Jarrod Tanny, “City of Rogues and Schnorrers: Russia’s Jews and the Myth of Old Odessa” (Indiana University Press). Tanny is Assistant Professor of History and Block Distinguished Fellow of Jewish History at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. This is an absolutely fascinating book on a quintessential Jewish city, and the “retreat of its golden age into the realm of collective memory." Highly Recommended.
Bernard Lewis, “The End of Modern History in the Middle East” (Hoover Institution Press). The three factors that could most help transform the Middle East, according to Lewis, are Turkey, Israel, and women. If freedom fails and terror triumphs, he warns, the peoples of Islam will be the first and greatest victims. With a Forward and Introduction by Fouad Ajami.
A.J. Jacobs, “Drop Dead Healthy: One Man’s Humble Quest for Bodily Perfection” (Simon & Schuster). An entertaining and informative book on just about every health fad out there, some of which are worthwhile, such as “mindful eating.” Worth perusing.
Allen H. Loughry II, “Don’t Buy Another Vote, I Won’t Pay for a Landslide” (McClain Printing Co.).
The subtitle is “The Sordid and Continuing History of Political Corruption in West Virginia.” The author holds four law degrees: a J.D., two LL.Ms, and an S.J.D. from American University, the University of London, and Capital University. 623 pages! Dedicated to the people of West Virginia — but of interest to all Americans.