Your neighbors have stories to tell.
Some are hoping to teach you something, while others are just aiming for a laugh or offering a way to escape for a few hours.
From do-it-yourself memory books to Jewish-themed children’s books, here are reads by South Florida Jewish authors. Many of these are self-published. All are available through Amazon.com, and some can also be found at retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and Target.
‘And Then There Was You‘ by Jay Weiss (Dandy Publishing; $24.89)
What it’s about: A Catholic celebrity is on doctor’s orders to take a vacation away from his stressful life. To avoid being recognized, he goes to a summer lake community populated by strict Orthodox Jews, where they don’t know who he is. What he doesn’t expect is for his vacation to turn his world upside down.
Local spin: In addition to writing, Jay Weiss owns a family tour company with his brother, specializing in trips to Israel and Europe. When he isn’t traveling, he spends much of his time in Boca Raton.
What the author has to say: “It’s a book that Jews from a variety of backgrounds [will] find extremely interesting.”
‘Renaissance Man‘ by Michael Neil Isaacson (ECM Publishing; $29.99)
What it’s about: A Jewish journalist is asked to profile a man his own age, who is reported to be a “Renaissance Man.” It explores what that means today and how one can emulate his approach to life.
Local spin: Michael Neil Isaacson lives in Boynton Beach. He is a regular contributor to the Florida Jewish Journal as well as other local publications.
What the author has to say: “[This book] challenges our understanding of celebrating Jewish and non-Jewish values in contemporary urban America.”
‘Malice in Wonderland‘ by Alvin Wander (BookLocker.com; $19.95)
What it’s about: A collection of six stories, “Malice in Wonderland” dives into feelings of intrigue, suspense and tension. From a horrific account of an asteroid hitting Earth to an evil AI computer capable of designing deadly activities, readers will face the dark and mysterious corners of the human experience.
Local spin: Alvin Wander, 91, is a Lake Worth Beach resident and former Florida Atlantic University faculty member. This is his sixth book.
What the author has to say: “When I started writing ‘Malice,’ I wanted to turn the mirror back on fantasy. Not to shatter it, but to show the cracks.”
‘Fundraising Insights for Nonprofits‘ by Norman B. Gildin (BookBaby; $34.31)
What it’s about: Norman B. Gildin, who spent 45 years in the nonprofit sector, offers advice for nonprofit professionals and their organizations. Topics include how to raise money, building stronger donor relationships and avoiding common pitfalls.
Local spin: Gildin, of Boynton Beach, dedicated this book to the victims of the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and to a number of Holocaust survivors cited in the book.
What the author has to say: “I wrote this book to share real-world lessons from decades in fundraising; to help nonprofit professionals avoid costly mistakes; and to support nonprofit organizations with practical tools that actually work.”
‘My Kids Are All Grown Up, So Why Are They Still Driving Me Crazy?‘ by Bea Lewis (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; $14.99)
What it’s about: Bea Lewis outlines ways to deal with new, and often confusing, parenting issues. Topics include learning the difference between helping or enabling when adult children ask for financial help and coping if they move.
Local spin: Lewis penned a weekly advice column about parent/adult child relationships for The Palm Beach Post for six years. She now resides in an independent senior living community in Wellington.
What the author has to say: “I wanted to know how to deal with the often-confusing issues I was having with my adult children. My peer group was facing similar issues with few places to turn to. And now, years later, when my kids don’t want any advice I offer, they suggest I read certain chapters of my book and leave them alone!”
‘Golem Loves Latkes: A Tasty Hanukkah Tale‘ by Doreen Klein Robinson; illustrated by Anna Krajewska (Intergalactic Afikoman; $18.91)
What it’s about: This children’s book takes readers to a town where locals are split between eating latkes with apple sauce or sour cream. There’s a golem brought to life in the midst of it, and the underlying theme of togetherness is weaved throughout as the townspeople learn to celebrate Hanukkah together. The book is geared toward kids age 3 to 10.
Local spin: Born in New York, Doreen Klein Robinson moved to South Florida with her family at age 4. She considers herself practically a native.
What the author has to say: “I am so happy to have Golem out in the world! I think readers of all ages (and all faiths) will adore the town of Schmoozeville and the fun characters that live there. The illustrations by Anna Krajewska make me wish I could jump right into the book!”
‘Great Grandmother Remembers: An Heirloom Treasury of Memories’ by Judith Levy (G Editions; $20)
What it’s about: A guided book that provides prompts for great-grandmothers to record memories, moments and stories for their great-grandchildren. This new addition is part of a series of memory books created by Levy.
Local spin: Boca Raton resident Judith Levy began her writing career in 1982 when she attended a course at Florida Atlantic University. She currently writes columns for the Florida Jewish Journal.
What the author has to say: “The illustrations in this book by Noelle Giddings are beautiful, and what I wrote came from my heart. But the magic in ‘Great Grandmother Remembers’ will be what the [person] writes to their great-grandchild.”