Make Hanukkah a Literary Fest: My ‘Jewish’ Book List for 2011

Looking for books to give Jewish friends and relatives as gifts? Linda K. Wertheimer, a voracious reader and writer, offers nine suggestions, one for each night of Hanukkah and that ninth candle, the shamash. Continue reading

Welcome to the March Jewish Book Carnival, a Feast of Literary Posts

o roller coaster rides. No cotton candy. But as host of this month’s Jewish Book Carnival, I’m happy to bring you a wide range of posts about the Jewish literary world and Jewish writing in general. You’ll find whimsy, poignancy, deep thought about writing about faith, book reviews and even a bit of travelogue about the Jerusalem International Book Fair. Continue reading

Author reveals challenges of writing about faith in interview

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Author Dani Shapiro recently gave a reading of her memoir, Devotion, at Porter Square Books in Cambridge. She was low-key, yet mesmerizing as she spoke about her personal search for spirituality. A few days later, I interviewed the 47-year-old author by phone.

Shapiro, who spoke from her home in Connecticut, was candid about her search for spirituality, her challenges in writing the book, and her continued attempts to add Jewish ritual to her life.

Dani Shapiro writes poignant, provocative memoir

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This 40-something Jewish mother and writer found a lot to love in author Dani Shapiro’s new memoir, Devotion. Shapiro, a provocative, frank, and skillful writer, is also a 40-something Jewish mother. She riveted me from start to end with her story about her journey to understand where spirituality fits in her own and her family’s life. Bostonians can hear her in person this week: She will do a reading at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Porter Square Books in Cambridge.