Critically acclaimed author Max Apple cherishes the years he and his grandfather spent living together.
In his poignant book “Roommates,” Apple reminisces about the time he and his college buddies were drinking beer and kibitzing on the front lawn of their fraternity house before a University of Michigan football game.
In the midst of all the pregame chaos, Apple looked over and saw his grandfather sitting quietly reading an oversized copy of the Talmud.
This anecdote was one of many Apple recently shared with members of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation’s South Peninsula Women’s Alliance book club, called Authors and Their Books.
As the keynote speaker at the group’s first Jewish book club meeting, Apple led a discussion about the extraordinary role his grandfather played in his life.
He also read from his next book, a work in progress about his relationship with his grandmother.
“This is the type of event women should be doing. It is accessible, educational, and left people with a warm feeling,” said Susan Golovin, who hosted the meeting at her South Peninsula home.
Some 45 women spanning a wide range of ages attended the event after reading “Roommates.” Authors and Their Books was offered to women who made a gift to the JCF’s annual campaign. The turnout, according to co-chair Susan Olshen, exceeded expectations.
Valerie Rubenstein, president of the South Peninsula Women’s Alliance, came up with the idea for the book club as a way of reaching out to those who were unfamiliar with the federation and the Women’s Alliance.
“What sets this club apart from others is that the authors are there to emphasize what they think is important,” said Rubenstein, who is also involved in a similar Jewish book club at Stanford University.
“It’s exciting to discuss books in a communal environment. There is a need for educational endeavors that have continuity.”
Marion Knox, who had attended authors’ readings but had never attended a Women’s Alliance event before, called the club “very interesting” and said she looked forward to future meetings.
The group’s second session featured Joshua Wright Edelman, son of noted children’s advocate Marian Wright Edelman.
The meeting, also held at Golovin’s home, showcased the elder Edelman’s best-selling “Letters to My Children.” The group focused on a compassionate, tough and searching letter Marian Edelman wrote to her three sons about life, mothering and the importance of remembering other people’s children.
The next meeting is scheduled for February at a private home in the South Peninsula and will feature Faye Moskowitz, author of “And the Bridge is Love.” The short pieces in this collection contain touching life stories about caring for aging parents, seeing your children marry, grandchildren and getting older.
This book followed Moskowitz’ heartwarming coming-of-age volume, “Leak in the Heart.”
The Women’s Alliance isn’t the only JCF affinity group reading and discussing books. The federation’s Young Adult Division. The federation’s Young Adult Division has also started a book club.
The kickoff for YAD’s new book club took place in December, with an extensive tour of the S.F.-based Bureau of Jewish Education’s library. Bay Area author Sherril Lew was on hand to provide insights on reading and writing Jewish books.
“People are not aware that the library even exists,” said event co-chair Jill Rosenberg, “which is why this tour was so productive.”
The tour also gave people a chance to meet and find common reading interests. Attendees then joined smaller reading groups that meet monthly.
“Although there were no set guidelines, the groups were encouraged to read books with an underlying Jewish theme,” said event co-chair Wayne Lampert.
Every third month, book club members collectively choose a book by a local writer, planning to meet as one large group and invite the author to present his or her thoughts and views, he said.
While social events are prominent among the YAD members, the book club serves as a “social and educational event rolled into one,” Rosenberg added. “It allows people to expand their horizons individually and collectively.”
Both Rosenberg and Lampert believe book clubs are the trend of the ’90s. Lampert calls the ’80s the “me” generation, and sees a reconnection taking place.
“Just like coffeehouses are coming back around, so is the trend to read and discuss books,” he said.