Books make great gifts

And they aren’t stuck on containers at a port

By Gayle Dorio, 2021-22 Jewish Book Festival chair

I’m sure you Kindle users know that it is a simple matter to order a “sample” of a book, read the pages offered and then decide whether or not you wish to purchase and read the whole book. Just like in a bookstore! Open up the book, shuffle here and there and get a taste! Sit at Barnes and Noble bookstore and have a cup of coffee as you relax in one of the comfy chairs. Or order the book from Amazon and have it delivered before you can turn around!

We are so fortunate to have the world of books open to us. As People of the Book, I am always pleased to hear friends discussing what they are currently reading — there always seems to be an interesting new book. We also have excellent libraries that offer so much! Books on tape, large print, etc. And what can be better than having authors appear before us to discuss their books?

For the past six years, we have been treated to an assortment of authors, who spend time with us, weaving their stories as if spinning straw into gold. Every year, the authors’ credentials are impressive, and they each do a fine job of explaining their subject matter and enlightening us.

This year, we expected to have 17 authors at 15 events. But one of our authors needed to recover from surgery. He requested to move his presentation to March instead of November. We agreed and then decided to add an additional author into his original November slot. So, now we have the full Chai complement — 18 authors at 16 events. A bonus at no extra cost for our Patrons!

It’s rewarding to be a member of the Jewish Book Festival Committee. Yes, there is a great deal of work involved to present the Festival, but it is truly a labor of love. In addition to reading and reviewing lots of books, committee members help solicit sponsors, act as publicity voices, help select music, food, venues, etc. They help with the in-person events — checking people in, greeting them, showing them to their seats, selling books and answering questions. Introductions and monitoring the Q&A fall to committee members as well as other interested parties. Some are “author champions,” making sure their chosen author is well cared for and serving as the liaison for all things with the author.

One distinct advantage committee members share is the ability to get to know the authors on a more personal level. And some authors have stayed in touch with their author champions.

December books

So here it is December! The month with Chanukah … ready with books for presents? On Dec. 2, you’ll be treated to Judy Batalion, whose book, “The Light of Days,” has been optioned for a major movie by Steven Spielberg. Lauren Fox will discuss her book, “Send For Me,” on Dec. 10. And Annabelle Gurwitch will be here Dec. 17 to entertain with her book, “You’re Leaving When?”

January books

January will feature five authors at four events: Joshua Jay on Jan. 6, with “How Magicians Think;” Silvia Foti on Jan. 12, with “The Nazi’s Granddaughter;” Bob Abelman on Jan. 19, with “All the World’s a Stage Fright;” and both Charles Lichtman and Alexander Weinstein on Jan. 25 with their books, “The Sword of David” and “Universal Love,” respectively.

As my friend, Gloriana the Great, is fond of saying, “Please tell everyone you know about the Jewish Book Festival … tell all your friends … tell people you do not even know, people you do not even like!”