JAGUAR OF Years Running Unit ilichigan Dealer to r Vin The Prestigious "Pride of jaguar" ,lwarelfin- Excellence in Sales & Service Shabbat, but just once a week. Too Much of a Good Thing is definite- ly not too much of a good thing when it comes to books. This is a really silly story — not funny or endearing, just forgettable. Jeremiah's Promise: An Adventure in Modern Israel. By Kenneth Roseman. Copyright 2002, published by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) Press. Paperback. 205 pages. $8.95. The UAHC has published several books in a Do-It-Yourself series, in which readers are invited to choose their own adventures. Everyone starts off the same, but readers are offered two paths at the end of each page, and what they select will lead them down some very different and interesting roads. Jeremiah's Promise is the latest in this series, and the book allows readers to imagine their lives in Israel as the state is being established. Along the way they will tackle such challenging ques- tions as conversion, how to best foster peace and the difficulties of immigra- tion — in short, everything someone who actually has made aliyah might encounter. Jeremiah's Promise is wonderfully written and imagined: No one will get •bored with it, from the youngest read- ers (about age 10 is best) to adults. It's fun having the opportunity to "choose" your future, though, as in real life, you often will be surprised by how it turns out. Along the way, you'll learn a lot, as history lessons are woven into the adventure text, making for very fun and informative reading. This UAHC publication advocates positions advanced by the Reform movement, especially when it comes to "Who Is A Jew?" But because it's a well-written book, and not just a politi- cal statement, Jeremiah's Promise holds some great surprises, such as when the reader's son-in-law decides to become Orthodox. Forged in Freedom: Shaping the Jewish-American Experience by Norman H. Finkelstein. Copyright 2002, Jewish Publication Society of America. Hardback. 204 pages. $9. If you like your American Jewish histo- ry short and sweet, Forged in Freedom may be just what you need. This brief book gives the most basic information about American Jewish history, accessible to all but written, basically, for the early teen audience. Apparently, most of the "shaping" has occurred in recent memory, since the vast majority of this book covers the 20th century, with just a handful of pages covering pre-1900. It's a little unclear exactly why and how Finkelstein decided to devote extensive coverage to some issues (there's a 17-page chapter, "The Selection of Joseph Lieberman," which covers Jews in politics, but certainly devotes a great deal of attention to its namesake) and very little to others (Jonathan Pollard gets a scant para- graph). The Joe Lieberman chapter also reveals how quickly these kinds of books can become outdated: Too late for publication, but of great interest to, and perhaps impact on, the Jewish community is the fact that Lieberman is today a candidate for president and many other of the Democratic candi- dates have Jewish connections, as well. The writing in Forged in Freedom is factually accurate, but not exactly fast- paced reading, much like sitting down with an easy version of the Encyclopedia Britannica. The best part is the photo- graphs, though sensitive readers are cer- tain to be disturbed by the picture of Leo Frank hanging from a tree. • All Wheel Drive, Leather, Full Power 1815 Tvlapielawn, in the Troy Motor Mail www.jagtiaroftroy.cora • Lease includes 39 months/32,500 miles, S2599 due at signing, includes 1st month payment, acquisition fee and SO security deposit. Must have approved credit, plus tax. title & plates. Lessee responsible for excess wearft3ear and mileage at 20c/mile over 32,500 miles. Offer Expires 11/30/03 When Pirates Came To Brooklyn by Phyllis Shalant. Copyright 2002, pub- lished by Dutton Children's Books. Hardback. 213 pages. $16.99. When Pirates Came To Brooklyn is a story of two girls who find friendship despite their differences. The story is told by Lee Bloom, who is Jewish. She's walking down the street when Polly Burke, who is Christian, and her friends ask Lee to play. Lee herself finds her actions a little odd — why is she inviting a stranger to play? But she really wants a best friend, and for Lee, life is an adventure, whether its,seeing pirates fly in a ship that sails the sky or meeting up with a knight who has curious powers — just the sort of stories that Polly loves. Lee and Polly become friends, but Lee's mother sees Polly's entrance into her family's life as an opportunity to evangelize. She begins leaving notes about Christianity for Polly. Polly hides the notes, but they are discovered by the rotten Eddie Wagner, one of Lee's worst enemies. The situation only gets worse when the notes fall into Mrs. Bloom's hands. Thanks to the power of hope and faith, however, the girls find that nothing conquers their friendship. fl SPECIALISTS IN CUSTOM GLASS PRODUCTS: • Eurostyle Frameless Shower Enclosures • Conventional Tub & Shower Enclosures • Custom. Wall Mirrors • Mirrored BI-Fold Doors • Beveled & Etched Glass • Glass Furniture & Table Tops • Handrails 51'44a/1964 Visit our Southfield Gallery of Glass at: 22223 Telegraph Rd. (South of 9 Mile Rd.) 248-353-5770 248-353-0678 Fax GLASS www.reidglass.com 622630 g8 Clinical Teaching • , • 0960 Testing/Evaluation DISADI LITIES LYNNE MASTER, M. ED Owner, Director CLINIC Accetlited by the North Central Assodation of Colleges and Schools First fully accredited Education Clinic in the United States to receive North Central Accreditation. (248) 545-6677 (248) 433-3323 Bloomfield Hills Oak Park www.Iddinic.com 10/31 2003 43