Lovesong: Becoming a Jew (Paperback)

by Julius Lester (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Lester, son of a black southern Methodist minister, writes of the eventful odyssey that culminated in his conversion to Judaism. The private journey was often at odds with his public life. As writer, radio commentator in New York and college professor at the University of Massachusetts, Lester's outspoken and unconventional views often angered blacks as well as whites, and placed him in a political and philosophical fray between blacks and Jews. His spiritual quest, begun here with a lovingly detailed sketch of his southern heritage, took many turns, involving visits to sites of faith (Gethsemani Abbey, Wounded Knee, Shakertown) and intensive exploration of religious cultures, until he acknowledged the pull of the Jewish faith. He discusses his interracial marriage and fatherhood, and pays moving tribute to the fulfillment he finds in celebrating the Jewish faith. Lester is the author of Look Out, Whitey! Black Power's Gon' Get Your Mama! and To Be a Slave.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
Well-known author, academic, and former civil rights activist Lester takes the reader on an extraordinary spiritual odyssey that starts in the Forties with his childhood in segregated Nashville; continues through his years of avowed atheism and civil rights work, with accusations of anti-Semitism by whites and betrayal by blacks; and concludes with his conversion to Judaism. His search for meaning and faith lead him to Thomas Merton, Wounded Knee, and Protestant sources; his early discovery that his grandfather was Jewish eventually sparks his search for a Jewish identity. The path to conversion is difficult, but the result- ing "lovesong" to God is powerful and beautifully written. Recommended for wide audiences. Molly Abramowitz, Silver Spring, Md.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Arcade Publishing (September 11, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559703164
• ISBN-13: 978-1559703161
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #493,784 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One man's powerful struggle for identity, October 29, 1999

By A Customer

"Lovesong" fits into the genre of African American autobiographical narratives, but it explores not only the author's identity as a black man, but also what he inherited from his white great grandfather. In this case, it was the spiritual heritage of Judaism. His struggles to reconcile his emerging knowledge of himself as a Jew with what the black community, including his father, a Methodist minister, expected and hoped from him is the theme of the book. I found the story of his spiritual awakening as good as any other I've read. His discussion of his identification with all things Jewish, including his support of Israel, is very honest and thought-provoking and relates to his conversion in a way that brought a new perspective to the issue to me. I don't know any other book like this. I think it is of value for anyone interested in spiritual literature, the complexity of race relations in the United States, or an insider's (soon to be an outsider) look at the culture of a Department of African American studies in a major U.S. university.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars he bares his heart, October 18, 2001

By A Customer

I thought this book was excellent. When I saw this book in the library, I didn't even realize that he is the author of one of my favorite books-To be a slave. I picked up the book because I'm a comparative religion major and I learn best from autobiographies and memoirs-they make me feels like I'm experiancing the religion first hand. Though I was able to reinforce what I knew about Judaism with a visual picture from his words, I was even more impressed with his writing style. I usually read books that will help towards my educational goal only. But this book is a good read, just for its writing style alone. The way he describes his experiances, you get a clear understanding of what he's saying and feel like you know him and converted to Judaism yourself. After reading, I had an urge to visit a synagogue and a trappist monastery ( 2 places he beautifully describes in the book) and I will. I just finished the book today (Wed). I started the book on Friday night and with 2 kids and alot of work managed to finish it so quickly. I don't have spare time to write reviews but I felt compelled to write this one. I have respect for people who reveal themselves so candidly: those who use the pen to strip themselves of a false image. I recommend this to anyone interested in religion especially writers.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Comforting Read, October 17, 2005

By	mixedjewgirl "mixedjewgirl" (eastern u.s.a) - See all my reviews

I am a multiracial woman who discovered her Jewish roots when her mother explained that she was Jewish and that I was named for my Jewish family from Eastern Europe as a teenager. I am now finding my way back to Judaism and my heritage and I've encountered the same hostility with African-Americans to the point I no longer associate with the local community.

Its very hard to be multiracial, black, and Jewish. But like Lester, in the end, I just had to find the courage to be myself.