Open Books Challenge 2026: By a Jewish Author

The Open Books Reading Challenge is a year-long reading challenge for people interested in pushing the boundaries of their reading. For full details of the program, please check-out our page at: https://www.rplmn.org/books-more/discover-more/open-books-reading-challenge

These are some ideas that fit the 2026 category "By a Jewish author."

Happy Reading!

Updated December 31, 2025
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My last innocent year : a novel
Alpert Florin, Daisy
Paper Book
An incisive, deeply resonant debut novel about a nonconsensual sexual encounter that propels one woman's final semester at an elite New England college into controversy and chaos--and into an ill-advised affair with a married professor. It's 1998 and Isabel Rosen, the only...
The blood years
Arnold, Elana K.
Paper Book
Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award Named a best book of the year by the Boston Globe, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, SLJ, ALA Booklist, the Horn Book, and more Recipient of five starred reviews From Michael L. Printz honoree & National Book Award...
I came all this way to meet you : writing myself home
Attenberg, Jami
Paper Book
Named a Best Book of the Year by: Time * New Yorker * Sunday Times (UK) From New York Times bestselling author Jami Attenberg comes a dazzling memoir about unlocking and embracing her creativity--and how it saved her life. In this brilliant, fierce, and funny memoir of...
Ninth house
Bardugo, Leigh
Paper Book
"The best fantasy novel I've read in years, because it's about real people... Impossible to put down." --Stephen King Enter a mesmerizing world of power, privilege, and dark magic among the Ivy League elite in the first book in the Alex Stern series. ...
How to be Parisian wherever you are : love, style, and bad habits
Berest, Anne
Paper Book
From four stunning and accomplished French women--a charming bestseller about how to slip into your inner cool and be a Parisienne. In short, frisky sections, these Parisian women give you their very original views on style, beauty, culture, attitude and men. The authors--Anne...
The postcard
Berest, Anne
Paper Book
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR TIME Magazine・NPR・Library Journal・The Globe and Mail・Lilith・Forward Magazine・Toronto Star・The New Yorker Winner of the Choix Goncourt Prize, Anne Berest...
Superfudge
Blume, Judy.
Paper Book
He knows a lot of big words, but he doesn't know where babies come from. He's never heard of a stork, but he plans to be a bird when he grows up. He's Superfudge, otherwise known as Farley Drexel Hatcher. And, according to his older brother Peter, the biggest pain ever invented. Among other things....
Milk fed : a novel
Broder, Melissa
Paper Book
Named a Best Book of the Year by Entertainment Weekly, Vogue, Time, Esquire, BookPage, and more This darkly hilarious and "delicious new novel that ravishes with sex and food" (The Boston Globe) from the acclaimed...
Caleb's crossing
Brooks, Geraldine.
Paper Book
In 1665, a young man from Martha's Vineyard became the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College. Upon this slender factual scaffold, the author of the "New York Times" bestseller "People of the Book" has created a luminous tale of love and faith, magic and adventure.
Hope and other punch lines
Buxbaum, Julie
Paper Book
The New York Times bestselling author of Tell Me Three Things and What to Say Next delivers a poignant and hopeful novel about resilience and reinvention, first love and lifelong friendship, the legacies of loss, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive.
The Boston girl : a novel
Diamant, Anita.
Paper Book
New York Times bestseller An unforgettable novel about a young Jewish woman growing up in Boston in the early twentieth century, told "with humor and optimism...through the eyes of an irresistible heroine" (People)--from the acclaimed author of The Red Tent<...
Fagin the thief : a novel
Epstein, Allison
Paper Book
A thrilling reimagining of the world of Charles Dickens, as seen through the eyes of the infamous Jacob Fagin, London's most gifted pickpocket, liar, and rogue. "Fagin the Thief takes one of literature's greatest rogues and gives him a soul, a backstory, and a spotlight....
Unorthodox : the scandalous rejection of my Hasidic roots
Feldman, Deborah
Paper Book
The instantNew York Times bestselling memoir of a young Jewish woman's escape from a religious sect, in the tradition of Ayaan Hirsi Ali's Infidel and Carolyn Jessop's Escape. The Satmar sect of Hasidic Judaism is as mysterious as it is intriguing to outsiders. In...
Everything is illuminated
Foer, Jonathan Safran
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER. Jonathan Safran Foer's debut--"a funny, moving...deeply felt novel about the dangers of confronting the past and the redemption that comes with laughing at it, even when that seems all but impossible." (Time) With only a yellowing photograph in...
The diary of a young girl : the definitive edition
