Sue's Bookshelf

The Charlotte Jewish News, November 2022

By Sue Littauer

As I’m eagerly reading the new crop of books that came out this fall, I am happy to share some thoughts on three of the books that intrigued me over the summer. The first, “Ashton Hall,” is historical fiction, the second, “Sadie on a Plate,” is a delicious rom/com, and the third, “Left on Tenth” is a memoir fit for the AARP generation (this isn’t a slam, it’s actually meant to identify its audience of which I am a part.)

“Ashton Hall,” a novel from “New York Times” bestselling author Lauren Belfer, is about an American woman and her son who stumble upon the dark history of a rambling English manor house. In this interesting novel, I learned a great deal about researching the Middle Ages and applying that information as a means to uncover present day mysterious findings. But “Ashton Hall” is also a very personal story about a woman and her relationships with her family — her difficult but endearing son, problematic husband, and loving uncle, as well as the close friends she cultivates in England. It is a satisfying read by author Lauren Belfer, who received the 2016 inaugural Book Club Award from the National Jewish Book Council for “After the Fire.”

“Sadie on a Plate” by Amanda Elliot is “a delicious love story and heartfelt ode to Jewish cuisine.” (Rachel Lynn Solomon, national bestselling author of “The Ex Talk”) When Sadie is selected to be a contestant on “Chef Supreme,” a reality cooking show, she travels to New York to prove herself as a “top chef.” Her first competition is to present “Sadie on a Plate” which gives her the opportunity to showcase her Jewish identity and her dream of opening a restaurant showcasing her beloved grandmother’s old-style Ashkenazi food presented with a trendy twist. Oh, and did I forget to mention that it is also a love story that will keep you turning the pages well into the night?

I was so eager to read “Left on Tenth,” because I thought it would be both witty and entertaining. After all, the memoir was written by Delia Ephron, bestselling, beloved writer of the romantic comedy “You’ve Got Mail.” As it turns out, it is witty but also sad and emotionally raw - memorable and uplifting at the same time. We pass through lifechanging events with the author: the illness and death of her beloved husband Jerry, the memories of her famous sister Nora Ephron’s illness and death, the discovery and thrill of a second chance at love, and the courage and determination to face and conquer a serious illness of her own. “Delia Ephron tells her own late-in-life love story in her ‘resplendent memoir,’ complete with a tragic second act and joyous resolution.” (Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of “The Good Left Undone”)

What’s ahead for the Center for Jewish Education Book

Club? Mark your calendar for our November and December meetings.

November 9 — “Morningside Heights” by Joshua Henkin

December 14 — “The Things We Cannot Say” by Kelly Rimmer

For more information, please contact sueb.littauer@jewishcharlotte.org.