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NonFiction

Lots of people shy away from nonfiction, thinking that it’s going to be dense, dry and dreary. But well-written nonfiction, especially narrative nonfiction, can be as exciting as the latest best-selling mystery or romance. Biography easily lends itself to good narration since it’s the story of people’s lives, while history is a close second when it tells the story of true events.

As with previously recommended books, these are available in both the BCCLS system and in our library.

My favorite new Jewish interest non-fiction book is The Art Spy by Michelle Young,  the story of museum curator Rose Valland who during the Nazi occupation of Paris almost singlehandedly saved a massive number of works of art from being snatched illegally by important Nazis. Especially important was a large collection of degenerative art. While Valland was not Jewish, many of the art collectors and dealers targeted were since many private collectors were Jewish as were major gallery owners.  I found this to be a compulsive read even though I knew the basic story of Mlle Valland and the brutal treatment of the works of art.

Called “riveting” and “a welcome contribution to the literature on slavery,” Fear No Pharaoh: American Jews, the Civil War and the fight to end slavery by Richard Kreitner looks at the issue of slavery in the 19th century through the eyes of six Jews including Judah P. Benjamin and Ernestine Rose. Though fact-filled, the vivid prose should carry the reader along.

Timing is everything and the timing of its publication affected the publicity for Chuck Schumer’s very personal Antisemitism in America: a warning which was released right at the point when Schumer supported President Trump’s budget proposal. This is a deeply personal look at the history and state of antisemitism with which a reader may disagree. But it is accessible and an important read for our fractious times.  Tangentially related is the now classic How Jews Became White Folks and What that Says about Race in America by Karen Brodkin.

Young readers and their grown-ups- especially those who play tennis- will enjoy the picture book biography Perfect Match: the story of Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton by Lori Dubbin. Both American Althea Gibson and British Angela Buxton had a difficult time being accepted in professional tennis circles in the 1950s, Althea because of her race and Angela because of her religion. They ultimately teamed up and became tennis champs. Angela’s career was cut short by injury, but Althea went on to win the singles’ match at Wimbledon. Colorful cartoonlike illustrations clearly show the friendship between the two players.

This last featured non-fiction book is for the whole family. In What Does Jewish Look Like?,  authors Liz Kleinrock and Caroline Kusin Pritchard highlight the vast variety of individuals who called themselves Jews. Included are historical figures as well as contemporary figures from all areas of achievement and identities. The simple, colorful illustrations by Iris Gottlieb jump off the pages and the individuals often seem to be caught mid-motion or staring right at the reader. Each double-page spread includes a biographical entry as well as a quick fact or two about the person. This is not a typical group biography. Readers of all ages will be amazed at the variety of ways to be and look Jewish.

  • Aileen Grossberg

    Aileen Grossberg, a professional librarian, is a long-time congregant and serves as volunteer librarian for Shomrei's Lampert Library. The library, one of the best-kept secrets at Shomrei is used by the Rabbi, congregants, students and teachers of the JLC (Hebrew School) and Preschool. It's a tremendous resource completely supported by your donations and gifts. Aileen also heads the Shomrei Caterers, the in-house food preparation group. Can there be any better combination…good food and good books!

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