Frank, Anne
Paper Book
The diary as Anne Frank wrote it: "The single most compelling personal account of the Holocaust ... remains astonishing and excruciating" (The New York Times Book Review). In a modern translation, this definitive edition contains entries about Anne's burgeoning...
Man's search for meaning
Frankl, Viktor E.
Paper Book
"It's an absolute must-read for every human being. Period." -Anna Chlumsky A book for finding purpose and strength in times of great despair, the international best-seller is still just as relevant today as when it was first published. "This is a book...
The man who sold air in the holy land : stories
Friedlander, Omer
Paper Book
From "a marvelous new voice" (Rebecca Makkai), these "extraordinarily imaginative" (Sigrid Nunez), "revelatory" (Nicole Krauss), "superb" (Kiran Desai) stories transcend borders as they render the intimate lives of people striving for connection. WINNER OF THE...
Every wrinkle has a story
Grossman, David
The marriage of opposites
Hoffman, Alice.
Paper Book
"[A] luminous, Marquez-esque tale." -O, The Oprah Magazine From the New York Times bestselling author of The Dovekeepers and The Museum of Extraordinary Things: a forbidden love story set on the tropical island of St. Thomas about the extraordinary woman who...
We were the lucky ones
Hunter, Georgia
Paper Book
The New York Times bestseller with more than 1 million copies sold worldwide | Now a Hulu limited series starring Joey King and Logan Lerman Inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive--and to reunite...
The weight of ink
Kadish, Rachel
Paper Book
WINNER OF A NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD AUSA TODAY BESTSELLER An intellectual and emotional jigsaw puzzle of a novel for readers of A. S. Byatt'sPossessionand Geraldine Brooks'sPeople of the Book ...
The snowy day
Keats, Ezra Jack.
Paper Book
CALDECOTT MEDAL WINNER * #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER * The magic and wonder of winter's first snowfall is perfectly captured in this classic seasonal board book celebrated by generations of readers--a beautiful gift for the holiday season! New York Public Library's #1 book on the...
The Dickens boy : a novel
Keneally, Thomas
Paper Book
The award-winning author of modern classics such as Schindler's List and Napoleon's Last Island is at his triumphant best with this "engrossing and transporting" (Financial Times) novel about the adventures of Charles Dickens's son in the Australian Outback during the 1860s.<...
Hank & Gertie : a pioneer Hansel and Gretel story
Kimmel, Eric A.
Ebook
The latecomer
Korelitz, Jean Hanff
Paper Book
*A New York Times Notable Book of 2022* *A Washington Post Notable Work of Fiction* *An NPR Best Book of the Year* *A New Yorker Best Book of 2022* From the New York Times bestselling author of The...
Becoming Brianna
Libenson, Terri
Paper Book
New York Times bestseller! Terri Libenson returns with another endearing, relatable story of friendship and finding confidence. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jennifer L. Holm. Middle school is full of challenges. Everyone knows how...
The giver
Lowry, Lois.
Paper Book
In Lois Lowry's Newbery Medal-winning classic, twelve-year-old Jonas lives in a seemingly ideal world. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver does he begin to understand the dark secrets behind his fragile community. Life in the community where Jonas lives is idyllic....
Kissing kosher
Meltzer, Jean
Paper Book
"An unflinchingly honest romance." --Kirkus, starred review From the author of THE MATZAH BALL and MR. PERFECT ON PAPER comes this hilarious and emotional rivals-to-lovers romance. Step 1: Get the secret recipe. Step 2: Don't fall in love......
Cilka's journey
Morris, Heather (Screenwriter)
Paper Book
From the author of the multi-million copy bestseller The Tattooist of Auschwitz comes a new novel based on a riveting true story of love and resilience. Her beauty saved her -- and condemned her. Cilka is just sixteen years old when she is taken to...
Take what you need
Novey, Idra
Paper Book
Set in the Allegheny Mountains of Appalachia, Take What You Need traces the parallel lives of Jean, and her beloved but estranged stepdaughter, Leah, who's sought a clean break from her rural childhood. In Leah's urban life with her young family, she's revealed little about Jean, how much she misses...
A deadly education : a novel
Novik, Naomi,
Paper Book
The invisible bridge : a novel
Orringer, Julie.
Paper Book
Julie Orringer's astonishing first novel, eagerly awaited since the publication of her heralded best-selling short-story collection, How to Breathe Underwater ("fiercely beautiful"--The New York Times; "unbelievably good"--Monica Ali), is a grand love story set against the backdrop of...
The chosen
Potok, Chaim.
Paper Book
A coming-of-age classic about two Jewish boys growing up in Brooklyn in the 1940s, this "profound and universal" (The Wall Street Journal) story of faith, family, tradition, and assimilation remains deeply pertinent today. "Works of this caliber should be...
