Monday, April 28, 2014

The Doppelganger's Dance, the Latest Ezra Melamed Mystery!


The Doppelganger's Dance is another great read by Libi Astaire. It is the latest book in the series of the Ezra Melamed Mysteries. 


Judging the Book by its Cover -  a first glance review:

I just adore the classy layout of each of these covers. With the setting in England, it is a perfect match!

Some Details I Liked:

The story-line is unique. Its realistic, but not too familiar, which makes it so enjoyable to read.

Who This Book is For:

This book has a great balance of male and female characters, which I found is not so common in non-romantic books. But, being that the balance is there, I think boys and girls alike would be fascinated by this tale.

Who This Book Isn’t For:  

This is clearly a novel, with historical detail, but a novel all the same. If someone is looking for a more factual tale, this is not for them. 

What I Didn’t Like/Would Have Made it Better: 

Really no complaints. I did feel bad for Master Salomon at times...

In Conclusion:  

This is another great addition to Libi Astaire's impressive portfolio. Definitely a "goodread"!

Disclaimer:

I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it, but that it no way changed the way I read it and reviewed it.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Sefiros, Spiritual Refinement Through Counting The Omer

"Hayom yom .... l'omer." Do you know what day it is? What is the significance of the day anyways? What should I do about it? All those answers and more are in Sefiros, by Rabbi Yaacov Haber and Rabbi David Sedley.

Sefiros -- spiritual refinement through counting the OmerJudging the Book by its Cover -  a first glance review:

The cover is a simple colorful one, which gives it a respectable sefer-like look. When flipping through the pages, you can see that each sefira is printed with a different shade. The layout of each "day" is clear, with a summary of the essence and "Action Points".

Some Details I Liked:

For a long time, I have been working on the idea that life is 3D. Meaning that in order to be the best you can be, you have to work in 3 areas - With God, With Others and With Yourself. In Sefiros, there are practical suggestions for how to grow in each area, each day.

Who This Book is For:

This book is for growing people. For someone who wants to better understand sefiros and/or the time period of sefiras ha'omer. It can be learned as a daily/nightly read throughout the 49 days, or it can be stretched and appreciated throughout the year.

Who This Book Isn’t For:  

Being that this book is a serious book, I'd say pick it up only if you want to genuinely learn. Its not watered down. I think it can be appreciated by children when parents use it as a teaching tool. 

What I Didn’t Like/Would Have Made it Better: 

To try and find room for improvement on a book devoted to being better, is a nonsensical task. As much as I have had this book and read it over the years, I have not yet mastered its curriculum and continue to learn from its wealth.

In Conclusion:  

This is a basic, yet complex book to own, learn and cherish throughout sefiras ha'omer specifically, but is also valuable throughout the year. It is a classic which I highly recommend.