I received this book as an Early Reviewer. My mother in law (MIL) read it first - and, being of that generation, - loved the book. It brought memories and stories to mind that we all enjoyed hearing. When I sat down to read this book I also enjoyed it thoroughly but, for me, it was a teacher not a reminder. It is rich in culture and history and important things to remember. It is art and poetry. I loved this book and am so grateful that I was able to sample this early - I would not have know to look for the book otherwise. I will now seek out more of Isidore Century. ( )

From the Coffee House of Jewish Dreamers is the fourth book that I have received through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program. It also happens to be the second book of poetry that I've acquired through the program--and I must say that I enjoyed this one much more than I did the other. Perhaps because it seemed to be so much more honest and not nearly as pretentious as the other collection came across.

Ben Yehuda Press is both a smaller and newer book publisher, specializing in an innovative and diverse range of Jewish interest materials--from Orthodox to secular to "alienated" sectors of the Jewish population. I was not familiar with Isidore Century or his work before, but am glad that I am now. From the Coffee House of Jewish Dreamers is actually a compilation of two of Century's poetry collections: Poems of the Weekly Torah Portions (a collection of delightful commentaries) and Poems of Wonder and Wandering (a collection of more autobiographical works).

The poetry was wonderful--somewhat straightforward (which is fine, by me), and yet filled with humor, wit, and emotion. The Torah commentaries in particular had me grinning much of the time. I didn't connect quite as well with the Poems of Wonder and Wandering collection, but still found them quite enjoyable, providing an enlightening view into one man's life and spiritual growth. I kept reading aloud portions to my roommate (who is Jewish, though I am not) who appreciated them just as much as I did.

I did find the format of the book somewhat annoying. I'm not sure that publishing it as a "flip-book" (the two collections were back to back and upside down to each other) really did it justice. Additionally, by printing it this way, the glossary of Yiddish and Hebrew terms gets lost in the middle. I didn't even know it was there until after I found it completely by accident.

It is not necessary to be Jewish to enjoy these poetry collections, although it probably adds more depth of understanding. Some familiarity with the Torah stories is helpful, but also not necessary. Century's work is very accessible and can be appreciated by just about anyone--I'm glad that I was introduced, certainly. I would encourage others to seek him out, too.

Experiments in Reading ( )

This collection of poems (or should I say pair of collections) is a unique personal view of Jewish cultural life and religious meaning. With both humor and pathos, these fine little gems of verse give us one man's veiw of what it means to be a Jew in contemporary society.

From the Coffee House of Jewish Dreamers contains two collections of poems: Poems of the Weekly Torah Portions and Poems of Wonder and Wandering. Poems of the Weekly Torah Portion offers a highly original slant on well-known Bible stories. The poems are light and often humorous, and will surprise readers already familiar with the traditional stories.

Poems of Wonder and Wandering is an autobiographical account of Isidore Century’s life. Carefully chosen, expressive words bring the author’s experiences of life to life, from early childhood to later years of spiritual struggle on his way to self-discovery. The poems evoke strong emotions of remorse, confusion, wistfulness, and ultimately hopefulness, mingling and fusing past and present. It is easy to identify with these unexpectedly touching and haunting poems, regardless of your religious or cultural background. Many Yiddish words are used throughout, lending depth and authenticity to the poetry. A glossary of these words is included. Gevaldik! ( )

I must begin by stating a disclaimer. I am not a sophisticated reader of poetry. However, I absolutely love Isidore Century's collection. It is set up in a manner which some may consider somewhat kitschy, unless the reader is familiar with the Jewish emphasis on balance in all areas of life. For instance, after a funeral, one eats an egg to remember life as well as death. So, too, is this collection arranged. When I read the "Poems of Wonder and Wandering", I was awash in a sea of sadness and longing. Flip the book over and read ""poems of the weekly Torah Portions", and it is laugh out loud funny, full of tongue in cheek wit. It is the balance between sadness and humor, anger and joy, longing and acceptance, which make this collection such a treasure.

Century's poems read like prose. They each tell a story, whether poignant or humorous. It is the story of a life, of a people, and a man. Please take the time to enjoy this collection. ( )