The Book of Jeremiah

<p>Julie Zuckerman's moving and engrossing debut novel-in-stories <em>The Book of Jeremiah</em> tells the story of awkward but endearing Jeremiah Gerstler -- the son of Jewish immigrants brilliant political science professor husband father.</p><p>Jeremiah has yearned for respect and acceptance his entire life and no matter his success he still strives for more. As a boy he was feisty and irreverent and constantly compared to his sweet and well-behaved older brother Lenny. At the university he worries he is a token hire. Occasionally he's combative with colleagues especially as he ages. But there is a sweetness to Gerstler too and an abiding loyalty and affection for those he loves. When he can overcome his worst impulses his moments of humility become among the best measures of his achievements.</p><p>Spanning eight decades and interwoven with the Jewish experience of the 20th century Julie Zuckerman charts Jeremiah's life from boyhood through service in WWII to marriage and children a professorship and finally retirement with compassion honesty and a respect that even Gerstler himself would find touching.</p>