In light of recent "diplomatic" activity, Mr. Teslik's magnum opus on the 1945 Arab Boycott of Israel is a must-read. Even a cursory understanding of today's world--a world in which vigilantism pervades, civility and discourse give way to fear and superstition, and structural marvels of modern technology fall from the skies they once scraped--requires grounding in the rudiments of historical Arab/Israeli/American relations. Mr. Teslik's is the book for the occasion. Never have I seen an author so deftly navigate the morass of foreign policy decisions that followed the fateful boycott. While I will not go so far as to say that Mr. Teslik's work provides a comprehensive understanding of modern diplomacy--if such a work exists anywhere, I fear I have yet to indulge in its wisdom--I can unreservedly recommend the work as a valuable piece of the puzzle.

Before reading this book, I knew very little about the Arab boycott of Israel. This fine work made my learning process most enjoyable. Mr. Teslik concisely covers all critical features of this turbulent historical period, from the international backdrop and the political pressures that incited the boycott, to the political ramifications in Israel, the Middle East, and the United States. I would seriously recommend this book to anyone interested in the on-going conflict in the Middle East, or more generally in international relations. Congratulations, Mr. Teslik, and thank you for this most rewarding experience.

What was seemingly a dry and re-hashed subject has been revitalized by Mr. Teslik. Providing brilliant insight to the framework of our country's foreign policy, Teslik gives a revolutionary perspective on the Arab boycott of Israel. We could have gotten minced meat but he gave us filet mignon. I have grown to value the viewpoints of distinguished writers over the years as a discriminatory reader. Even though this is the first work I have read by Kennan Lee Teslik, I extend an enthusiastic applause to his efforts. Kudos.

"Between Sodom and Eden" represents an astounding tour de force. Walzer's book is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary Israeli society and politics, as well as the sometimes surprising approach of Judaism to homosexuality. His prose brings alive the tensions, conflicts, and contradictions of a society in search of its identity as Israel becomes an increasingly multicultural, post-Zionist society. That Israel is one of the most progressive countries in the world today on gay rights will surprise most Americans, who think of the Jewish state as the land of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah (with its reputed condemnation of homosexuality). The cast of characters in Walzer's book -- a transsexual pop Diva, openly gay high school students and kibbutzniks, lesbian politicians, and a cast of supportive straight politicians and educators, to name just a few -- guarantees new surprises on each page.

lee kitzis' poetry is very moving and i enjoy it immensly but who is this Ethan F Hamburg that writes the superb "two for lee" inroduction on the first two pages , ive never read poetry like that in my life and if this is the first appearence of this hamburg charictor in print i whould keep an eye out for books of his own in the near futer.just this two part poem is absolutly stunning

After reading the reviews for this book, I was expecting a Renaissance experience. No such luck. The character development was poor. The dialogue was every bit as bad, if not worse. And the plot? What plot? The book had much potential, but the author treated it much too casually, often violating the solemnity of the material with his tortuous lightness. The "French plantation" episode was poorly conceived and very unconvincing. The concept of this novel is one that could make it a classic, but due to the aforementioned, I am forced to give it a low rating.

Not only a page-turner that includes adventure, a quest, and danger at every turn, this book is also beautifully written, believable and has a moral element.

There are a lot of books, but only a select few have the ability to impact the reader as this. One is invited into a surreal world of powerful images and concepts. On one hand it's a page-turning adventure. On the other, it left me musing about life and death. I eagerly wait for his next book.

During the last four or five years, so many books with Jewish content have dealt solely with the subject of the Holocaust that juvenile Jewish reading is getting a bit depressing. Although some books about the subject have been notable like Number the Stars by Lois Lowry and The Devil's Arithmetic, by Jane Yolen (both Jewish authors), should this be the only subject matter for Jewish children?

Surprisingly enough, The Garden, by Carol Matas goes beyond the atrocities of the Holocaust into the spirit of rebirth as the state of Israel becomes a reality. Unfortunately, The Garden is not without it's bloodshed, but this time it is for a noble purpose -- a place to call Home.

Written in the present tense takes a little getting used to, yet it makes the reader feel like a real participant in the struggle for independence made by these gallant youth. Many of the "soldiers" of this unofficial war were young people between the ages of 15 and 25. Some of them had already been forced to grow up very fast because of their Holocaust experiences and felt that with this fight they had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Woven into Matas' story are the contrasting philosophies of the Irgun and the Haganah as well as others who had strong feelings either for or against "partition" which, suggested by the UN General Assembly on November 29, 1947, would have divided Palestine between the Jews and the Arabs.

In case the reader is not Jewish, all Hebrew transliteration is converted to English translation and the glossary at the end of the book provides the reader with much useful information.

The garden referred to in the title of the book belongs to Ruth who is a Holocaust survivor. The garden is both therapeutic and symbolic. It is her way of putting behind her all the pain and losses of the Holocaust as she looks optimistically toward her future in this new land.

