Debra Spark's 'Good for the Jews' is recommended for discussion groups
Reform Judaism magazine, which claims the title of the world's largest circulated Jewish magazine, tagged Debra Spark's Good for the Jews with a high honor, designating it as Recommended for Discussion Groups.
The magazine has started its own discussion of the book on its Books blog.
"The author asks us to consider what constitutes anti-Semitism," Peter Shapiro writes in the first comment. "She also asks us to consider when and by what means we combat anti-Semitism as well as what should be the appropriate sanctions for the offender. Another question to ponder is: do we sacrifice justice for one or a few Jews when doing so may adversely affect the greater Jewish community?"
The magazine's review notes the book's accessible retelling of the biblical book of Esther, following Jewish families in Madison, Wis.
"The novel reads like a modern parody of the Purim story . . . this contemporary remake of the biblical tale explores the modern faces of anti-Semitism," the review says.
A paperback version of Good for the Jews will be published later this year.
