerance, justice, and love to prevail? Find out in this riveting, fast-paced, multi-award-winning novel.

A compelling crime story stretching from Dallas to the timeless cosmos, Angels in Dallas is also a search for lost identity and quest for ancient dogma against the backdrop of the city’s mid-1980s chintzy glitz. Texas history, mythic Judaica, sinister schemes, Nazi remnants and quirky characters, including hard-boiled, hard-drinking reporter Sam Silver, who stumbles upon the biggest story of his life, fuel this mystery thriller. Written by a Pulitzer Prize winner, this is a rollicking ride to the last page.

An award-winning and riveting historical novel of four generations of an immigrant family. When matriarch Ida escapes a pogrom in Ukraine determined to save her family, she cannot foresee the struggles of her descendants. Through war, mental illness, secrets and betrayal, each generation’s actions impact the lives of the next, as love and loyalty is tested by secrets and betrayal. You will recognize these family members and grieve and rejoice with them. Readers cannot put the book down. Gift it for the holidays. Pick it for your book club and author will Zoom with you for a lively conversation. 

Saga of Generations is a family story of Jewish people, some who escaped the horrific murderous ways of Russia taking place in 1818, going through generations over four continents, including the World War 1. This book includes love, lust, and heartache. Read and you will feel that each of these characters are part of your family.