The altruists
Ridker, Andrew
Paper Book
A New York Times Editors' Choice "[An] intelligent, funny, and remarkably assured first novel. . . . [Andrew Ridker establishes] himself as a big, promising talent. . . . Hilarious. . . . Astute and highly entertaining. . . . Outstanding." --The New York Times Book...
We're going on a bear hunt
Rosen, Michael
Paper Book
Beloved for more than 30 years, this award-winning classic from Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury celebrates the joys of an afternoon outdoors with family. We're going on a bear hunt. We're going to catch a big one. Will you come too? Join a father and his four...
The rain watcher
Rosnay, Tatiana de
Paper Book
New York Times Bestselling AuthorEditor's Choice #5 TitleIn this profound and intense novel of love and redemption, Linden Malegarde returns to Paris from the United States as the whole Malegarde family gathers for their father's 70th birthday. Each is on edge, afraid one wrong move will shatter the...
American pastoral
Roth, Philip
Paper Book
PULITZER PRIZE WINNER * NATIONAL BESTSELLER * From one of the most acclaimed writers of the twentieth century--a compulsively readable elegy for America's promises of prosperity, civic order, and domestic bliss, and "one of Roth's most powerful novels ever" (The New York Times)....
Where the wild things are
Sendak, Maurice.
Paper Book
Maurice Sendak's Caldecott Medal-winning picture book has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children's books of all time. A must for every child's bookshelf. This iconic story has inspired a movie, an opera, and the imagination of generations. When Max dresses in his...
Little failure : a memoir
Shteyngart, Gary
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FINALIST NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY MICHIKO KAKUTANI, THE NEW YORK TIMES * NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST NONFICTION BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY TIME NAMED ONE OF THE BEST...
Those summer nights
Silverman, Laura
Paper Book
After recovering from a life-changing injury, a teen girl must navigate a new job, an ex-best friend, and two surprisingly attractive coworkers in this "sweet, romantic summer tale" (Kirkus Reviews) for fans of Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian. Hannah used to be all about...
This is a love story : a novel
Soffer, Jessica
Paper Book
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK AS FEATURED ON TODAY "This may be the most epic love story I've ever, ever read."--Jenna Bush Hager on TODAY An intimate and lyrical celebration of great love, great art, and the...
See you yesterday
Solomon, Rachel Lynn
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! From the author of Today Tonight Tomorrow comes a magical, "emotionally savvy[,] and genuinely romantic" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) story in the vein of Groundhog Day about a girl forced to relive her disastrous...
Maus : a survivor's tale : my father bleeds history
Spiegelman, Art
Paper Book
The bestselling first installment of the graphic novel acclaimed as "the most affecting and successful narrative ever done about the Holocaust" (Wall Street Journal) and "the first masterpiece in comic book history" (The New Yorker) * PULITZER PRIZE WINNER * One of Variety's...
Worry : a novel
Tanner, Alexandra
Paper Book
NATIONAL BESTSELLER * Named a Best Book of the Year by the New Yorker, NPR, Vogue, the Washington Post, Electric Lit, and more! A "dryly witty" (The New Yorker) and "fabulously revealing" (The New York Times Book Review) debut that...
This is where I leave you
Tropper, Jonathan.
Paper Book
The death of Judd Foxman's father marks the first time that the entire Foxman family--including Judd's mother, brothers, and sister--have been together in years. Conspicuously absent: Judd's wife, Jen, whose fourteen-month affair with Judd's radio-shock-jock boss has recently become...
The golem and the jinni
Wecker, Helene.
Paper Book
?In The Golem and the Jinni, a chance meeting between mythical beings takes readers on a dazzling journey through cultures in turn-of-the-century New York. Chava is a golem, a creature made of clay, brought to life to by a disgraced rabbi who dabbles in dark Kabbalistic magic and dies at...
Night
Wiesel, Elie
Audiobook
The Egyptologist
The devil's arithmetic
Yolen, Jane.
Paper Book
30th Anniversary edition with a new introduction from the author  Hannah is tired of holiday gatherings−all her family ever talks about is the past. In fact, it seems to her that's what they do every Jewish holiday. But this year's Passover Seder will be different...
The book thief
Zusak, Markus.
Paper Book
This anniversary edition of the extraordinary #1 New York Times bestseller features pages of bonus content, including marked-up manuscript pages, original sketches, and pages from the author's writing notebook. "Life-changing." --The New York Times  

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