making progress

On occasion I try to make a dent in the pile of books that I own but have not yet read. This week there were two. Some may call them lighter fare, but one can’t always read scholarly treatises on Book Making or lives of university women in Eastern Europe in the early twentieth century.

I’m still struggling with this whole adult onset allergies thing and spend many an afternoon asleep (and the nights trying to fall asleep). Anyway, hopefully this week I’ll figure out a better balance and write proper reviews. I am nearing the end of some more items so who knows what will be finished by then.

Rashi's Daughters, Book III: Rachel: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France Hominids (Neanderthal Parallax, Book 1)

Hominids (Neanderthal Parallax, Book 1) Hominids
by Robert J. Sawyer
1 star for book review1 star for book review1 star for book reviewhalf star for book reviewno star for book review

Rashi's Daughters, Book III: Rachel: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France Rashi’s Daughters, Book III: Rachel: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France
by Maggie Anton
1 star for book review1 star for book review1 star for book review1 star for book review1 star for book review
I’ve waited a long time for this book and it did not disappoint. In this book I see the growth of Anton as an author and scholar of Jewish history. Her learning of Judaism (halachah and minhag) has grown throughout the three books and she does not diminish an observant viewpoint. I feel the entire “trilogy” of Rashi’s Daughters, is important for Jewish women today whether they are observant, modern, or whatever (I hate labels). I thank the author for not diminishing or marginalizing taharat hamishpacha. I look forward to her future writings and hope that her writings indeed spark others to question, to learn, and to grow.

Reader interactions

3 Replies to “making progress”

  1. I finally got the library’s copy of #1 in the series –
    and you know, that’s one cute little bunny in your flickr series!

  2. You enabler, you. How am I ever going to finish this sweater if you’re making me read trilogies?

  3. OK, having read Books 1 and 2 (now), in 3 does the author have any better clue about negiah outside of marriage?

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