List
Engrossing Stories of Jewish Experience
From fantasy to literary fiction to romance, explore a wide range of the Jewish experience in fiction for adults and teens. There is something for everyone.
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Weather Girl
2022 by Solomon, Rachel LynnGet this itemI love how Solomon writes about relatable characters who have real problems without ever sacrificing fun, sweet romances. Ari's discussion of her mental health and Russell's atypical family dynamic are sensitively and candidly explored. Suggested by Rummanah.
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At the End of the World, Turn Left
2021 by Slor, ZhannaGet this itemMasha returns to Milwaukee from Israel to help search for her sister, Anna, who has gone missing. Told in two points of view: from Masha's present day (2008) search for her sister and from Anna's life leading up to her disappearance. A mystery layered within a story about family relationships. Suggested by Becca.
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Last Summer at the Golden Hotel
2021 by Friedland, ElyssaGet this itemTwo families come together to determine if it is worth saving the crumbling mountain oasis they've owned since the 1960s. As Kirkus wrote, "The vanished history of the Catskills is evoked with love and plenty of schmaltz. A high-spirited party of a book. BYOB: Bring your own borscht." A delightful novel for fans of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Suggested by Becca.
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All My Mother's Lovers
2020 by Masad, IlanaGet this itemMaggie's mother, Iris, died suddenly and she finds five letters to people she's never heard of tucked in with her mother's will. Instead of mailing the letters, Maggie goes on a road trip to deliver the letters (instead of sitting shivah). She wants to find out who these men are and what they meant to her mother. Told from both the mother's and daughter's perspectives, this is an interesting novel about discovering a parent as a multifaceted person. Suggested by Becca.
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Sadie on a Plate
2022 by Elliot, AmandaGet this itemA very sweet story with delicious descriptions of food set against a Top Chef-like competition show. I adored Sadie and liked her self-deprecating humor. I absolutely loved the diversity of the cast of characters, which felt natural and also spoke to the lack of inclusion in the culinary arts. Suggested by Rummanah.
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The Netanyahus
2021 by Cohen, JoshuaGet this itemThis is Cohen at his most (Philip) Roth, which is to say that this is an exceedingly Jewish American work in the tradition of the campus novel subgenre. The observational details as well as characters (caricatures?) are meticulously constructed. Insights land like a pallet of matzo boxes dropped on the house of cards that is your life. If you're not drawn in by the end of the first page, there's little hope. Suggested by Adam.
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Kate in Waiting
2021 by Albertalli, BeckyGet this itemMy favorite book from 2021. Albertalli does a fantastic job in creating lovable characters. This one focuses on a messy yet realistic friendships and a sweet romance. If you need a quick read that will warm your heart and put a smile on your face, try this one. Suggested by Rummanah.
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It's a Whole Spiel: Love, Latkes, and Other Jewish Stories
2019Get this itemDiverse, character-driven, and contemporary, this collection of stories combines sincerity and authenticity. There's something for everyone in this book--from cute romance to self-discovery--with each Jewish writer bringing something wonderfully different. Suggested by Paul.
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The Golem and the Jinni
2013 by Wecker, HeleneGet this itemA spellbinding historical fantasy that incorporates Jewish and Arab folklore set in late 19th-century New York. This mystical and lyrical story continues with The Hidden Palace. Both books received the National Jewish Book Awards in Fiction in 2013 and 2021, respectively. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Today Tonight Tomorrow
2020 by Solomon, Rachel LynnGet this itemA must-read for fans of the enemies-to-lovers romance trope and books that take place over the span of one day. The banter between Neil and Rowan is funny and the story reveals sweet surprises that can occur when you reexamine your assumptions. Suggested by Rummanah.
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An Unorthodox Match
2019 by Ragen, NaomiGet this itemThough a heartwarming love story sits at the core of this book, themes of community and individuality lead to an enjoyable, yet thought-provoking read. The characterization is strong and the book offers plenty of insightful details about Jewish Orthodox life. Suggested by Paul.
