On the Same Page, a Jewish-themed reading program
On the Same Page, a community reading program with a Jewish theme, has picked My Father's Paradise by Ariel Sabar as its 2009 book. The program of the Center for Jewish Education, includes group discussions, a related film presentation and a May 7 reading by Sabar, who is a former Baltimore Sun reporter.
Sabar writes about his father, Yona, who grew up in a mud hut in Iraq, fled to Israel with thousands of other Iraqi Jews, and wound up as a professor of Aramaic at UCLA. The book also touches on the sometimes strained relationship between father and son.
I really liked the book, as did my book club. It's an interesting look at the life of Iraqi Jews, the exodus to a not-so-welcoming Israel, and Yona's further travels to America. Sabar also was unflinching in describing his relationship with his father.
Readers who register online or at 410-735-5000 will receive a half-price coupon for the book and a chance to have dinner with Sabar on the night of his reading.
Readers also can sign up for a discussion guide or to receive “Aramaic Unplugged,” a periodic email offering insight into the ancient language spoken by the Iraqi Jewish community described in the book.
On the Same Page began in 2007 with The Ministry of Special Cases by Nathan Englander. Last year's book was Outwitting History: The Amazing Adventures of a Man Who Rescued a Million Yiddish Books by Aaron Lansky.
Approximately 600 people participated in the program through online registration, book groups and/or event attendance, according to organizers.
Comments
I'm really curious to read this. A very good friend of mine is the child of immigrants precisely like this (similar story) and not only would she really like this, but I suspect I would too.
Posted by: Biblibio | February 19, 2009 2:33 PM