Boom and Chains: A Yiddish novel Set in Israel/Palestine, Hanan Ayalti

So many aspects of this book are fascinating and informative. Even the glossary is fun to read! Originally published in 1936 in Palestine in Yiddish, this is really two books in one, a fascinating novel and an extraordinary essay about its time and place. Keep in mind, before World War II, before the founding of the state of Israel, before October 7, 2023, the characters' (and there are many) discussions sound like our contemporary dilemmas, both philosophical and practical. Before getting to British Mandate Palestine, the goal of the halutzim (Jewish immigrants) is worker solidarity, both Arab and Jewish workers together, and so there is tension from the start between Zionist Jews, the British, the Effendis (landlords/owners who sell land to the Jews), and the fellahin (traditional rural farmers and peasants who work the land). “In Poland, the Arabs existed as words, as difficult discussions, an Arab question.” Here they suddenly materialized in the form of people. The idealism of the halutzim is palpable as they struggle with malaria, hunger, and the harsh conditions of mud and sand everywhere, contrasted with the excitement of sexual freedom. They have long, fierce ideological arguments and worry about their souls. It’s also 1929; there are riots, the Port of Haifa is being built, Tel Aviv is young, and Jaffa is changing. The Bedouins have a place too. Why would they welcome the kibbutzniks who want to drain the swamps, resulting in them losing their water? (Does this sound like today’s news?) And naive Motke responds, “Nu, we’ll organize together with them in a struggle against imperialism…” Zalman, Motke's friend, is the character to follow in the novel. He very much mirrors Ayalti's thinking during this period. Motke challenges his idealistic, socialist, communist ideas with, "How will you solve the Jewish question? You don't deny the economic abnormality of the Jewish masses, the antisemitism, the persecutions and pogroms!" Enjoy your read! I did.

My daughter Ronit recommends: Peck & Peck, Bonnie Garmus

The number one bestselling author of global sensation Lessons in Chemistry returns with a captivating new novel, an irresistible, delightful, and tender story about a young man, Batter Gray, a young man whose life turns upside down when he lands his “dream” job at the most prestigious, secretive, and dysfunctional poetry journal in the world: the renowned Peck & Peck of New York City. He discovers that despite its high-profile reputation, Peck & Peck is a quirky, chaotic, and strangely managed place to work. Batter is named after his mother’s heroic dog. An identical twin who lost his brother at birth, he finds himself confronted by the everyday dualities that make up life: right vs. wrong, truth vs. lies, rejection vs. acceptance. It’s almost as if his dead brother is a reminder: there are always two sides to every story. The author of Lesson in Chemistry (and if you haven’t read that… read that too!) has written a terrific and engaging new book. Peck & Peck was entertaining, interesting, and like the poetry the magazine is seeking, original.

Clare recommends: The Boxcar Children Graphic Novel, adapted by Meika Hashimoto

Gertrude Chandler Warner’s classic novel has been re-imagined, so the next generation can still daydream about being an orphan living in a boxcar. Vibrant illustrations bring the characters and story to life. It follows the same plot as the first book in the original series. Despite the first Boxcar Children novel having been originally published over 100 years ago, I think this story still has a lot to offer young readers today. It emphasizes self-reliance and gratitude, reminding readers that you can make a home anywhere, as long as you have your family. I would recommend this book for readers between the ages of 7 and 11. The great thing about graphic novels is the way they can grow with their readers, as children start to focus less on the pictures and more on the story. Growing up, I always received eight books for Chanukah, and I think I would have been excited to receive this one!