Friday, April 27, 2007

 

Susan's Book Talk: Are you a Sfardic?

In Jewish communities, a Sephardic Jew is one who hails, roughly, from Spain. That's how I always remember it: Sephardic, Spain. S, S. You get the idea, even though the geographical area is actually a bit bigger than the one country.

So what's a Sfardic?

My term for a fan of Joann Sfar, a (incidentally Jewish) fabulous graphic novelist. I first encountered him via The Rabbi's Cat and have since picked up Vampire Loves and a few of the Dungeon books. I can't get enough. In fact, I've taken a few out of my local library and somehow have wound up with two copies of The Rabbi's Cat. I mean, how can you argue with a cat who gains the power of speech (in a way that's simply brilliant) and demands a Bar Mitzvah?

To say I've flipped over this talented, creative, insightful, wise, and funny as hell artist/storyteller/what-have-you is an understatement. And now, with a new release on the shelves, you don't have an excuse to stay away.

Labels:


# posted by Susan Helene Gottfried @ 10:17 PM
Comments:
Ha ha, a cat demanding a bar mitzvah. I always figure my cat worships Bast. Seems like as a crazy cat lady, it's my duty to check these books out!
# posted by Blogger Dewey : April 28, 2007 12:41 PM
 
Michele sent me today...This man is an interesting "artist"...! I'm not a reader of these kinds of books but I can certainly appreciate the talent that goes into these drawings.
# posted by Blogger OldLady Of The Hills : April 28, 2007 3:22 PM
 
Wow what a compelling recommendation! I'll definately have to check him out next time I'm trawling my favourite book shop. Thank you.

Here via Michele today
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : April 28, 2007 5:17 PM
 
My son has read the Rabbi's Cat, but I didn't realize there were more in the series. I'll have to look for more Sfar books when I'm in my bookshop tomorrow. Thanks for the tip.

Here via Michele
# posted by Blogger Unknown : April 28, 2007 9:00 PM
 
I'll have to check her out - thanks for stopping by my place last week, Michele sent me again this week!
# posted by Blogger scrappintwinmom : April 28, 2007 9:45 PM
 
Well, you really do learn something new everyday! A new author to check out AND a new term.
# posted by Blogger Wylie Kinson : April 29, 2007 12:04 AM
 
Thanks for stopping by my joint today. Sorry it took me so long to get back. Would you believe...I was writing?

Can you recommend a great POD publisher? I've got Another Blog that I'm about ready to publish on paper. Only a few copies at a time.
# posted by Blogger Paul Nichols : April 29, 2007 12:32 AM
 
I read The Source by Michener years ago and remember that Ashkenazi/Sephardim thing now that you mention it.
# posted by Blogger Scribbit : April 29, 2007 2:10 AM
 
Ooh...looks like I am logged in.
WHoowie.

As usually milady, you have stumbled on a treasure, and I thank you for sharing the information.
If that second copy is looking for a new home.... wink
# posted by Blogger Penina : April 29, 2007 7:39 AM
 
Wow, Michelle! The Source. I read that EONS ago; my dad gave it to me and it was the thickest thing I'd ever seen in my life. I think I started it six times but never finished it...
# posted by Blogger Susan Helene Gottfried : April 29, 2007 8:35 AM
 
I will add that one to the long list of book recs I get from all the nice people here in blogdom. I just did a book review last week. Have you read "Honeymoon in Purdah? I recommend that one!

Michele sent me.
# posted by Blogger kenju : April 29, 2007 9:11 AM
 
Good morning! Michele sent me.
# posted by Blogger HRH Courtney, Queen of Everything : April 29, 2007 11:00 AM
 
I think this is the second book I've read about here that I've made a mental note to get- I have a good friend who is Jewish and it's something I'd like to know more about so I'm sure I'll find this interesting.
Thanks Susan! Always gald to be here:)
# posted by Blogger ~Alexandra's Friend~ : April 29, 2007 5:55 PM
 
Is anyone having trouble getting into Michele's blog?
# posted by Blogger ~Alexandra's Friend~ : April 29, 2007 6:00 PM
 
S - this post made me smile. After the events of the past 24 hours, that's a good thing.

I rushed to my library's website (as fast as my mouse and fingers would go) to see if they had The Rabbi's Cat. Lo and behold - they did! So it's been requested and I suppose I should be getting a call in the next couple days. Sounds like just the sort of book I could use right now.

Thanks for the rec... :)
# posted by Blogger Marci : May 01, 2007 8:23 AM
 
Ok, definitely going on the wishlist.

However... what are you going to do with that second copy of The Rabbi's Cat? :whistle:
# posted by Blogger karen! : May 03, 2007 9:47 AM
 
I'm an Ashkenazi, alas. Eastern European through and through, with a bit of Israeli mixed in for good measure.

I'd pay money to see a cat praying.
# posted by Blogger carmilevy : May 03, 2007 8:42 PM
 
What a fabulous book - uh, graphic novel. I requested from the library and picked it up last Friday. I read it Saturday night/Sunday morning and loved most of it.

I think Mark would like it... if he gave it a chance. Alas, he's poo-poo'ed the idea, so back to the library it goes.

So, this non-Jew enjoyed it, although I think some of it's very Jewish-centric and perhaps went over my head.

Thanks for the rec, S. You did well again.
# posted by Blogger Marci : May 07, 2007 5:38 PM
 
*purr*
# posted by Blogger Susan Helene Gottfried : May 07, 2007 8:01 PM
 
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