After being a witness to an innocent girl's senseless death, Ruth explains to us how the garden helps. "I'd tried to blot out those memories -- lose them in the fragrance of my flowers." Although Ruth realizes that more deaths will come during this struggle to give Jews a place to call their own, she looks to the memory of those garden flowers to give her the strength to cope.

The graphic references to some violent scenes make this book more suitable to a child old enough to understand that sacrifices needed to be made for the cause of independence. The recommended reading level on the book jacket is ages 12 and up. Personally, 12 seems a bit young for all the gory details of this book and the underlying love affair. Perhaps a young adult of 15 or older would be more suitable an audience. Adults would get much from this book also as many of the details of the 1947-48 period are made quite clear in the simple text.

This story depicts a, now, sixteen-year old Ruth Mendenberg who is forced to fight Arabs in Palestine to hold onto the little piece of independence she has experienced at Kibbutz David. Ruth endures many intrapersonal conflicts throughout her journey to freedom. She knows that she has to fight in the war but worries if she can do this in a fair manner, without disappointing her fellow Jewish comrades. Ruth does not want to disppoint herself, for she knows that she is the only one who has to absorb the guilt of killing another human being. At times, Ruth becomes so frustrated by all of the violence, she wonders if she knows the difference between right and wrong anymore. The temptation is thrust under her nose to kill those enemies who killed the ones she loved. "An eye for an eye" is one of the many radical ideals her brother, Simon, proclaims as he fights with the Irgun soldiers. Ruth is torn in making the decisions that will affect her life forever. Will she do what she believes is right and just during this tumultuous time? All she knows for sure is that she wants to return to a time when she planted her beautiful garden which brought her heart peace. This story is full of thought-provoking questions relative of all of our lives.

This is a wonderful book, the sequel to AFTER THE WAR. THE GARDEN is much longer than AFTER THE WAR. It sheds more light on the life of Ruth and her family when they get to Isreal.
I read this book without knowing it would help me understand Middle Eastern conflict of today. Confused about Yassir Arafat and Sharon? Than read this book. It is the root struggle of the conflicts of Isreal today. This book will make you feel compassionate towards both Isreali and Arab peoples - I reccomend this to people who can understand both sides of a conflict without a bias opinion.

The name Estee Lauder summons up images of wealth, privilege and beauty. From a handful of creams an empire encompassing lines such as Estee Lauder, Clinque and Prescriptives, Lauder for Men was built.

But is what is the truth behind the woman Estee Lauder? Lee Israel reveals the true Estee Lauder that the general public does not know. In combination with Lauder's own autobiography, a fascinating picture is revealed. A woman who does not acknowledge in her Jewish faith in public but is a devout follower in private. A woman who exerts an iron control to keep her company in private family hands.

For anyone who has used any Estee Lauder product, the story of the woman behind the bottles, tubes, pencils and potions is a must read.

I spent two weeks in Israel recently and brought along Fodor's and Let's Go travel books. I found Let's Go far better than Fodors because it had intricate details on the hotel properties, prices, border crossings into Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, etc., and tourist sites. Fodors did have more information on the history, politics, conflicts, art, and religion, but for a quick reference book to carry in a backpack, my vote goes to Let's Go.

. . . That point being the last chapter. Israel (author of the definitive Tallulah Bankhead biography) writes an incisive, well-researched and sympathetic book about journalist Kilgallen, who was often unfairly dismissed as a narrow-minded harpy. Fascinating stuff, and well-written, till Israel goes off the deep end in the last chapter and concocts all kinds of hare-brained murder scenarios (evidence indicates Kilgallen accidentally OD'd or perhaps commited suicide). Israel's dependence on Kennedy assassination buff Mark Lane explains some of this goofiness. But this should not overly detract from a wonderful book about an important cultural figure.

Even though she seems to be remembered as just a gossip columnist, DK knew many important persons and reported on their comings and goings at a time before we were "blessed" with E and other similar cable channels. Catch her on the What's My Line?" reruns and you'll see her charm, wit, and catch many bon mots traded with her cohorts.

Inspired by the Ya Ya's (see Rebecca Wells: "Little Altars Everywhere" and "Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood") to learn more about this elusive creature I got more than I bargained for with this biography of Tallulah. Putting her career in historical and policitcal context Miss Bankhead came alive as I learned of how her famous political family and fear of abandonment drove her to seek accolades in the serious theater and her long search for companionship.

Although the author's style is a bit staid the subject brings this book to life: the Algonquin Round Table, John Barrymore, Eleanor Rooselvelt, London theater, Broadway, Hollywood and the "Citronella" Circuit, and of course, Tallulah herself. It may be worth the out-of-print search if you've tired of having all you know of Tallulah come from drag queens.

All bio's are OOP..is there a forthcoming Bio..of any plans to re-issue since Kathleen Turner is doing "Tallulah" on Broadway? And a Movie