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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City of Laughter
2024 by Fruchter, TemimGet this itemDriven by beautiful prose and magical realism, this intergenerational story explores Jewish culture, community, and family dynamics. After a devastating breakup with her girlfriend, Shiva Margolin decides to study Jewish folklore and is pulled into the secret-filled lives of her grandmother Syl and her great-grandmother Mira. Suggested by Paul.
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Weather Girl
2022 by Solomon, Rachel LynnGet this itemI love how the author 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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The Netanyahus: An Account of a Minor and Ultimately Even Negligible Episode in the History of a Very Famous Family
2021 by Cohen, JoshuaGet this itemThis is Joshua 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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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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Goyhood
2024 by Fenton, ReuvenGet this itemAfter his mother's death, Talmud scholar Mayer Belkin finds out that he isn't Jewish as he was told when he was a child. Mayer is currently on the road in the Deep South and decides that the only solution is to convert to Judaism before he returns home to Brooklyn and to his devout wife. This heartwarming book is an exploration of identity, family, faith, and the things that bring people of different backgrounds together. Suggested by Paul.
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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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Kate in Waiting
2021 by Albertalli, BeckyGet this itemBecky 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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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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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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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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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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Rooms for Vanishing
2025 by Nadler, StuartGet this itemTorn apart by violence and spread across four separate storylines, each member of the Alterman family believes that they are their family's sole survivor of the Holocaust. But are they? Poetic, complex, and heartbreaking, this sweeping epic is a stunning work of literary fiction. Suggested by Paul.
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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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