Dating Smart, the Newest Intelligent Approach to Dating

Rosie Einhorn and Sherry Zimmerman, two experts in their field, produced Dating Smart, which I must say is very smart. 
After several years of dating and going through probably more dating books than dates, but being disappointed by both, I gave up on a dating book that would be thorough enough for me and still apply to a wide enough crowd. 
I, thank G-d, no longer need this book for myself, but I highly recommend it for any and every person who is potentially dating, dating or has a child that is in either stage. 


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

The cover is simple, a girl conversing with a boy. Each in their own color and the speech bubbles to match. The book is setup so that dating can just be as simple as a conversation. It can be about building a relationship slowly through multiple, well-paced meetings and then develop into a life-long pact. 

Some Details I Liked:

I very much enjoyed that each chapter had a summary at the end that is visually appealing. This allows the book to be read cover to cover and later as a reference. 
I also appreciated the structure of the chapters. It is literally a guiding hand through the dating process.

Who This Book is For:

I was most impressed at how the authors were able to get down to the basics in a way that almost any dating person could appreciate this book. I would even say that a person that has trouble with a relationship, even prior to dating should read this book. 
There are specific pointers for baalei teshuva, but not a tremendous focus. Parts of the book also cater to older or more frequent daters. Both extras are more bonuses than detractors. Sometimes a young dater can experience similar emotions to an older one and not realize it or a person with a large family may feel that they don't need to network, but this book will nicely open their eyes and help them through. 

Who This Book Isn’t For:  

If a dater feels that the next step in life is up to his/her parents and doesn't want to build a mature relationship with a potential spouse, then they should for sure not even think about reading this book. 
If someone is looking for juicy stories and happily ever after or a miracle from the heavens, this book is not the one for them. 

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

As usual, this is the toughest section for me. My pointer here is not against the book, rather something that I would appreciate reading about in relation to this topic. I would love to read a similarly laid out book going from engagement to marriage and maybe even through the first year.

In Conclusion:  

If you feel that you might be interested in dating or are dating and want improvement, read this book, take a serious look at yourself with its help and hopefully, you will have good news to share soon. 

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.

Noa's Strength, An Emotional, Inspirational Read

Noa's Strength is a beautiful story written by Noa's husband, Boruch Sirisky. He brings the readers on Noa's journey through good time and hard times. The book is designed to show the struggle and bring out the inspiration.


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

The cover shows the turmoil of the storm with some shiny rays coming through the clouds. Throughout her life, Noa experiences a lot. Somethings are easier to see as clearly good, while others are cloudy and harder to handle. 

Some Details I Liked:

It was very inspiring for me to see a passuk and Hebrew phrases at the start of a chapter and scattered throughout the book. Each phrase reminds the reader that it is all from Above and although it is hard, G-d gives us the strength to endure whatever the challenge my be.
I also liked the chose of details that are included in the book. When a book covers a long period of time, it is not possible to include every episode. This book includes the details relevant to the story that help bring out the message in a powerful way. 

Who This Book is For:

This book is for someone that wants to read the positive in a negative situation, someone that can become stronger when reading about another's strength. 
It is also for someone who reads and understands or is at least familiar with Hebrew. The book can be understood without it, but it is not as powerful.

Who This Book Isn’t For:  

I have to say that it is quite an emotional read. It is also quite descriptive about Noa's physical condition. I personally didn't have a hard time reading it, but I can imagine that others might.
As I wrote earlier, the author uses quite a bit of passukim to convey the spiritual message and therefore limits the audience to a crowd that understands and appreciates the Hebrew text

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


In Conclusion:  
  
Noa's Strength is a powerful, serious read that can be quite emotional, as it is a true story. 

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.

All for the Boss, A Classic Best-Seller

All for the Boss is my ultimate favorite book. There is something timeless about how Ruchama Shain, of blessed memory, describes her upbringing. I have read and re-read this book many times. Sometimes it was cover-to-cover, other times just flipping through and reading an anecdote that inspired or comforted me then.

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

I may be wrong, but I don't think the cover below is the original. Growing up, my parents' copy was missing the dust-jacket and it was just a dark brown book. 
Regardless, the portrait of R' Herman gives off the intended impressiveness of a person who conducts himself for a higher purpose, The Boss.

Some Details I Liked:

If I would ever write a book, I would try to follow Mrs. Shain's style of telling over historical events in story form. There are also so many lessons that are easily taken from those historic events. With the high quality of the content of the book, you'd assume that it is an intense read, but it isn't. I use this book as a reference, a guide and a comfort. 

Who This Book is For:

They came out with a junior edition of this book for young children, but I really remember being quite young when I read the original. I might not have grasped all the important details involved, but I definitely enjoyed it then.
I feel strongly that almost any human can benefit from reading this book, as long as they understand that R' Herman zt"l was a greater man than they are. If you can appreciate greatness, you can appreciate this book.

Who This Book Isn’t For:  

This book is not for someone that is going to be picky or judgmental  It is also not for someone that is afraid of doing the right thing even though it is unpopular. R' Herman zt"l did a lot of things that were not the norm of the time, but they were good in the eyes of the Boss.

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

I would have enjoyed hearing more about Reb. Shain's adult life, but I guess that will have to be in another book.

In Conclusion:  

I highly recommend at least one copy per household.

