 DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 53

anything less from Michelle 
Obama’
s former head speech-
writer. Hurwitz provides 
footnotes and an amazing 
appendix of books for explor-
ing Judaism.

GRANDPARENTS
Ralph Lauren: In His Own 
Fashion
By Alan Flusser, Abrams 
Books, $50
This stunning 
coffee-table 
book chroni-
cles the rise of 
fashion icon 
Ralph Lauren 
with beautiful 
photographs 
of his collections for men and 
women. He was born Ralph 
Lifshitz in the Bronx, and 
the first chapters read like 
a mini-biography from his 
birth to education to meeting 
his wife and his first job. This 
former tie salesman reinvigo-
rates the classics and forever 
changes the polo shirt. 

Nearing 90
By Judith Viorst, Simon & 
Shuster, $17
Judith Viorst’
s 
poems are 
candid, funny 
and original. 
So what if her 
knee replace-
ment needs to 
be replaced or she’
s listening 
to more eulogies than sym-
phonies. Readers at any age 
need laughter, and Viorst is a 
master. Viorst has a book of 
poems for every decade since 
she turned 30. 
And let’
s not forget her 
beloved children’
s book 
Alexander and the Terrible, 
Horrible, No Good, Very Bad 
Day.

We Stand Divided: The Rift 
Between Jews and Israel
By Daniel Gordis, Ecco 
HarperCollins, $26.99
Gordis delves into the dif-
ferences in perspectives 
between American Jews and 
Israelis, dating from pre-
State days to the present. 
Today, many American Jews 
are frustrated with Israel’
s 
polices, while many Israelis 
believe Americans are out of 
touch with Israeli realities 
and issues. This book elicits 
an academic, thoughtful 
conversation. 

FOR EVERYONE
Hanukkah in a Book: 
Jacket comes off. Candles 
pop up. Display and cele-
brate! Uplifting Editions, 
Abrams Noterie, $16.99
Celebrate 
the story of 
Chanukah, 
by retelling 
the story and 
the signifi-
cance of the 
holiday every 
night as each 
page produces a pop-up 
candle. Traditional prayers 
and songs are included. At 
the end, there is a beautiful 
menorah. 
Children, parents and 
grandparents can read this 
together and create their 
own Festival of Lights. This 
unique book is an inspira-
tional gift for all. 
Chag Sameach! 

Carla Schwartz is a former JN colum-
nist and magazine editor. Her blog is 
motownsavvy.com.

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