NEWS AND REVIEWS

Books Falafel Nation by Yael Raviv Praise from the Jewish Book Council: “. . . a detailed, meticulously researched, academic assessment of the ways in which Zionist political goals, local demographics and economics, Labor Zionism’s emphasis on the revival of Jewish agriculture on biblical soil, and more all combined to create modern Israeli identity on both national and individual levels . . . a thought-provoking read for someone interested in a detailed, intellectual exploration of the origins of Israeli identity from a new perspective.” So, How Long Have You Been Native? by Alexis C. Bunten Recommendation from Alaska Dispatch News: “Bunten wanders over … Continue reading NEWS AND REVIEWS

NEWS AND REVIEWS

Books How Winter Began by Joy Castro Recommendation from NBC News: “The startling range of these 28 stories (many of them, at two pages, poignant examples of flash fiction) bring depth and dimension to the complex lives of women, mostly Latina and mostly working class. Castro’s compressed narratives are as fulfilling as the longer stories and their purpose is to mine the rich interior of women whose roles in society are usually overlooked, whose voices are seldom heard. A stand-out story is ‘Independence Day,’ a piece of historical fiction based on the little-known life of Josefa Segovia, whose lynching in … Continue reading NEWS AND REVIEWS

NEWS AND REVIEWS

Books Washington Merry-Go-Round by Drew Pearson Edited by Peter Hannaford Review from the New Yorker: “This new installment shows even more convincingly the extent of Pearson’s direct involvement in politics, often at the Presidential level, and the degree to which it derived not just from standard elements of ego and competitiveness but also from an emotionally committed world view.” You Will Never See Any God by Ervin D. Krause Edited by Timothy Schaffert Attention from the Chicago Tribune: “Schaffert later reached out to Loretta, who’d saved all of her husband’s work. In 2014, Bison Books, the trade imprint of the University … Continue reading NEWS AND REVIEWS

From the desk of Jay Gallentine: The Saga of Mars

Jay Gallentine is a historian and filmmaker who has spent more than ten years researching the history of unmanned spaceflight. He is the author of Infinity Beckoned: Adventuring Through the Inner Solar System, 1969–1989 (January 2016) and Ambassadors from Earth: Pioneering Explorations … Continue reading From the desk of Jay Gallentine: The Saga of Mars

NEWS AND REVIEWS

Books Cora Du Bois by Susan C. Seymour Praise from the Los Angeles Book Review: “Seymour’s book reads like a detective novel in parts, a history in others, as she follows the adventurous life of a ‘distant observer of mankind.’ . . . Susan Seymour makes clear the irony of a woman with principle—a patriotic American who attempted to see beyond the present — being first rewarded by her country and then defamed by its intelligence agencies for doing so. There are important contemporary lessons here. If we don’t know where we have come from, we can’t see where our country … Continue reading NEWS AND REVIEWS

NEWS AND REVIEWS

Books Falafel Nation By Yael Raviv Applause from the Kirkus Reviews: “What’s in a falafel? By the lights of food-studies and nutrition adjunct professor Raviv, it’s not just chickpeas and pita bread, but also identity . . . The author is particularly good on pressing the point that such cuisines are seldom fixed but instead constantly adapt as new groups enter and as time changes.” The Heart of the Matter By Arthur Green Recommendation from CHOICE: “The why rather than the how of practicing Judaism is the central focus that draws together this collection of literary essays . . . Green engages with the intricacies of Kabbalah, Hasidic masters, classical … Continue reading NEWS AND REVIEWS

NEWS AND REVIEWS

BOOKS Return to Zion by Eric Gartman Thumbs-up from the Kirkus Reviews: “A thorough, proficient overview that quietly hums a pro-Jewish tune.” Cheated by Jay M. Smith and Mary Willingham A review from CHOICE: “…the authors meticulously lay out the patterns of systemic corruption and lack of institutional control.  This book should be required reading for everyone, both those on campus and fans in the stands or in front of their flat-screens.” Sharing Our Knowledge Edited by Sergei Kan with Steve Henrikson Recommendation from CHOICE: “Typically, the more interesting a book is, the more tangents are available to readers.  This book sent this … Continue reading NEWS AND REVIEWS