Nice Jewish Books is a podcast focusing on adult Jewish fiction sponsored by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL.) Not only is AJL the leading authority on Judaica Librarianship, its members are a community of readers and bibliophiles. On this podcast, we chat with authors about Jewish literature, genre fiction, works in translation, and more. As long as a book has a Jewish theme or character, it's a candidate for our show!
The Wolf Shall Dwell With the Lamb by Emmet Hirsch
How many lives can one person live—and still know who he truly is?
Joseph has already lived several lives when he crosses the border from Lebanon into British Mandate Palestine. Once a beloved son in a Jewish home in Lebanon, he was later left to live at a convent, where he became a medical assistant to the convent doctor and the adjacent psychiatric hospital.
But everything changes when Joseph becomes involved in a Haganah operation.
His journey takes him from medical assistant to spy for the Haganah and, later, the Israel Defense Forces. As Joseph moves through one identity after another, he must confront a profound question:
After living so many lives, can Joseph remember who he really is—and finally find peace?
Follow along with the transcript.
Support the author (https://emmethirsch.com/), AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here.
Thanks to:
The Association of Jewish Libraries
Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor
Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home)
Donate (https://jewishlibraries.org/donation/) to support the podcast
If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life (https://jewishbooks.blogspot.com/), a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
16 Aug 2026
Love Me Like a Rock Song by Shelly Jay Shore
What happens when a road trip becomes a journey of self-discovery—and maybe love?
In Shelly Jay Shore's latest novel, Love Me Like a Rock Star, Delilah sets out on the honeymoon trip she planned before her rock-star fiancé broke her heart. Along for the ride is Emmet, a closeted golem honoring his late father's final wishes.
Their cross-country adventure takes them through queer hotspots, stunning national parks, unexpected discoveries—and perhaps even toward love. 💕🏳️🌈
Join me for a conversation with Shelly Jay Shore about Love Me Like a Rock Star, creativity, identity, self-determination, and finding your way when life takes an unexpected turn.
Follow along with the transcript.
Support the author and Translate Gender by pre-ordering her book at High Five Books.
Thanks to:
The Association of Jewish Libraries
Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor
Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home)
Donate (https://jewishlibraries.org/donation/) to support the podcast
If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life (https://jewishbooks.blogspot.com/), a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
14 Jul 2026
The Last Time We Saw Her with Jaclyn Goldis
Ten years after teen-aged Sydney vanished on a camping trip in the Azores, counselors, fellow campers, and her family come together to reconnect, remember her, and dedicate a newly renovated synagogue in her honor. But while old resentments resurface, what no one expects is the sudden arrival of a dead body—bringing long-buried secrets to the surface. Can the island finally reveal the truth? Join me for a conversation with Jaclyn Goldis about her latest thriller mystery, The Last Time We Saw Her.
Follow along with the transcript.
Check out Jaclyn's website (https://www.jaclyngoldis.com/) and support efforts to rebuild the Venezuelan Jewish community after the devastating earthquakes of June 24, 2026.
Support the author, AJL, and independent book stores by buying their book here. (https://bookshop.org/shop/ajl)
Thanks to:
The Association of Jewish Libraries
Heidi Rabinowitz, podcast mentor
Dee Yan Key for use of their Freylekh (downloaded from https://freemusicarchive.org/home)
Donate (https://jewishlibraries.org/donation/) to support the podcast
If you enjoyed this podcast, you might also like the AJL sister podcast, The Book of Life (https://jewishbooks.blogspot.com/), a podcast about Jewish kidlit, mostly.
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