Confessions of a Jewish Cultbuster, A Revised Version of an Old Best-Seller

Another great book that just came out is Confessions of a Jewish Cultbuster by Rabbi Shea Hecht. It is a revised reprint from the 1985 edition with many additions. It starts off discussing cults with various episodes of how R' Hecht or his father helped people break-free and towards the end of the book, R' Hecht ties in intermarriage. The underlying connection is the appreciation of our heritage or lack of it. Here are some preview pages, so you can gauge the style.


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

The word that came to mind when seeing this cover is - enticing. The side profile of Rabbi Hecht with his trademark red yarmulke looking into the distance makes you wonder what he has to share. The title beginning with the word "confessions" follows that intrigue. 

Some Details I Liked:

This is a rich book. It contains a wealth of experience and knowledge. It is presented in a clear and interesting manner, with each chapter introducing a different case. 

The philosophical perspectives are easy to understand and absorb. Whether dealing with a brainwashed cult victim or an adult that is caught in a harmful relationship, R' Hecht and his team lays out the facts and helps the individuals get back on track towards a healthy lifestyle.

I also liked that this book has stories that prove points. Points that a lot of people miss. Like Intermarriage generally does not work, even if it seems to. Or bringing up a child without an appreciation of his Judaism or connection to G-d, will create a void that they will yearn to fill, in whichever way they can.

Who This Book is For:

Personally, I would say that this book is recommended reading for anyone that:

1. has any sort of educational position, 
2. has any community leadership positions, 
3. is not sure why intermarriage is so bad, 
4. thinks cults are an extinct phase, 
5. is looking for an open-minded book that gives you a clear picture of what is happening to the Jewish nation.

Who This Book Isn’t For:  

If you want to remain sheltered or are in denial that cults exist, then don't read this book. R' Hecht goes through details of what members of cults do to prove their loyalty. Many of the examples are not pleasant, such as physically pushing limits or largely deviating from accepted social norms.
The book also doesn't beat around the bush. If a strategy of a specific cult is to lure potential members with attractive females, that is what it is. If the ideals of a cult are based on something non-ethical, it is also in there.

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

This is a true toughy. The only thing that I can think of, is that I would have enjoyed reading more after the last page. :)

In Conclusion:  

This is a serious book. One that is an important read on many levels and enjoyable at the same time. 

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.

G-d Winked, Tidbits of Inspiration

Wow, life sure has been full of twists and turns! There is nothing better than resting with a good book after a long "one of those" days.

G-d winked by Sara Yocheved Rigler is the perfect pick me up during trying times.

 It is also great for someone looking for some real life inspiration.

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

The cover is bright and colorful. If you look a bit deeper, you see images that give you a taste of the rich background that the author draws from through the pages of the book. 

Based on the cover, I expected light, easy to read, short tales that would leave me inspired. 

Some Details I Liked:

I liked how the book is separated, beginning with vignettes and anecdotes from Mrs. Rigler's distant and more recent past, and ending with lessons for various times of the year.

G-d Winked's chapters also vary in their intensity. Meaning that the chapters switch off from tear jerkers to softly inspiring episodes. There are also a few parts that are straight lessons in hashkafa (world outlook). This makes it easy for a reader to go cover to cover in one sitting. 

Who This Book is For:

Mrs. Rigler shares her thoughts on various personal experiences. Some are geared more for the female audience, but overall, any mature individual will gain a lot from this well-written book.

People who can relate to having a life journey or feel that they appreciate their life after reading about someone else's, will enjoy this book as well.

Who This Book Isn’t For:

I would not give this book to a beginner to Judaism nor a young reader. Inspiration is one of those things that only have the proper affect when given at the right time. I can imagine that some of the stories wouldn't be taken in the right light for someone that isn't up to that standard of living.  

This book, along with many others that I'll review, is not for the closed minded. It discusses parts of living in an ashram, which personally I did not feel were offensive, but would not be surprised if others would.

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

This part is hard because I very much enjoyed the book. I must say that I expected it to be a little more of a "Chicken Soup for the Soul" type of book, which it isn't. It is not packed with stories that tug at your heart, instead it has a stew of flavorful tales and lessons. 

In Conclusion:

If you're looking for a book that you can read from cover to cover, but also that you can put down between chapters, G-d Winked is the book for you. It will leave you with food for thought and lend a new perspective on some plain old aspects of life.  

Rebels in the Holy Land, a Historical Overview of the Development of Modern Israel

Did you ever wonder what the big deal is about being a Zionist or where Religious Zionists fit in?
Rebels in the Holy Land is an extremely well researched collaboration explaining the history of the Mazkeret Batya yishuv. It goes through details of what these people went through so that they could live in the Holy Land.

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


The cover is well-designed with clear photos, as is the rest of the book. 

It is amazing how the author was able to collect so many relevant pictures and documents.

I felt like I was in a museum focused on that period in history.

Some Details I Liked:
The book describes the historic events so that the reader gets a clear picture of what really happened.

It is very nice how the author zooms into individual's stories as well the general situation.

The facts are laid out in a clear manner, making it pleasant to read.

What I Didn’t Like/Would Have Made it Better: 
The book seems much longer than it is because of all the appendixes and end-notes.

Who This Book is For: 
Anyone who has an appreciation for history and the land of the Jewish people.

Who This Book Isn’t For: 
Someone looking for a quick read or an exciting adventure.

In Conclusion: 
This is a piece of art. It is obvious that a lot of work was put into this publication ensuring its accuracy and proper layout.