SEX, DRUGS AND GEFILTE FISH edited by Shana Liebman

*****








Reviewed for HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

Thank-you Brianna

Paperback: 288 pages



Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (October 26, 2009)


Language: English


ISBN-10: 0446504629


This book is an ADULT read




Synopsis:

Liebman, arts editor of the hip Jewish lifestyle magazine Heeb, introduces a refreshing set of essays that reveal an array of both ordinary and extraordinary modern-day Jewish experiences. Arranged by theme (sex, drugs, work, youth, family, body and soul), these four dozen essays—the products of a Heeb storytelling performance series—explore the humorous, scandalous and often sentimental moments in life. Rebecca Addelman re-evaluates the college summer she spent in Israel getting naked with another kibbutz volunteer and a middle-aged Israeli. Andy Borowitz conveys the irony of a Jewish Harvard graduate (himself) writing a hip-hop sitcom for Will Smith: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Most outstanding is Eric Weingrad's account of spying his loathed Hebrew school teacher naked during a Sabbath night spent at her house. The contributors—musicians, actors, comedians and writers—will be familiar to many. Full of wit, irony, heartbreak and vindication, these essays will undoubtedly please those in search of an honest but creative look at Jewish life and its many trials.


My view:


My first thought was, please have a sense of humor : "Do not let the cover influence you in a negative way". I love the cover, but then again I have a sense of humor and understood I had to delve further to see what was to be found beyond and am I glad I did.

Understand : I am born a strict Catholic, you know: go to church under threat by parents ( usually, no dating the coming week if I did not go, if you know me, I went ). 12 years of education by nuns...slept in a convent 5 days a week and went home on week-ends...if I was good and made the marks, nothing under a B. Ok you get it, threats and tons of guilt.

So when I started to read this hillarious book of story telling I kept refering to the back pages labled "Contributors" to make sure this was as advertised "A brave new generation of Jewish story tellers", I was under the impression story after story to be back home with my parents, brothers and friends....Finally I came to a sentence which enlightened me :


From: Lesbians at Temple by Lisa Kron of Broadway fame:


     (One time I asked my friend Moises why people talk about Catholic guilt and Jewish Guilt like they're the same thing. I said "It doesn't feel the same to me but I can't figure it out". And he said, "Okay, here's the difference: Jewish guilt is that you feel like it's your job to save the world and you just haven't done enough. And Catholic guilt is that you just shouldn't be here at all"


So this is why I was confused, Catholics and Jews share this awful responsibility, which seems to follow us through life "GUILT"


Like I mentionned above, the cover represents more of a rebellious picture than what you will find inside this story telling book. You do not have to be a Jew or a Catholic to laugh out loud, it might help a little but in the end those are true stories those many authors are just yearning to tell and if you are human they will have you muse over a time in your own life.It is a great feeling to know we can all identify with one another regardless what religion, believes we hold dear.

My advice? GO OUT AND BUY THIS BOOK! you will not regret it, and do get back to me and tell me which story you remember most or touched you most.
My favorites are many but those touched me:


BENZOS AND BREAST CANCER by Stephanie Green ( Her upcoming  book is CANCER IS THE NEW BLACK" )


OUT OF THE BAG by Noah Tarnow
His story had me laughing so hard, if you love cats, it's a must read!


GRANMA BETTY by Liz Feldman
Sweet

The truth is, I liked them all, some touched me more than others but all where absolutely great.