Religious 15 Seder Steps, The

When I Grow Up

Read by Ella Marks (1 Cd)

For Bernice Rubens fans this is sadly her last work. It was written shortly before she died and is largely her autobiography. The book gives a marvellous picture of her and her Welsh musical family's life.

No. 1349
When Swan Lake Comes to Sarajevo

by Ruth Waterman

Read by Ruth Waterman
*Chosen as an Observer Book of the Year 2012!* War is always with us, and so is peace. This is about the peace that comes after a war. It is one woman's account of her experiences in the new country of Bosnia as guest conductor of a remarkable little orchestra, the Mostar Sinfonietta. International violinist Ruth Waterman first met the musicians of the multi-ethnic ensemble in 2002, and since then has returned regularly to the region, teaching, conducting and performing, and listening to their stories. Here she describes the nuts and bolts of daily life - in turn frustrating, hilarious and touching: the putting together of concerts despite the odds; the rebuilding of bridges, towns, communities, lives; and how making music can connect us to our essential humanity and to each other. Ruth Waterman's writing is humane and down-to-earth, perceptive and inspiring. Interspersed with her diaries and observations are the stories of war and peace by the Bosnians themselves, in their own voices, acts of witness that reveal their courage, despair, resilience and humour. This intermingling of narrative, first-hand accounts and photographs builds a mosaic that provides a visceral introduction to an unfamiliar world where people simply want to 'live a normal life'.

No. 1787

Where she Came From

Read by Gloria Morgan

After the death of her mother in 1989, Helen Epstein traces her mother's unspoken past in Prague with interest, love and deep feeling. She finds an unknown world of Jewish ancestors, and traces them through the holocaust and up to the their arrival in America.

No. 1649

White Christmas

Read by Hilary Michel (1 Cd)

An interesting story about a song and the history of a period in which many standards were written. 'White Christmas' began as a throwaway song and with the help of Bing Crosby, became a top selling song. This book invites you into the American story of popular music with its ups and downs, successes and failures and the life of its composer Irving Berlin.

No. 1344

White Cities, The

Read by Diana Toeman (1 Cd)

Joseph Roth was a prolific political journalist and novelist. He left the Weimar Republic for France in 1925 and this fine collection of his essays forms an unrivalled portrait of France in the late 1920's and 1930's. His reportage is outstanding; he was a supreme observer and witness watching the turbulent history of the era as a living process.

No. 1401

Why's My Glass Always Half Empty?

Read by Anita Boston (1 Cd)

This is Leila Abraham's autobiography. Her story begins in 1920 and we are taken through her early years, her army service, her career in the fashion industry and teaching;raising her three children and of difficulties, disappointments, despair and depression. Finally Leila asks the question Why is my glass always half empty? The answer lies perhaps in her sense of achievement, of having lived life to the full, of being satisfied with one's self and accepting life as it is.

No. 1558

Widow's Tale, A

Read by Ita Rubin (1 Cd)

Dovid was a rabbi who loved the Rabbinate. Dina was his wife, and she loved Dovid. The synagogue where Dovid officiated was like most synagogues, with its arguments and pettiness, but also with its warmth and respect for the rabbi. It seemed like Dovid and Dina and their growing family would spend many years in the Rockland community, helping the synagogue to grow. Then suddenly Dovid dies leaving Dina at the mercy of the congregation, family and friends. The tragedy, the humour, the frustrations, and the honest vitality with which Dina recounts the details of her life, will give you insights into the struggles that many single mothers go through except most single mothers don't have nine children in tow!

No. 1611

Wild Water Lilies

Read by Ita Rubin (1 Cd)

This is the story of a Welsh Jewish girl growing up in extraordinary times. The diary begins in January 1940 and ends in August 1945. The relatively unknown and secluded corner of Wales experienced frequent sighting of German bombers overhead bringing the war right to their front door.

No. 1371

Will To Live On, The

Read by Ita Rubin (1 Cd)

Herman Wouk's aim in writing this book was to break through the crust of prejudice, to re-awaken clear-headed thought about the Jewish heritage and to convey a message of hope for Jewish survival. After a lifetime of study Herman Wouk examines the changes affecting the Jewish world, especially the troubled world of Israel, as well as the remarkable though dwindling American Jewry. This noted author expresses his own faith with a passion that gives the book it's fire and does so in a clear engaging style.

No. 1542

Winner Takes All : A Life of Sorts

Read by Anita Boston (1 Cd)

Michael Winner, the controversial film director, screen writer and food critic is a colourful figure who has lived a remarkable life. His reputation is for being outspoken, and true to form his autobiography is crammed with sharpened insightful revelation. 'Winner Takes All' begins with Michael Winner's unconventional childhood as a Jewish boy attending a Quaker boarding school.

After leaving Cambridge, Winner recounts with relish his experiences directing some of the world's most famous actors and actresses. In recent years he has become well known as a food critic and also for his e-sure TV commercials which produced a national catch phrase - ' Calm down dear its only a commercial' Michael Winner is a natural raconteur and his anecdotes make compelling listening.