Monday, September 15, 2008

I am added this post on my blog about the book Matrimony by Joshua Henkin.
He is a Jewish author. The question always arises what makes a Jewish book.
The author? The time period??( The old country), the Jewish customs( Friday Shabbat candles)?
Does just being Jewish make you a Jewish author. I have pondered this question every time a Jewish author publishes a book. Let me know your thoughts. Any one know of any Jewish Book Blogs out there that have answered the question. Let me know by leaving a comment.
There is a contest at B&B. The contest ends soon. Visit and leave a comment.

Here is a contest that can't be beat. Bethany at B&B exlibres is having a drawing for the book Matrimony. The drawing will be on September 22nd. This a great time for this drawing.

Because of the Book Appreciation Week. He has nice things to say.
You can read what he has to say about book clubs over at Books on the Brain.
You want to talk about dedicated you must read what his daughter and him were talking about
when it deals with book clubs. Also when I visited books on the brain, Lisa is having a contest there and lots of background info. I would check it out. Then Bethany added more comments on
Matrimony. I would check that out again here. This post was written in June. This also has a nice video and lots of links to other bloggers reviews.

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Joshua Henkin is giving one signed copy of his new book Matrimony, in paperback away to one super-special commenter!!! Seriously this book has been all over the web, and back and I am guessing you just HAVE to read it. This week is Book Blogger Appreciation Week as well, and this giveaway will add to the love being posted around this bloggie-blog world.

To enter the drawing:
1.) Comment on this post for one entry
2.) Post about it on your blog for an additional two entries.

The super-lucky-ducky winner will be chosen on the 22nd!!!

For more information on the book you can head over to Joshua Henkin's website, or you can go to amazon of indie bound for ratings and to purchase the book.

Here is what your fellow book bloggers had to say about Matrimony:

Rebecca of The Book Lady's Blog
Chartroose of Bloody Hell, It's a Book Barrage!
Jennifer of The Literate Housewife
Trish of Hey lady! Whatcha readin'?
Gautami of My Own Little Reading Room
Bookfool of Bookfoolery and Babble
Mrs. S of 50 Book Challenge
Lisa of Books on the Brain
Heather J. of Age 30 - A Year of Books
Gayle of Everyday I Write the Book Blog
Becca of The Inside Cover
Dewey of Hidden Side of a Leaf
Tanabata of In Spring it is the Dawn
Trish of Trish's Reading Nook
Amy of My Friend Amy
Julie of Booking Mama
Bethany of B&b Ex Lib

6 comments:

Marie Cloutier said...

I don't know what makes a book Jewish and it was interesting pondering this question as I decided whether or not to add Henkin's book to the temple library collection where i work. In the end I decided in favor of adding the book to the collection but it's a little bit of a stretch for me still.

Unknown said...

Marie, do you know of any Jewish Book Bloggers only. That is not aimed at religious books. I am trying to get the word out about my Jewish book blog. Also if you would let your temple members know that I am out there, or anyone that may be interested. Since you are a librarian I thought you may have ideas.
I thought you would like to know that I follow your blog regularly. My whole family lineage is from Newton Centre. I used to visit my grandparents in Nantasket Beach. It used to be a summer spot. I have heard it is not like that anymore. I get a kick when you talk about the area because I remember it when I was a kid. I feel connected. Most of my favorite authors are from New England, Jewish or not. Sorry, I am ranting. I guess that is why my blog is called Jewish Ranting.

Bonnie said...

This is an interesting question. I think that what makes a book Jewish is the topic/theme/storyline. I have Jewish heritage and enjoy books about the Jewish culture and people. I will follow your blog Susan and pass on info to my Jewish friends.

Marie Cloutier said...

There's Jew Wishes; the writer is named Lori and I have a link to her under "friends and finds" on my site. Then there's the Book of Life podcast (bookoflifepodcast.com I think) which focuses on Jewish childrens books. I am putting together a collection of links of Jewish book bloggers for my library's collection of resources and will definitely include yours! :-) I'm so glad you like my blog, thank you for your kind words. The Boston area is great, lots of Jewish culture here. Your blog is terrific & I'm glad I found you! :-)

Sandra said...

Interesting question. I have always read and loved Jewish literature. I'm not Jewish , although my step-grandfather was and I adored him. There's was nothing in Matrimony beyond Mia's family background and a mention or two of things Jewish that made it a book of Jewish interest to my mind. The subject, characters, religion, history or context have to have something to do with Judaism, or the Jewish people to make it Jewish lit. I don't think that just the author being Jewish is enough. That's this goy's opinion anyway.
I reviewed Matrimony and am having a giveaway right now as it happens. I enjoyed the story very much and recommend it. Glad I found your blog.

anne said...

I have read many Jewish books and enjoyed them immensely. Many are about World War 11 and the Holocaust. Others are about relationships and family sagas. What makes them Jewish is their ability to understand the people and their emotions. I read all of Isaac Bashevis Singer's books. I read Sarah's Key which was sad but wonderful. Your blog is fabulous and unique.

 
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