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On Division
2019 by Goldbloom, GoldieGet this itemGoldie Goldbloom demonstrates the ability to explore complicated questions with both wit and sensitivity in this work of literary fiction. Publishers Weekly says "Goldbloom’s portrait of a woman on the verge of claiming her own agency even after she thought all her life’s questions had been answered makes for fascinating, stirring reading." Suggested by Paul.
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The City Beautiful
2021 by Polydoros, AdenGet this itemChicago, 1893: The dybbuk destroying Alter Rosen from within may be the only way to stop a killer of Jewish boys. In desperation, he confides in his best friend Raizel and the dangerous, alluring Frankie Portnoy. The lore of Eastern European Judaism--and the nightmares that followed immigrants to America--suffuse this 2022 Sidney Taylor Book Award winner. Suggested by Andrew.
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They'll Never Catch Us
2021 by Goodman, JessicaGet this itemIf you’re in the mood for a twisty layered young adult thriller with a sports theme and strong female characters, this absolutely is for you. The story follows two Jewish sisters hoping to earn cross country scholarships to attend college. However, when the new girl on the team disappears and they are suspected of being involved, many secrets come to the surface--all of which kept me on point to the very end. Suggested by Sharon.
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The Dinner Party
2016 by Janowitz, BrendaGet this itemThe Gold family celebrates the Passover Seder together every year. Matriarch Sylvia wants this Seder to be extra special because youngest daughter Becca is bringing her boyfriend and his parents, who are part of the legendary Rothschild family. Sylvia goes a little overboard--she even hires a famous chef. Over the dinner, secrets are exposed and resentments aired in this uplifting family drama. Recommended by Lynnanne.
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From Dust, a Flame
2022 by Podos, RebeccaGet this itemHannah Kowalski wakes up to snake eyes on her 17th birthday. Her mom disappears and promises to tell her everything, but that was six weeks ago and Hannah has no idea what is in store for her as other parts of her body begin to change. With her loving brother Gabe and new friend Ari, she embarks on a journey to find answers and Hannah's mom. This suspenseful standalone fantasy is steeped in Jewish facts and folklore. Suggested by Rummanah.
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The Matchmaker's Gift
2022 by Loigman, Lynda CohenGet this itemA sweet and uplifting blend of historical fiction with light touches of magical realism and romance. It is full of hope and optimism without being saccharine. The story is told in dual and equally captivating narratives and has a great cast of characters. Suggested by Rummanah
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My Fine Fellow
2022 by Cohen, JenniekeGet this itemThis delightfully tasty historical romance is a gender-bent version of My Fair Lady featuring a young Jewish pastry chef and a clever plan to get him up into society's cooking elite. Suggested by Grace.
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Recommended for You
2021 by Silverman, LauraGet this itemThis delightful rom-com centers on two Jewish teens who work at an independent bookstore and become competitors for a sales bonus during the winter holiday rush. The bookseller/reader connection is fun to explore, and the diverse supporting characters and their plotlines are nicely incorporated into the story. Suggested by Sharon.
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Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
2022 by Zevin, GabrielleGet this itemWhile on the surface this is a novel about video games, you don't have to have any relationship to gaming to appreciate it. It is a book about relationships and connection with beautiful prose. I can't recommend it enough. Suggested by Becca.
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Künstlers in Paradise
2023 by Schine, CathleenGet this itemJumping from WWII Austria to present day Los Angeles, this book meditates on the importance of family, memories, and the sharing of stories. After coming to Los Angeles in 1939, Mamie Kunstler comes into contact with many Jewish artists and intellectuals and shares her stories with her grandson Julian. Suggested by Paul.
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Sick Kids in Love
2019 by Moskowitz, HannahGet this itemDon't let the title stop you from reading this book--nobody dies. Two chronically ill teens (one has rheumatoid arthritis and the other suffers from Gaucher disease) meet in a cute way at the hospital and eventually explore a romantic relationship. They have a lot in common, including being Jewish, and also much to negotiate, which the author handles with sensitivity and insight. Suggested by Sharon.
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