Amazing Adventures of the Jewish People

Rating:
Summary: Excellent overview of Jewish history for kids
Review: In Max Dimont's view of Jewish history, "the saga of the Jewish people is a fantastic adventure story" (xiv) of survival against unbelievable odds. Every period of Jewish history presented a new challenge, whether persecution by a rival nation, assimilation into a foreign culture, or internal religious dissent. In every time-period, Judaism, and the Jewish people, faced the real possibility of ceasing to exist. But through courage, creativity, religious insight, and luck, the "saga" continues to the present day.

Because its scope is so large for such a short book, The Amazing Adventures of the Jewish People only touches upon each period of Jewish history briefly. In four or five pages, Dimont can cover hundreds of years. Nevertheless, by focusing on surprising facts and unusual situations, the book manages to present a very readable account. Because each of the thirty-six chapters is centered on a single issue or crisis in Jewish history, Dimont manages to simultaneously provide both a chronological and topical approach to the subject.

History is presented as the result of the specific decisions of historical figures, presented at their most heroic (and villainous), within the context of the great events of their time-periods. Characterizations are tempered with interesting biographical details that help to personalize the constant stream of names. Religious, political, and intellectual figures share the spotlight, leading to a clear sense that Judaism is more than a religion or nationality.

Written with so much clear enthusiasm, it is hard not to get caught up and to share Dimont's excitement. Dimont has a good sense of narrative and of detail, and knows how to balance between the two to tell an engaging story. Each chapter concludes by introducing the challenge that will be faced in the next, in the "tune-in-next-time" style of the old silent serials. Although the "gee-whiz" tone may be off-putting to some readers, most will find the book lives up to the title and is an exhilarating read.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent overview of Jewish history for kids
Review: In Max Dimont's view of Jewish history, "the saga of the Jewish people is a fantastic adventure story" (xiv) of survival against unbelievable odds. Every period of Jewish history presented a new challenge, whether persecution by a rival nation, assimilation into a foreign culture, or internal religious dissent. In every time-period, Judaism, and the Jewish people, faced the real possibility of ceasing to exist. But through courage, creativity, religious insight, and luck, the "saga" continues to the present day.

Because its scope is so large for such a short book, The Amazing Adventures of the Jewish People only touches upon each period of Jewish history briefly. In four or five pages, Dimont can cover hundreds of years. Nevertheless, by focusing on surprising facts and unusual situations, the book manages to present a very readable account. Because each of the thirty-six chapters is centered on a single issue or crisis in Jewish history, Dimont manages to simultaneously provide both a chronological and topical approach to the subject.

History is presented as the result of the specific decisions of historical figures, presented at their most heroic (and villainous), within the context of the great events of their time-periods. Characterizations are tempered with interesting biographical details that help to personalize the constant stream of names. Religious, political, and intellectual figures share the spotlight, leading to a clear sense that Judaism is more than a religion or nationality.

Written with so much clear enthusiasm, it is hard not to get caught up and to share Dimont's excitement. Dimont has a good sense of narrative and of detail, and knows how to balance between the two to tell an engaging story. Each chapter concludes by introducing the challenge that will be faced in the next, in the "tune-in-next-time" style of the old silent serials. Although the "gee-whiz" tone may be off-putting to some readers, most will find the book lives up to the title and is an exhilarating read.

Rating:
Summary: History lovers buy this book!
Review: This book is an excellent choice for history buffs or for people trying to learn more about their heritage. This book gives a brief synopsisof jewish history which really helps spark the interest to learn more about ones past. An excellent choice!

Rating:
Summary: Good starter book
Review: This was the first book I read about Judaism three years ago and it started me off on my path that is leading to conversion. My best friend is Jewish and I asked her question after question. She finally handed me this book, a gift she had received in high school. I read it on the plane to and from spring break. It was a great and enthusiastic introduction to the world of Judaism. My library now includes over 25 books on Judaism and I have begun to study towards conversion.

While it is obvious the author is writing towards a teenage/young adult crowd it is still a great jumping off point for someone who doesn't know anything about Judaism. Because it is so enthusiastic it helps the reader become enthusiastic about what they are reading.