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Straight up I’ll admit that I don’t understand all the history of the conflict in Israel and Palestine. And while reading Seven Good Years by Etgar Keret, my ignorance of the region, the people and their past came into vivid focus. So, between reading the stories woven in, I made many internet searches to try to glean additional background. As I read, however, I found the most important essence of the short stories is what they reveal about the elements of life experience that know no borders.

Seven Good Years is a memoir spooned out in vignettes, some so brief that I had to go back and read them again just to be sure I got the message. The book begins with the birth of Keret’s son and covers experiences living in a place where violence can happen at any turn. We also discover his life as a writer who travels all over the world to share his work, and in between, discover the dynamics of Keret’s life and his family’s heritage until his father passes away seven years later.

BOOKIN’ IT EPISODE TWO

Lest I’ve led you to think that reading “Seven Good Years” is a downer, Sara Edstrom and I will assure you that it is a wonderful read that will leave you feeling hopeful. Originally selected by way of the book group #reallivesbookclub, we decided Seven Good Years was so exceptional that we’ve made it our second choice for the Bookin’ It videocast.

During the episode, Sara provides concise and informative details about Keret that will paint the backdrop for the stories. And then we dive into a couple of our favorite stories along with what we felt helped us better understand the context of the work.

We are both members of Real Lives Book Club which has read a number of lengthy biographies in past months, so this shorter selection with bite sized stories was a nice departure. Both Sara and I agree it can take a bit of acclimating to get used to short stories again, but short also gives you permission to reread those you feel went by too fast. Heads up: you’ll want to pay attention and read in bursts for this one.

We then finish up with a discussion of other books by our bedside these days to give you ideas for other possible reads. I couldn’t think to mention at the time, but another recommend I’d like to add is “The World According to Fannie Davis: My Mother’s Life in the Detroit Numbers” by Bridget Davis.

Only 40 pages in at this moment, I can tell already that this is an exciting and well-written book about an exceptional woman who raised her family into middle class and helped her community beat the odds against African Americans during the 1960s and beyond.

PERTINENT LINKS

When I read nonfiction, my curiosity is always sparked to learn more about those subjects I don’t know. I NEVER tire of the instant gratification that the internet provides. For “Seven Good Years,” I found video of Etgar Keret reading from his work, which helped me hear him as I read his stories. This one with University of California Public TV was particularly good.

The Keret House in Warsaw Poland is a fascinating story, too. DW News provides an informative video. And for those of you who need a good overview of an extremely complicated political history in the region where Keret lives, I thought this piece at the History Channel was concise and useful.

ABOUT SARA AND SHERRY

Sara Edstrom is a voracious reader who belongs to at least two book clubs, and reads other books beyond her group commitments as well. When not reading she works as a Realtor in the Des Moines area, is married to her best friend and they take care of two cute furry family members. She enjoys friendships, travel and her sideline talent as a juggler.

Her contact info and more about her business is here:

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Sherry is always up to hear or read a good story, especially true accounts from people’s experiences. She launched Real Lives Book Club as a way to read non-fiction and share in discussion and accountability with other readers which is how she met Sara. Sherry is a writer and interviewer who helps families and businesses create legacy books of their stories. She is a grateful grandma who enjoys family, friends and travel. 

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Audible

I’m enjoying my Audible membership because it helps me enjoy more books. As a really slow reader I manage to read a book a month to keep my commitment to Real Lives Book Club, but if I want to experience other books, I need a little help. Listening to books allows me to enjoy them when I walk or do other things. Plus, the audio versions are of such good quality that I’m pulled in as an audio learner.

Each month with your Audible membership you receive 1 credit that provides you access to book at a membership discount. And you can stretch your benefits by including a download of audible originals available each month. This is content brought to you exclusively by Audible by thought leaders on a myriad of subjects, including self-improvement and audible also provide content for wellness including guided medication. 

Right now, I’m listening to The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver. Whenever I walk or take a break to relax and listen, I become involved in the story of Taylor Greer and her life as she leaves her childhood home in rural Kentucky in search of a new life. She no sooner breaks free only to inherit a Native American child by accident. The remainder of the story is their journey to build a life in the west.

Audible offers a 30-day free trial of their app, also, which is stellar for anyone who wants to give audio books a try before making a commitment. The Audible books app is straightforward for easy use and to keep track of your listening, too, which comes in handy for listening and doing other things at the same time. Please check out our link for Bookin’ It here: http://www.audibletrial/bookinit

Sherry is the founder of Storied Gifts a personal publishing service of family and company histories. She and her team help clients curate and craft their stories into books. When not writing or interviewing, Sherry spends loads of time with her grandchildren and lives in Des Moines, Iowa.

STORIED GIFTS SHOP

Need a beautiful infusion of inspiration for your storied life? Please check out the Storied Gifts Shop where we offer Wearable Wisdom & Daily Inspirations.

The shop is a mother and daughter venture for Sherry and Alexandra Borzo of Content In Motion. They both work to help their client's stories sing. The shop is their effort to inspire a focus on healthy minds for everyone through positive thought.

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