I have received the first batch of comments about the book and I would like to share a handful of them with those who may be interested.
Zara Sclar wrote: “...just finished a great book!!!... Went and bought three extra copies for gifts...amazing story—not like one I have ever read and I couldn't put it down..... Seriously, great read! Brilliantly written!!... Well done Jeff.... When is the next one coming out?”
Ellen Zyroff wrote: “Instead of a Flood is an inspiration to new writers. People are often advised to write about what they know best and you've done a superb job of just that, while artfully weaving the private and public challenges and opportunities we all face with a strong, interesting plot, delightful humor, cliff-hanger suspense and local color. I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your book—a great read for all and a special treat for those who know you at our shul.
Ernie Saks wrote: “The book had an engaging plot and I read it with great anticipation, waiting to see how it would turn out. It was an imaginative and engaging narrative.”
I have also included a sprinkling of comments received from many readers. I did not seek permission to reprint their opinions so I omitted names. Some are amusing, too and thought they might be of interest.
H.M. — “Wow! I never expected the book to be so thick. I was expecting 120 pages, not 420.”
Contrast the following observations:
“Your ‘bad guys’ are not bad enough while the ‘good guys’ are a bit too good.”
“You should not have spent the time on the ‘bad guys’—they detract from the book.”
L.L. — “You have the most amazing imagination; to write what you have written is mind boggling.”
E.G. — “The book is clever in a variety of respects including the themes and sub-themes, one line cracks, structure etc. Personally the concept of influencing people from a spiritual point of view using sport as a medium I thought was terrific. You should have gone further with this idea.”
M.A. — “You have a very fertile imagination. I read two or three books at a time but I could not put this one down.”
P.S. — “I love the way you brought the pieces together—I rushed home from work each day to read it. They should make it into a movie.”
K.M. — “Jeff, you do us all proud. I really enjoyed the book but want to know what happened to the terrorists?”
I suppose it is a little unusual for me to be reviewing my husband's book – I do admit I am a little (just a little!) biased. However, as I set up the website, I am taking advantage of my position.
I would like to let you know how all this started, which was about four years ago.
It began on one of our long walks, when Jeff told me he felt the need to write a book. I remember asking him questions about it but he was never very forthright in sharing his ideas with me. I remember thinking…oh well, things are pretty slow on the business side, so if this little exercise keeps him busy, who am I to argue?
There were months when I did not see him commit anything to paper, computer actually, and then at other times he would write vigorously. Sometimes on our walks he would reveal snippets. They all sounded sweet, but I always wondered how on earth was he going to tie it all together to make it into a readable book. I really did not give it much more thought than that. He never let me read what he had written and would cover the screen when I walked in the room. It is the only thing he did not share with me. I still thought he was playing games and really did not take it very seriously.
It was at the beginning of 2008 that he told me that he was nearing the end and he was now going to put a major effort into finishing it. Only then did I realize how serious he was. I finally persuaded—begged actually—him to let me read the first draft.
Wow! I was truly amazed. Firstly, I loved the concept. So unique. I found SJ and his team—Yeshiva boy Joseph and his brother Dean—to be so refreshing. I was also taken in with Itzy, SJ's evil inclination, continuously chirping in his head. Their adventures were exciting and every time I got to the end of a chapter, I had to go on. Of course, the best part was the humor. Having known Jeff for 40 years, his character seemed to jump out of every page. Most importantly though, were the many lessons that were imparted in the course of these adventures. The book was filled with hidden gems of goodness.
To me, it could be described as a light-hearted book on a very serious subject—a real spiritual quest.
I guarantee you a great read. You will finish with a smile on your face like I did.
Jenni Lazarow