Chronicle poll results: Jewish-themed books
We asked our readers how many Jewish-themed books they have read in the last year. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “How many Jewish-themed books have you read in the last year?” Of the 179 people who responded, 19% said none; 42% said 1-3; 19% said 4-6; and 20% said 7 or more. Comments were submitted by 26 people. A few follow.
Reading this genre keeps me more attuned to my Jewish soul.
I am not a book reader in general. I do read articles dealing with Jews and Jewish issues.
Most have World War II Holocaust themes.
I’m in the Chronicle Book Club and the selections are excellent! I’m also in a book club at my temple.
We read weekly parsha commentaries and books related to Jewish history, Israel and Zionism.
I sometimes have trouble finding Jewish books at the library. I guess that since some of them aren’t bestsellers, they don’t buy them.
My Judaica library comprises more than several thousand volumes.
I have always read Holocaust-related books because it is vital that we remember that horrific time in history and in the life of Jews. To remember is not to forget — and to forget would be an abomination to the memories of the 6 million.
I belong to a Jewish book club. We question what makes a book Jewish. The topic? The author? The characters in the book?
My library book groups have read quite a few books of Jewish content over the years, and since I am the only Jewish person in the groups I have to “translate” anything that they don’t understand. It usually leads to much discussion. I love it!
What is a Jewish-themed book, really? If it has Jewish values in it — even if the characters and/or events are not specifically Jewish — then it can be a Jewish-themed book, especially when it is discussed at a book group. And this is especially true of children’s books. PJC
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