The Netanyahus is a bit of a confounding book, so naturally there were lots of questions and we did our best to answer as many as we could as thoroughly as possible. We discussed the complicated nature of writing fiction about real/living people, Blum’s relationship with his daughter, whether the book has a moral center, nihilism, and much more.
I was very pleased with this discussion because it answers the question I had that I couldn't ask in time because I was behind in my reading- why does David like this book so much?
I am so glad I read this book. I do not think I would have found it on my own and am grateful for the recommendation of Close Reads. This has been one of my recent reads that has stuck with me the most
I'm a bit behind and just now listening to this final episode. I wanted to comment and just say how much I enjoyed this book -- not that I didn't expect to like it, but wow, what an interesting and thought-provoking novel, and I'm glad you fought for us to read it, David! The discussion was great, I would have been pretty lost reading it on my own, and I'm recommending it to a few friends that I know will enjoy it, too (and I'll make them listen to the pods, ofc). Felt like maybe a positive comment was needed after the general vibe of the questions from the Q&A so figured I'd send one.
I am so grateful for all of these discussions! I did not read this book - knowing what I did about it, I knew I didn't have to emotional wherewithal to tackle it right now. And I was right! I hate to say I correctly judged a book by its cover, but....I did. But I also judged myself and found myself wanting, so there's that makes it fair? But I really appreciated the discussions, and I feel prepared to tackle it another time. This series felt really meaningful and important.
I'm sympathetic to David's understand of the book as ultimately not nihilistic. If the definition of nihilism is "we want meaning, but there is none", I think Cohen is saying, "we want meaning...." And I think he lacks conclusion. The dilemma is one of, "how can Jewish Americans find meaning" not "Jewish Americans can't". In my reading, the dilemma is very similar to Asher Lev's. At the end of Asher Lev, he does not enter into the religious Jewish community - hes literally cast out of it. So that cannot be his answer and neither do I think it could be Rubes.
I read both of them to be stuck in the "we want meaning" part of the nihilism question and not in the "and there is none".
And I also really loved this book! Thanks for the pick!
I appreciate this comment, Franki. Well said: "How can Jewish Americans find meaning" not "Jewish Americans can't" and "In my reading, the dilemma is very similar to Asher Lev's. At the end of Asher Lev, he does not enter into the religious Jewish community - hes literally cast out of it. So that cannot be his answer and neither do I think it could be Rubes." —I share this.
I probably would have never read this book on my own, but that's what I love about Close Reads. It pushes me to read outside of my own preferences and "comfort zone". I appreciate the experience of reading this soon after Asher Lev and comparing and contrasting the Jewish American experiences they depict. Also, the discussions on the podcast, particularly in the Q & A, really made me think deeply. So, in short, thanks David for choosing it!
Dara Horn talks about traditional Jewish stories on the first episode of KSP’s podcast Jane and Jesus. Dara Horn argues that Jewish stories do not have happy endings traditionally. Christian stories do have the happy endings. So, if the main character just stays in his struggle at the end of the book, it probably is Jewish. I kept thinking about Dara Horn’s perspective during the discussion of the lack of resolution in the Netanyahus. The ending seems perfectly Jewish. It is the Christian expectation to desire resolutions.
I was very pleased with this discussion because it answers the question I had that I couldn't ask in time because I was behind in my reading- why does David like this book so much?
I'm grateful for how different you all are.
I am so glad I read this book. I do not think I would have found it on my own and am grateful for the recommendation of Close Reads. This has been one of my recent reads that has stuck with me the most
I'm a bit behind and just now listening to this final episode. I wanted to comment and just say how much I enjoyed this book -- not that I didn't expect to like it, but wow, what an interesting and thought-provoking novel, and I'm glad you fought for us to read it, David! The discussion was great, I would have been pretty lost reading it on my own, and I'm recommending it to a few friends that I know will enjoy it, too (and I'll make them listen to the pods, ofc). Felt like maybe a positive comment was needed after the general vibe of the questions from the Q&A so figured I'd send one.
I am so grateful for all of these discussions! I did not read this book - knowing what I did about it, I knew I didn't have to emotional wherewithal to tackle it right now. And I was right! I hate to say I correctly judged a book by its cover, but....I did. But I also judged myself and found myself wanting, so there's that makes it fair? But I really appreciated the discussions, and I feel prepared to tackle it another time. This series felt really meaningful and important.
I'm sympathetic to David's understand of the book as ultimately not nihilistic. If the definition of nihilism is "we want meaning, but there is none", I think Cohen is saying, "we want meaning...." And I think he lacks conclusion. The dilemma is one of, "how can Jewish Americans find meaning" not "Jewish Americans can't". In my reading, the dilemma is very similar to Asher Lev's. At the end of Asher Lev, he does not enter into the religious Jewish community - hes literally cast out of it. So that cannot be his answer and neither do I think it could be Rubes.
I read both of them to be stuck in the "we want meaning" part of the nihilism question and not in the "and there is none".
And I also really loved this book! Thanks for the pick!
Yes! This is what I was sensing after reading both books, but did not have words to express. Thanks for sharing this insight!
I appreciate this comment, Franki. Well said: "How can Jewish Americans find meaning" not "Jewish Americans can't" and "In my reading, the dilemma is very similar to Asher Lev's. At the end of Asher Lev, he does not enter into the religious Jewish community - hes literally cast out of it. So that cannot be his answer and neither do I think it could be Rubes." —I share this.
I probably would have never read this book on my own, but that's what I love about Close Reads. It pushes me to read outside of my own preferences and "comfort zone". I appreciate the experience of reading this soon after Asher Lev and comparing and contrasting the Jewish American experiences they depict. Also, the discussions on the podcast, particularly in the Q & A, really made me think deeply. So, in short, thanks David for choosing it!
I completely agree! I love having my reading horizons broadened here and the community discussions and podcasts help me to get so much more out of it.
I was sorry to hear that so many people didn’t like this book. I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed it also!!!
Dara Horn talks about traditional Jewish stories on the first episode of KSP’s podcast Jane and Jesus. Dara Horn argues that Jewish stories do not have happy endings traditionally. Christian stories do have the happy endings. So, if the main character just stays in his struggle at the end of the book, it probably is Jewish. I kept thinking about Dara Horn’s perspective during the discussion of the lack of resolution in the Netanyahus. The ending seems perfectly Jewish. It is the Christian expectation to desire resolutions.
That's a great point.
I really enjoyed this book. It was extremely unique and I appreciated what it did. Thanks for picking it!