RUTHFULLY YOURS

              We are ending the year 2013 with a very special guest and friend, author and journalist Jack Engelhard. Jack has an amazing life that started in Toulouse, France. His family consisting of his parents and sister escaped when the Nazis invaded France realizing that the Jews were be part of Hitler’s extermination plan. The family tried to come to America but instead settled in Canada because America closed its doors to Jewish refugees. Ten years later, his family was granted permanent residence and become citizens of the United States.

Most people know Jack from his novel-turned-major motion picture Indecent Proposal. This film is remembered years after it debuted with Robert Redford and Demi Moore. Ironically, when I first spoke to Jack last year, I think I was the only person in this country who hadn’t seen the movie which is why I was excited about reading his book. I never expected to be so impacted by a story like I was by this one. The movie was commercialized but the book was the pure tale. The book made me think–maybe too much–about how one moment can change your life forever.

I admit I have become an “Engelhard Junkie.” Before reading Indecent Proposal, I first read his Escape From Mount Moriah based on his family’s escape from Nazi France and the obstacles they faced as new immigrants to North America. I could see why one of the short stories in the book was made into a short film selection for Cannes Film Festival. There are 18 short stories about the families story from riches to rags and learning to adapt in a strange world in the midst of poverty. There were many humorous parts in the book, but it also showed how hard it is for people to lose everything and have to start over. My only complaint about this book is that it ended. I wanted to read more. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. This is a short book that is a quick read, but every word flows so beautifully.

I was honored by being one of the original readers of this year’s release of Compulsive  about a man whose gambling addiction overtakes his life, his family, his job, and  his career. This book is about gambling, but the story could be about any addiction. I think we all know someone in that situation. This book really explores the psychological realities of someone who is driven by compulsions. You get to see first-hand the thinking patterns that go on in their heads and how much they are willing to sacrifice for the next fix.

In November, Jack had a previous book re-released in honor of the 50 year anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. I must admit that this book, The Days of the Bitter End, is my personal favorite. I won’t tell you why now, but I will discuss it with Jack on the show tonight. I will tell you that if you are old enough to remember the 1960’s and the day Kennedy was assassinated, you will definitely want to read this book. If you visited New York during the 1960’s, you will start feeling you are in the book!

If you haven’t read any of Jack Engelhard’s books yet, make this your priority reading for 2014. Jack has been praised as one of the greatest story tellers of our time by numerous literary professionals. His greatness as an author is equaled by his humbleness and compassion. I feel blessed to know him, and I know you’ll feel the same way after you listen to him and read his books. You can go to Jack Engelhard on Amazon.com or other major book dealers to do that.

Here is a link to the show that airs live tonight!