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Exchange ideas, participate in engaging discussions, and connect with JCC community members at our monthly virtual Book Club. Even if you haven’t read the books, join us for the stimulating reviews and the opportunity to discover new authors and titles! Join us live on Zoom simulcast or register to receive the recordings. To receive this year’s complete reading list, please email Lisa Roy: lisar@mnjcc.org

Thursday May 29 
The Matchmaker's Gift  by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Book reviewer: Denise Drabkin

From Lynda Cohen Loigman, the bestselling author of The Two-Family House and The Wartime Sisters, comes a heartwarming story of two extraordinary women from two different eras who defy expectations to utilize their unique gift of seeing soulmates in the most unexpected places in The Matchmaker's Gift. 
 
Even as a child in 1910, Sara Glikman knows her gift: she is a maker of matches and a seeker of soulmates. But among the pushcart-crowded streets of New York’s Lower East Side, Sara’s vocation is dominated by devout older men—men who see a talented female matchmaker as a dangerous threat to their traditions and livelihood. After making matches in secret for more than a decade, Sara must fight to take her rightful place among her peers, and to demand the recognition she deserves.  Two generations later, Sara’s granddaughter, Abby, is a successful Manhattan divorce attorney, representing the city’s wealthiest clients. When her beloved Grandma Sara dies, Abby inherits her collection of handwritten journals recording the details of Sara’s matches. But among the faded volumes, Abby finds more questions than answers. Why did Abby’s grandmother leave this library to her and what did she hope Abby would discover within its pages? Why does the work Abby once found so compelling suddenly feel inconsequential and flawed? Is Abby willing to sacrifice the career she’s worked so hard for in order to keep her grandmother’s mysterious promise to a stranger? And is there really such a thing as love at first sight? This virtual program is being held in honour of Jewish Heritage Month.

Join us live on Zoom simulcast or register to receive the recording.

Denise Drabkin is a retired library manager who thoroughly enjoyed a 40-year career in public libraries. Denise worked in three different library systems on two continents, including the Toronto Public Library, and is a firm believer in libraries as the great levelers on the playing field of life. A long-time member of the Miles Nadal JCC Book Club, Denise volunteers her time to curate and lead each gathering, offering insightful reviews and a balance of books that are meaningful, timely and inclusive. All books are available through the Toronto Public Library, many with audio and e-versions. Previous titles have included: The Promise; The Island of Sea Women; The Company We Keep; Manikatenish and The Tunnel. We are delighted to welcome Denise back as our reviewer this season!

Available spots: Available

Price: $5.00 Taxes not included

Tags: Spring

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