As a Driven Leaf by Milton Steinberg - recommended by Shirley

An intriguing novel following the life of Elisha ben Abuya, this book full of history, passion and struggle takes place at the end of the first century. It recounts the struggles of Christians and Jews and offers insight into the Talmud and its teachings. I couldn't put it down.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - recommended by Jen

One of the most engrossing books I’ve ever read, The Book Thief is a sympathetic portrait of the children of Third Reich Germany as they try to understand the evil and chaos that surrounds them. Grim, but uplifting, told from a unique point of view, and celebrating the value of stories and the different ways we tell them. Once you start it, you will not be able to put it down.

Dot Dead by Keith Raffel - recommended by Linda

Part of what makes this well-written mystery so enjoyable is that it takes place in Palo Alto. And you'll never guess who did it.

The Israelis by Donna Rosenthal - recommended by Janet

A vivid collection of personal anecdotes creates a picture of the State of Israel that you don't see on CNN. You'll read about the Jews and non-Jews who are creating the unique Israeli culture and society by the lives they live.

Let it be Morning by Sayed Kashua - recommended by Ceevah

A sympathetic look at the life of an Israeli Arab journalist and his native village. His internal musings let me understand his personal conflicts with external social and political events.

The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit by Lucette Lagnado - recommended by Martine

Lagnado tells the compelling story of her father, a glamorous figure in Cairo, in the years between World War II and Nasser's rise to power. Like many Jews living in Arab countries, they are forced to flee, finally settling in New York. Lagnado is a voice for the thousands of unheard “Arab Jews” who became refugees all over the world. Most of all, it is the story of the love of a daughter for her amazing father.

Much Ado about Jessie Kaplan by Paula Marantz Cohen - recommended by Lisa

This heartwarming tale spans the centuries, traveling between Shakespeare's Venice and modern day New Jersey. A little social commentary, a little romance, and a lot of family meshugas and knowing humor, with some classic literature and psychology woven in. An enjoyable read.

The Rabbi's Cat by Joann Sfar - recommended by Ceevah

These wonderfully whimsical drawings drew me into an hysterically funny fantasy of North African Jews encountering a different culture when they moved to France.

Rashi's DaughtersI: Yoheved by Maggie Anton - recommended by Linda

Something for everyone—Talmud, winemaking and sex. I'm eagerly awaiting Book Three: Rachel!

Rashi's Daughters II: Miriam by Maggie Anton - recommended by Danielle

This is a juicy story that allows the reader to imagine eleventh-century life and the people who lived then. The bits of Talmud add some intellectual interest. This feminist take on life in Rashi's household is a very good read.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant - recommended by Danielle

A feminist retelling of the life of Leah's youngest daughter, who is barely mentioned in the Torah. Through Diamant's description of daily life, you feel part of her family, among her aunts and brothers in their close knit group. It made me rethink the bible story I learned in school.

A Table for One by Aharon Appelfeld - recommended by Martine

A departure from his usual work about the Holocaust, this memoir is a strong, powerful story that takes you to the many cafes where the author wrote his books. He transports you to a world that no longer exists and introduces you to the people who become part of his life and stories.

When the Grey Beetles Took Over Baghdadby Mona Yahia - recommended by Ronnie

This wonderfully descriptive novel portrays a very real human side to living in a war-torn city while capturing the unwieldy emotions of a teen-ager coming of age in a tumultuous country. Easy to read and captures the feelings of the era.

The World to Come by Dara Horn - recommended by ellen

At the risk of being hyperbolic, I think Dara Horn is creating a new literary language for American Jews. A wide-ranging novel which is also a mystery, this book takes you from the Jewish singles scene in Manhattan to an orphanage in Soviet Russia where Chagall taught to the jungles of Vietnam to a vision of life before birth. It reminds me of some of the great Yiddish novelists in its sweep and ambition.

Yiddish for Dogs by Janet Perr - recommended by Doris

Love Yiddish? Love dogs? You'll love this book. An alphabetical list of common Yiddish words and their definitions accompanied by adorable pictures of irresistible pooches. This book would make a great gift for anyone in your mishpochah and is a must of Jewish dog-lovers.