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As I write this, the long term forecast shows predicts that the heat will last.  I can think of nothing better- except maybe having a  swimming pool in my backyard- to while away the days and escape the heat, than a good book.

Try some of these new arrivals in the Jacobs Library. They may not physically cool you off but they may take your mind off the heat.

This first book is not a Jewish book, per se, but storytelling is definitely a Jewish thing. The Torah is a perfect example of Jewish stories; we talk about Bible stories.  So gather the family around and dip into The Family Storytelling Handbook by Anne Pellowski. The subtitle tells it all: how to use stories, anecdotes, rhymes, handkerchiefs, paper and other objects to enrich your family traditions.

Maggie Anton, best known for her stories (historical fiction) about Rashi’s daughters, has recently come out with The Choice: a novel of love, faith and the Talmud, inspired by Chaim Potok’s  characters.

Zeruya Shalev has been called one of the most talented writers of our time. In Pain, terrorist attack victim Iris suffers not only the physical pain from the attack but also emotional pain from her relationships and psychological pain from the secrets she keeps.

Derek B. Miller’s latest is How to Find Your Way in the Dark, a historical novel that also delves into the psychology of its main character, Sheldon Horowitz, who is bent on revenging his father’s murder.

For something a little lighter, try Jennifer Moses’s latest collection of short stories, The Man Who Loved his Wife. Moses has been compared to Malamud or Saul Bellow, lauded writers  managed to infuse their stories with both humor and pathos.

All the stories in Sarahland by Sam Cohen feature a character named Sarah. Drawing on foundational Jewish stories as well as new ways of looking at old situations, the stories have been called dazzling and hilarious.

Lastly, Omer Friedlander’s collection of stories, The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land, has been called both outrageously funny and outrageously tender, intricately crafted, intelligent and whimsical.

All these books are on display on the rack at the library’s entrance.