Much of the most evocative writing about the Holocaust has been gathered in this excellent collection by the editors of Who Do You Think You Are? (1993). The presence of several of the contributors seems mandatory: Elie Wiesel, with his speech for the opening of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum and an excerpt from Night (1960); Art Spiegelman, with an excerpt from Maus (1986); Primo Levi, with recollections from Survival in Auschwitz (1959); Cynthia Ozick and ``The Shawl'' (1983). The editors also include pieces that speak directly to young readers—Ida Vos on childhood in occupied Holland, excerpts from Carl Friedman's Nightfather (1994), and oral pieces and poetry. These selections are hard—even elusive for young readers—but collected here have a power that may prove unforgettable. (bibliography) (Anthology. 12+)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-531-09488-X
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Orchard
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1995
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
The theme of compulsory military service for both men and women in Israel makes this author’s memoir unusual. Although no reason is given, her family has recently emigrated from France and her friends are from the former Soviet bloc, so there is no family experience with the draft. She recalls the months before beginning her two-year enlistment as she and her friends face school tests, dating, sex and the unknown world of wearing a uniform. She is sympathetic to the Palestinians except when it comes to giving back any of Jerusalem, but like many non-religious Jews, she is definitely not sympathetic to observant Jews and makes no mention of their alternatives to military service. She describes her military service years filled with training, bus rides across Israel, special missions and chasing after a boyfriend in Jerusalem who has moved on to a new lover. There is, by the conclusion of her military stint, a growth in character—and the arrogance of those who are younger and believe they are smarter than the previous generation gives way to an appreciation of the work done by the army. Recommended for its different perspective on life in contemporary Israel. (Nonfiction. YA)
Pub Date: May 1, 2005
ISBN: 1-58234-978-9
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2005
BOOK REVIEW
A history of the founding of the State of Israel through inspiring profiles of three of its most important founders. The aristocratic Viennese Theodore Herzl created the political movement of Zionism, lending an air of hopeful possibility to the centuries-old prayer of “next year in Jerusalem.” Chaim Weizmann, a brilliant scientist, took over the reigns of the movement when Herzl died, lending it an aspect of realpolitik. Ben-Gurion presided over the post-Holocaust creation of the state. Through the fascinating stories of these men’s lives, readers can follow the Jews’ return to their ancient homeland as it progressed from visionary dream to reality. Written in a no-nonsense, nuts-and-bolts style, this volume is best suited to those who have some grounding in Jewish history. (timeline, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 13+)
Pub Date: April 1, 2005
ISBN: 0-06-051504-X
Page Count: 144
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2005
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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