MEXICAN GRILL Not just big burritos. Big ,flavors.® Another City, Another Book Fair Ann Arbor's Jewish Book Fair grows with author appearances, special events. DEBRA DARVICK Special to the Jewish News L Ann Arbor eslie Bash, director of Ann Arbor's Jewish Book Fair, has her formula for success down pat. The weeklong event, which begins Sunday, Nov. 7, and runs through Nov. 15, will be the fourth that Bash has overseen and the city's 17th. "We are a small community,"- she says, "but authors really want to come. They know those in the community have a major interest in literature. Each year, we've_grown in number of attendees, programs and [proceeds from sales]." Most of the authors coming to Ann Arbor this year also are making a stop at Detroit's Jewish Book Fair. But Book Fair in Ann Arbor will offer a few interesting additions of its own, including a visit from Natan Sharansky, who is coming in from Israel to speak about his new book, The Case for Democracy: The Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror, which he co-authored with Ron Dermer. - Book Fair is being extended an extra day, to Nov. 15, to host the co- authors, says Bash, who adds that the joint appearance was secured through a family connection: Ron Dermer is the nephew of Ann Arborites Pru and Ami Rosenthal. "Because so much is going on cul- turally in Ann Arbor," comments Bash's assistant Julie Bagley, "we know that there are many opportunities for people to listen to authors. We make a point of appealing to a wider audience. Ann Arbor is known for being sup- portive of all types of different things and [that makes for] a good base for someone new to come and be heard." One rising star is author Nancy Reisman, whose first novel, The First Desire, has received a trifecta of praise from authors Ann Patchett, Anna Quindlen and Julia Glass. Set in Buffalo beginning in the early 20th century, The.First Desire takes readers into the life of the Cohen fami- ly; Reisman exquisitely traces the dra- mas permeating their lives over the decades. Reisman, who grew up in Buffalo and is.currently a visiting associate professor at the University of Michigan, told the Jewish News she "wanted to explore the conflicting need for intimacy and independence. I am very conscious of the negotiations many of us have in our lives between individual growth and commitment to family. Sometimes, people have to make hard choices." Also unique to Ann Arbor is author Gil Troy, whose book, Why I am a Zionist, explores oft-pondered ques- tions: What is Zionism? Why is Zionism equated with racism in the eyes of the world? The result is a cogent study of Jewish nationalism and identity. Ann Arbor's opening event is a spe- cial donor's reception dedicating the Washtenaw County-JCG's new expanded gymnasium. David Zurawik, author of The Jews of Prime Time, will be the evening's opening-night speaker. His book looks at the three major TV networks from 1954 to 1972, then run by Jewish men. But there were few to no Jewish characters on TV Zurawik's well-researched analysis seeks to answer this blatant act of self-era- sure. Another special event features singer Shira Kline, who'll perform a family concert 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14. Her don't-miss performance is a great opportunity for parents to introduce their children to the spirit of Book Fair. Book Fair's Evening Arts Program on Nov. 13 has been expanded from its original incarnation as a literary night. Hosted by Ken Waxberger, it will include an open-mike night for poets, writers and musicians and appearances by singer-songwriter Laurie White and Claire Kinberg, founder of a magazine for feminists. The Temple Beth Emeth Choir and Cantor Annie Rose will per- form as well. The structure of Ann Arbor's Jewish Book Fair is simple and effective. "We Natan Sharansky makes a special appearance in Ann Arbor on Nov. 15. made FAST figured out that the best way to have an audience midday was to work it around lunchtime," Bash explains. "Attendees can come for lunch and the [author] lecture ($6) or for the lecture only (free). And then we have our evening speakers as well." This writer will speak at a lunch and learn on Nov. 11. "I had heard that [Birmingham author] Debra Darvick gave a wonderful talk about her book (This Jewish Life) at Detroit's Book Fair last year," says Bash. "One of her inter- viewees, Jules Doneson, is the father of an Ann Arbor resident, so that height- ened the interest." Bash is keen on promoting other local talent as well. On Sunday, Nov. 14, the Local Author Fair begins with a bagel brunch. "We make a point to offer local authors, whose books may not have been on the circuit, the chance to speak for 10 minutes each," says Bash. Bagley eagerly anticipates this year's Jewish Book Fair. "Book Fair is one of the most rewarding cultural events that we at the JCC offer to the corn-. munity. It's an opportunity to bring unique and interesting authors who've written wonderful books to the com- munity." ❑ . The Jewish Book Fair in Ann Arbor runs Nov. 7-15 at the Jewish Community Center of Washtenaw County in Ann Arbor. Alll speaker appearances and other events are free of charge; weekday lunches are $6 and reservations are required. See the accompanying schedule for details. 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