March 27, 6:30pm

Annie's Ghosts: A Journey into a Family Secret

Steve Luxenberg

Journalist Steve Luxenberg knew his mother was an only child. Until the day he learned that she had a sister. What follows is one reporter's reminiscences, his investigation into the history of his Jewish family and his investigation into the often painful subject and history of mental illness. Along the way is an opportunity to ponder what things we keep secret, what things we share, and with what consequences.

The book is available online in hard copy and e-book from Amazon and Barnes & Noble and in hard copy from the Los Angeles County Library system.

Did you know that if you purchase this book from AmazonSmile, TBS receives a donation? Click here to order your copy.

December 19, 6:30pm

Let Them Call Me Rebel: Saul Alinsky, His Life and Legacy

Sanford D. Horwitt

Change maker, trouble maker, or both? Squarely in the prophetic tradition, apikorus, or both? Philosopher and activist Saul Alinsky is widely regarded by admirers and critics alike as the founder of modern community organizing. Still known to activists 80 years after his first organizing campaigns and nearly 50 years after his death, his works remain required reading for American activists on the right and on the left. Our book explores who Saul Alinsky became and the path that took him there.

Unfortunately, the only local copy we have located is at CSULB. However, if you purchase it online, AmazonSmile will make a donation to TBS.

October 10, 6:30pm

People of the Book

Geraldine Brooks

People of the Book is a fictionalized account of the history of the Sarajevo Haggadah, a real-life six hundred year old illuminated Hebrew manuscript. We wander with fictional characters through six hundred years and many hubs of Jewish history, tracing the journey of the Haggadah back to its origins. To write this book, Brooks researched in detail what is known about the history of Haggadah and the art of medieval bookmaking, but she was already accomplished and acclaimed at the art of historical fiction when she took on this fascinating subject.