Looking back on it, I think part of the reason I fell so hard for his work was that I didn’t have many Jewish authors to read — well, whose works weren’t immediately connected to the Holocaust. (I did go through a phase of reading all the Holocaust books I could get my hands on). Later on I’d find my way to Sholem Aleichem’s short stories whose name may be vaguely familiar because his short stories were the foundation for the hit musical and film, Fiddler on the Roof. While there’s less singing in the stories, they provide a look at Jewish life in the shtetl in Eastern Europe with its joys and sorrows, and lots of talking to God. Now there are even more books written by diverse Jewish voices, and it’s an exciting time. August saw the publication of Michael W. Twitty’s phenomenal Kosher Soul and there are lots of exciting books on the horizon looking at Jewish life. To celebrate Jewish literature, I’ve put together a list of recently published works of fiction focusing on Jewish life. This list includes novels as well as poetry, YA, and graphic novels. That’s it for now, but I can’t wait to read more delightful titles in Jewish contemporary fiction from even more diverse voices. For folks who want more folk tales, here’s my list on Jewish folk tales. If you’re looking for Jewish stories for the High Holy Days and other Fall Holidays, check out this article by Jaime Herndon. Bellatine wants to live in the house full time while her brother Isaac sees it as an opportunity to make money. So they strike up a deal: they will tour the family’s puppet show to make money and then Isaac will relinquish his claim over the house for Bellatine. But things are never that simple. A sinister figure finds its ways to U.S. shores with a mission to destroy the house and anyone associated with it. Plus the puppet show brings up Bellatine’s dark secret that she has tried to hide from her entire life. Thistlefoot is a story about stories, family ties, generational trauma, and lots of beautiful puppets.
