Alice Hoffman will read from her latest book, The World That We Knew, on Nov. 17 at Gratz College.

MELROSE PARK, Pa.— New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman will headline the One Book, One Jewish Community kickoff event Nov. 17 at Gratz College.

Gratz selected Hoffman’s latest book, The World That We Knew, as its “one book” for 2019-2020. The author of more than 30 novels, Hoffman will read from the book, which will be published Sept. 24.

The community event is open to the public and includes a question-and-answer session with the author, followed by a book-signing. Books are available for preorder now, and will also be sold at the November event.

“One Book, One Jewish Community is a year of reading, discussions and events that bring together Philadelphia’s Jewish community,” said Dr. Paul Finkelman, president of Gratz College. “While most of our graduate courses are online, Gratz has many public and academic programs such as this lecture. We invite anyone interested in this important book to participate in this event.”

Set in 1941 Berlin, The World That We Knew tells the story of Hanni Kohn and her 12-year-old daughter, Lea, as they make desperate plans for Lea to escape Nazi Germany. Hanni finds her way to a renowned rabbi, but it’s his daughter, Ettie, who offers salvation when she creates a mystical Jewish creature, a rare and unusual golem, who is sworn to protect Lea. Once the golem, Ava, is brought to life, she and Lea and Ettie become eternally entwined, their paths fated to cross, their fortunes linked.

Billed as both historical fiction and magical realism, The World That We Knew tackles the real horrors of the Holocaust and offers a timeless exploration of the battle between good and evil. Its characters encounter loss and resistance, love and sacrifice, mortal truths and fantastical possibilities.

One Book, One Jewish Community was founded in 2006 to engage readers from across Greater Philadelphia in books that speak to diverse aspects of Jewish identity and community. This unique program was created at Jewish Outreach Partnership (now Jewish Learning Venture) by Debbie Leon, who currently leads programs for youth and supplemental education teachers at Gratz College. Gratz has led OBOJC since February 2019.

“This book touches the heart of what we do at Gratz,” said Lori Cohen, director of Adult Jewish Learning at Gratz. “The kickoff and subsequent programming bring our local communities together to discuss a difficult topic, through the common bond of reading and discussion. We hope and anticipate that it will spur conversation, education and dialogue.”

The kickoff event begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17, at Gratz College, 7605 Old York Road, Melrose Park, Pa. Doors open at 1:15 p.m.

Pre-order your copy from the “One Book” Official Bookseller:
Open Book Bookstore
7900 High School Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027
go.openbookphilly.com/OneBook

After the book is released on 9/24/19, purchase your book at Open Book Bookstore (openbookphilly.com) or at Gratz College. Mention promo code: ONEBOOK to receive the discounted rate of $25.00 (including tax). Ask about a bulk discount for book club and member synagogue sales.

Books will also be available for purchase at the Kick-off event at Gratz College on November 17.

For more information or to register for the event, visit https://gratzcollege.formstack.com/forms/obojc_the_world_that_we_knew.