Book Circles Exploring the Best in Jewish American Literature

Cover to Cover is an informal network of monthly book reading circles discussing new and exciting works of literature. Cover to Cover also sponsors free receptions and readings throughout the year - featuring authors such as Joseph Skibell, Achy Obejas, Dara Horn and many others. Cover to Cover readers meet at galleries, gardens, cafes and bookstores—wherever's most comfortable—and receive discounts on books, free drinks, and the chance for their groups to receive a one-on-one visit from favorite authors!

Each month's reading selections include a talented new face in Jewish American literature, as well as a classic choice or an author's pick - so you can read the most-loved books of premiere American authors!

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Who can join Cover to Cover?

Cover to Cover is open to everyone and anyone who wants to read the best of Jewish American literature. (If you've already got a book circle of your own and would like to affiliate with Cover to Cover, that's fine too; see below. If you are under 18, contact us at info@covertocover.org about starting a Young Cover to Cover reading circle.)

2) Do I have to pay to join Cover to Cover?

NO! It's all free. You'll even get discounted books, and will be the first to know about Cover to Cover author events coming to your city.

3) Is there a deadline to join Cover to Cover?

Not at all - join anytime to begin receiving the benefits of free author receptions, discounted books, interesting conversation, and a chance to personally meet highlighted authors throughout the year!

4) How can I meet authors one-on-one?

Each Cover to Cover book club is automatically registered in the lucky draw to host an author. Learn more here.

5) What if I already belong to and/or lead a book club?

If your circle is already reading—or would like to read—the Cover to Cover recommended titles, and would like a chance to attend exclusive author readings and events, you can easily transform your current reading group into a Cover to Cover book circle. Just write us at info@covertocover.org and we'll sign you up for all Cover to Cover events and benefits!

6) How can I find out when a Cover to Cover reading circle will launch in my city?

Write us at info@covertocover.org, and we'll contact you when Cover to Cover events and book circles come to your city, or we can provide information about how to start your own Cover to Cover book circle!

7) What is "Jewish American" literature?

Cover to Cover uses a very broad definition of "Jewish American." Perhaps the author is of Jewish descent, or maybe it's the fictitious lead character of a story who's Jewish. Some books might deal head-on with all the challenges of Jewish cultural life in America, while others might address it very tangentially, perhaps more as a backdrop than a motivation. Sometimes the story might even take place outside the United States. There is no set definition. Rather, it's an open and ongoing conversation.

One thing all Cover to Cover titles do have in common is that they are accessible and enjoyable for all readers regardless of ethnic descent or religious affiliation, and do not require any prior Jewish knowledge or experience.

8) I have some favorite pieces of Jewish American literature that aren't featured. Can we choose to read them sometimes instead of the recommended choices?

Of course! Cover to Cover relies on recommendations from readers within our circles to determine upcoming feature titles and authors, so please make suggestions, and share with other book circles the titles you're reading that are not yet on our list. Our monthly recommended titles are just that: recommended.

However, if you see that Cover to Cover will be creating an event in your city around a featured author, it is strongly advised that your group read that author's work before his or her appearance, so you can engage in informed conversation with that author!

9) I want to join! Now what do I do?

All you have to do is click here and complete the form - we'll let you know when you've been registered, and we'll send you all the information you need to join or start a group immediately.

Community Partners and Sponsors

Books & Books (www.booksandbooks.com)
Barnes & Noble Bookstores (www.barnesandnoble.com)
Florida Center for the Literary Arts (www.flcenterliarts.com)
David & Mary Alper JCC (www.alperjcc.org)

How to Become a Community Partner

If you would like to host author parties or book circles, write us at partners@covertocover.org.