Customer Reviews

The Jew of Home Depot and Other Stories (Johns Hopkins: Poetry and Fiction)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the most enjoyable collection of Jewish short stories I've read since Isaac Singer was alive and well. The author offers a delighful blend of whimsy and empathy mixed together in a potent brew. The main characters are kind-hearted, often generous in spirit, and definitely memorable. The tone is upbeat and spiritual in the broadest sense. This is a book to be savored and shared with those you love.

Edward Hoffman, Ph.D., author
THE WAY OF SPLENDOR: JEWISH MYSTICISM AND MODERN PSYCHOLGY

This book is a true gem! I loved it! It is a book about love, family, and connection. The character of Rocky is multi-dimensional - he is a true mensch, his own 'poyson'. Being able to read about the love that Max felt for his grandfather, the continuation of family despite pain, illness and cruelty is remarkable.

Max and Rocky have been roommates ever since Max was 7 years old. Rocky is Max's grandfather. In the 1960's, when Max goes off to college, Rocky goes with him. They room together. Max meets Debby whom Rocky can't tolerate. He sees them together and yells at her "Ger out". Debby replies "I'm gerring out". Max pursues Debby and they marry. Rocky won't go to the wedding but Max forgives him - ALWAYS. His love is unconditional.

Children come as does forgiveness from Debby. Rocky is part of the family. Debby gets Multiple Sclerosis. At 103 years old, Rocky takes responsibility for his 2 great-grandchildren. Debby's illness gives Rocky a reason to live.

This may be the most tender, character-accurate, real-life book I've ever read. I laughed, cried and could not put the book down. What a guy that Rocky!

The Jew of Home Depot by Max Apple:

I've read this book 3x. I order books for 2 book clubs. I read them and if I enjoy them I order them for the book clubs. This book has been received by both clubs with acclimation. Unlike some other short story books which are usually very depressing, this book approaches conflict with humor.

I picked this up off the new fiction shelf at my local library a week or so ago, and after reading the first couple of stories felt like I had found a gold mine. I have never read such a collection of touching, poignant, though-provoking short stories, and also told with such heart and humor. Max Apple doesn't waste a single sentence, not a single word. I identify with the characters, feel their anxieties, pains, joys, frustrations in just five to ten pages. I feel as satisfied as if I'd read an entire novel after one of these stories. I have just ordered six copies to give as gifts. Wish I was a better writer myself so that I could create a review to do the book justice.

These stories are a delight. Each one gives voice to Max Apples unique take on the human condition. at times very funny but always with a gentle kindly and non-judgmental tone. Mr Apple uses a variety of imaginative scenarios that entertain and provoke.

Apple's writing is so clear -- both in style and in how it portrays the human condition. His stories seem so simple at first glance, but leave you pondering about the characters, connected to them through emotion if not through common life experience. A beautifully written book that leaves you wishing for more and lamenting that Apple isn't more prolific in his short-story writing. Excellent, simply excellent. A true gem in a literary genre that is too often neglected. Raymond Carver would be proud.