Nice Jewish Books

How many lives can one person live—and still know who he truly is? Joseph has already lived several lives when he crosses the border from Lebanon into British Mandate Palestine. Once a beloved son in a Jewish home in Lebanon, he was later left to live at a convent, where he became a medical assistant to the convent doctor and the adjacent psychiatric hospital. But everything changes when Joseph becomes involved in a Haganah operation. His journey takes him from medical assistant to spy for the Haganah and, later, the Israel Defense Forces. As Joseph moves through one identity after another, he must confront a profound question: After living so many lives, can Joseph remember who he really is—and finally find peace? Follow along with the transcript.   Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here. Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.  

What happens when a road trip becomes a journey of self-discovery—and maybe love? In Shelly Jay Shore's latest novel, Love Me Like a Rock Star, Delilah sets out on the honeymoon trip she planned before her rock-star fiancé broke her heart. Along for the ride is Emmet, a closeted golem honoring his late father's final wishes. Their cross-country adventure takes them through queer hotspots, stunning national parks, unexpected discoveries—and perhaps even toward love. 💕🏳️‍🌈 Join me for a conversation with Shelly Jay Shore about Love Me Like a Rock Star, creativity, identity, self-determination, and finding your way when life takes an unexpected turn. Follow along with the transcript. Support the author and Translate Gender by pre-ordering her book at High Five Books.   Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.  

Ten years after teen-aged Sydney vanished on a camping trip in the Azores, counselors, fellow campers, and her family come together to reconnect, remember her, and dedicate a newly renovated synagogue in her honor. But while old resentments resurface, what no one expects is the sudden arrival of a dead body—bringing long-buried secrets to the surface. Can the island finally reveal the truth? Join me for a conversation with Jaclyn Goldis about her latest thriller mystery, The Last Time We Saw Her. Follow along with the transcript. Check out Jaclyn's website  and support efforts to rebuild the Venezuelan Jewish community after the devastating earthquakes of June 24, 2026. Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here. Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.  

It is 1918 and Bluma has waited four long years for her husband, Sender, to bring her and their three daughters from Romania to America. When the tickets fail to arrive, she takes their future into her own hands. Packing up her children, Bluma journeys across the ocean to rural Ohio—only to discover a crumbling farmhouse, a failing farm on the brink of foreclosure, and a husband more interested in studying Talmud than in actual farm work. In a strange new country, can she protect her dreams for her daughters: education, independence, and marriages built on love? Follow along with the transcript. and check out Miriam's website. Learn more about the Jewish Farmers Network. Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here. Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.    

The newly crowned King David was making all kinds of radical reform in his kingdom. High on the list was establishing six cities of refuge where men accused on manslaughter would be safe from people seeking blood vengence. But with a new system in play; how long will it take for someone to figure out a way to pervert it? Join me for a conversation with author Jay Bailey about his book, Blood of Birds. Follow along with the transcript. and check out the author's website.  Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here. Thanks to: The Association of Jewish Libraries Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home) Donate to support the podcast   If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life, a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.