L'Shana Tovah -- "Happy new year"
To mark the Jewish New Year, which begins at sundown (year 5,770 if you're keeping track), I'll be looking for an inspirational book. "Have a Little Faith" by Mitch Albom may be my choice for the holidays. Albom, who wrote "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "Five People You Meet in Heaven," again explores the meaning of our lives. In this case, he examines issues related to faith in inter-woven tales about a rabbi and a minister. The book is scheduled for a Sept. 29 release, but I'll get a jump with a review copy.
Looking back on the past year, here are some selections that my book club enjoyed:
"My Father's Paradise" by Ariel Sabar. The tale of a poor Iraqi Jew who winds up as an Aramaic professor at UCLA -- and his sometimes-strained relationship with his son, the author.
"Fragile Branches" by James R. Ross. A look at groups of people in remote areas of Peru, Uganda and other countries who worship in non-traditional ways but seek acceptance among Jewish and Israeli authorities.
"A Pigeon and a Boy" by Meir Shalev. A somewhat fanciful tale that knits together romances in modern day Israel and during the war for independence, while exploring the meaning of "home."
Comments
I really enjoy this man's writing. I absolutely fell in love with 5 people You Meet in Heaven. I read it at a time I was having a crisis of confidence.
I can't wait for the new one! Mark the date on my calendar!
Posted by: Patricia Hafer | September 19, 2009 12:38 AM
I had the pleasure or receiving an advanced copy of HAVE A LITTLE FAITH. The book is - I think - Albom's best so far. It's the perfect gift for the holidays for both YOURSELF and those you love.
To the person who posted above, you can pre-order the book on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com! So order it today!
Join me back here for discussion after you've all had a chance to read it. It's a really, really important book.
Posted by: Lulu Belle | September 19, 2009 3:40 PM