The Jewish Community Center of the North Shore in Marblehead will mark the 32nd year of its Jewish Book Month Speaker Series this fall with seven author events exploring everything from thrillers and true crime to Jewish history, baking and children’s literature.
The series runs Oct. 21 through Nov. 19, with most events taking place at the JCCNS, 4 Community Road.
“At a time when Jewish authors and voices are facing unprecedented levels of bias and exclusion, it is so important for us to stand behind, celebrate and amplify Jewish writers and their stories,” Jewish Book Month Chairperson Margie Detkin said in a statement.
Detkin said the series also provides an opportunity for people across the community to gather and connect.
The series opens Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. with award-winning journalist and USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan, who will discuss her latest thriller, “Mother Daughter Sister Stranger.” The event at the JCCNS will include a book sale, signing and reception.
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m., Michael Benson will discuss “Hollywood vs. Nazis,” which examines Adolf Hitler’s efforts to influence Hollywood and the secret campaign by Jewish studio leaders to fight back.
Local author and JCCNS member Phyllis Karas will discuss “The Curse of the Blumenthals” on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. The book explores the true story of her family and generations of hidden secrets. Karas will appear in conversation with Doug Grad, founder and president of the Doug Grad Literary Agency.
The series takes a culinary turn Sunday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m., when Carol Becker, owner of Manhattan’s William Greenberg Desserts, presents “William Greenberg Desserts Bakes Vegan.” The book draws on nearly 80 years of Jewish baking tradition with a collection of plant-based recipes.
Becker will be joined by Lilly Tapper, owner of Three Hundred Fifty Bakery in Swampscott. The event includes brunch and vegan desserts.
New York Times bestselling author Jenna Blum will discuss her novel “Murder Your Darlings” on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. at Tedesco Country Club. The novel centers on love, obsession, revenge and the publishing world.
A family-oriented program follows Friday, Nov. 13, at 4:30 p.m., when author Vivian Kirkfield and illustrator Jill Weber present “Pippa’s Hanukkah Hunt.” The free Hanukkah celebration at the JCCNS will include a book reading, craft and pizza dinner and is presented in partnership with PJ Library.
The series concludes Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. with Judy Batalion, New York Times bestselling author of “The Light of Days.” Batalion will discuss her debut novel, “The Last Woman of Warsaw,” set in prewar Warsaw amid growing antisemitism.
Batalion will appear in conversation with Shelley Sackett, a member of the Boston Theater Critics Association, freelance journalist, divorce mediator and former editor of the Jewish Journal. Hadassah North Shore Chapter is a community partner for the event.
Individual tickets range from free to $45. The JCCNS is also offering a package covering all seven events for $172 for members and $182 for nonmembers.
For information or tickets, visit jccns.org or contact Lauren Weiss at lweiss@jccns.com or 857-285-7959.
