October 02, 2005
Dearest Mr. Epstein:
It was just sitting there on the top of the return heap of books that had already found their way back from the homes of Costa Mesa residents. Ah, just to imagine for a moment the vignettes these books would share if only they could speak to us... And so it was either the polenta yellow cover or the oxymoronic title that captured my fleeting interest. Having said all that, Fabulous Small Jews found its way home with me on a Friday afternoon and by late Sunday morning (between dinner parties, volunteer activities, college football and family life) your book, your writing has completed my weekend.
As a writer, a great book (or a great article) is one that requires a pen & paper in hand (along with a substantial beverage, a comfortable chair and a quilt wrapped around the shoulders). a good piece is one that almost immediately results in a response--- whether it is that you must share what you've read with someone, you are prompted immediately to your journal( or blog or computer) where you share your innermost feelings of joy, or anger or sadness, or call or write to the editor or the author and let him or her know that a life has been changed by something he or she has written. so it is with Fabulous Small Jews .
perhaps I found your little short stories so remarkable because I was born and raised in Chicago (1950-1970 ) and my family still resides in that lively town and so we are called to return there often. perhaps it is because my husband and stepson are Jews (value, justice, ethics - born and bred). or maybe it's because my midlife crisis resulted in a two year study of gerontology and currently I spend much of my volunteer hours in the company of seniors.
or maybe it's because as I am aging and I see such richness in honestly and simplicity.
at any rate, your book made me laugh and cry. it caused me to move my eyes from its pages to the ceiling where I found myself gazing for untold minutes. your words are gentle and firm. they ring true and loud.
god has blessed you richly with a gift that you have not held quietly to yourself.
thanks and may you have many more years to share with the world!!! ~ cmash
Dear Ms. Ashendorf, Many thanks for these kind and generous words about my book of stories. Your response to my book absolutely delights - make that "thrills" - me. I'm very grateful to you for writing to me as you did. Best wishes, Joseph Epstein
It was just sitting there on the top of the return heap of books that had already found their way back from the homes of Costa Mesa residents. Ah, just to imagine for a moment the vignettes these books would share if only they could speak to us... And so it was either the polenta yellow cover or the oxymoronic title that captured my fleeting interest. Having said all that, Fabulous Small Jews found its way home with me on a Friday afternoon and by late Sunday morning (between dinner parties, volunteer activities, college football and family life) your book, your writing has completed my weekend.
As a writer, a great book (or a great article) is one that requires a pen & paper in hand (along with a substantial beverage, a comfortable chair and a quilt wrapped around the shoulders). a good piece is one that almost immediately results in a response--- whether it is that you must share what you've read with someone, you are prompted immediately to your journal( or blog or computer) where you share your innermost feelings of joy, or anger or sadness, or call or write to the editor or the author and let him or her know that a life has been changed by something he or she has written. so it is with Fabulous Small Jews .
perhaps I found your little short stories so remarkable because I was born and raised in Chicago (1950-1970 ) and my family still resides in that lively town and so we are called to return there often. perhaps it is because my husband and stepson are Jews (value, justice, ethics - born and bred). or maybe it's because my midlife crisis resulted in a two year study of gerontology and currently I spend much of my volunteer hours in the company of seniors.
or maybe it's because as I am aging and I see such richness in honestly and simplicity.
at any rate, your book made me laugh and cry. it caused me to move my eyes from its pages to the ceiling where I found myself gazing for untold minutes. your words are gentle and firm. they ring true and loud.
god has blessed you richly with a gift that you have not held quietly to yourself.
thanks and may you have many more years to share with the world!!! ~ cmash
Dear Ms. Ashendorf, Many thanks for these kind and generous words about my book of stories. Your response to my book absolutely delights - make that "thrills" - me. I'm very grateful to you for writing to me as you did. Best wishes, Joseph Epstein
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