Everything I Know: Basic Life Rules from a Jewish Mother

Strassfeld's newest book of homespun wisdom (she coauthored three editions of The Jewish Catalog) grows out of the mini-books she compiled as gifts for two of her college-bound kids as a kind of ""armor/treasure to take on [their] journey."" In the three sections ( ""Know where you come from...""; ""Know where you are going...""; ""And before whom you will one day stand in judgment...""), Strassfeld attempts to help readers navigate difficult questions of faith and identity through family lore, anecdotes, advice and even recipes imparted in catchy one-liners as well as longer, more thoughtful pieces. Her family stories reflect the importance of being a mensch--to be generous and not to hold grudges. She advises her kids to perform active volunteer work rather than sit on boards; to realize that interesting people exist in all walks of life; and to participate in the raising of their own children. While her ""Basic Life Rules"" invoke universals (""Take care of your body,"" ""Trust your instincts,"" etc.), her advice remains grounded in traditional Jewish life. Strassfeld encourages people to form personal relationships with Israel and lets her children know that in searching for a mate, her bottom line is ""no intermarriage."" While Strassfeld's writing doesn't always transcend idiosyncrasy, her rough-hewn charm and honesty are often as comforting as a bowl of hot soup. (Aug.)