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Rating:  - Offbeat pesach musings
As a fan of Marge Piercy's writings, I was curious about this new endeavor. I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was and the memories it evoked for me. Our Passover seders always include new poetry (many of them from her previous poetry books)and readings, and my attitude about Pesach mirrors hers, "whatever works, do it". I was so impressed that I sent a copy to my niece. Her recipes were an added feature and the macaroons came out great.
Rating:  - very personal, very interesting, and useful
Jewish tradition and feminism collide in this book. I found the tension fascinating. There are a lot of personal stories, a lot of recipes done the way I cook ("add a little of this, or, if you don't like it, add a little of that.") There were a few new poems, but the ones I liked best are already in The Art of Blessing the Day. I didn't always agree with her, but she always provided food for thought. At my seder, I found myself citing this book several times. Plus I cooked a tsimmes from one of her recipes, and it was quite good.
This is far from being a haggadah; just commentary on the various sections of the seder and a lot of interesting stories and recipes.
Rating:  - I THOUGHT IT WAS A PARODY
In the Thirties in the USSR Ms. Piercy would have been a Stalinist hack. This is the most slavish and trite abasement of Jewish tradition to PC platitudes that I have ever seen. For a so-called 'poet' there isn't the slightst trace of history, collective memory and awe that has always infused the Passover, even for the barely observant Jew. It is deeply offensive and truly revolting. It is like reading bumper stickers. If this is the 'only seder some marginal Jews can tolerate' I wish they'd stay away from the table.
Rating: - Make Passover even more meaningful this year
I really appreciate this book. It is respectful of tradition but it also helps to infuse the holiday with personal relevance, which is what it's all about anyway. I love the poems, the prayers, the recipes and wonderful stories that add such richness. Pick and choose what's meaningful to you and "pass over" the rest!
Rating: - Thought-provoking!
A must-read before Pesach for the traditionalist or modern Jew alike. A very easy book to read packed with information and advice. The recipes look great too!
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