Press Release

Media Contact: John Bourget
phone: 860.231.6350
email: jbourget@mandelljcc.org

JODI PICOULT AT THE NEW JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL
The Second Celebrity Author In A New Year-Round Series

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WEST HARTFORD, Conn., November 5, 2007- New York Times best-selling author, Jodi Picoult, will be at the Mandell Jewish Community Center on January 31, 2008 at 7:30 pm as part of The New Jewish Book Festival: Four Seasons of Literary Excellence. Ms. Picoult is the author of fourteen novels including My Sister's Keeper, The Tenth Circle, Perfect Match and her latest, Nineteen Minutes.

Nineteen Minutes is the story of a school shooting in a suburban town and it affects every member of its community. Rich with social insight, Nineteen Minutes is a riveting and poignant novel that has at its center a very important question - Do we ever really know someone?

Entertainment Weekly says, “Picoult is a rare writer who delivers book after book, a winning combination of the literary and the commercial.” Ms. Picoult’s books are known for keying in on hot topics, exploring human relationships and the issues of right and wrong.

The event will feature a talk by Jodi Picoult followed by a book signing and dessert reception. In addition, there will be related events surrounding this topic including Being a Teen in the 21st Century: an Interactive panel and discussion with area experts and authors of Come Back: A Mother and Daughter's Journey through Hell and Back, Mia and Claire Fontaine on Thursday, January 17, 7:30 pm; fee is $7.00. Book Review and Discussion: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult, reviewed by Naomi Neuwirth on Tuesday, January 22, 7:00 pm.; free event. And, Reading on the Road - Bagels and Grits: A Jew on the Bayou by Jennifer Anne Moses on Sunday, January 27 at Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation - Emek Shalom, 55 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury (9:30 am), Temple Beth Sholom, 400 East Middle Turnpike, Manchester (2:00 pm) and at Temple Beth Hillel, 20 Baker Lane, South Windsor (5:00 pm); fee is $7.00.

The New Jewish Book Festival: Four Seasons of Literary Excellence
The Jodi Picoult lecture will be the second event in this new year-round series which celebrates nationally renowned Jewish authors and their wonderful contributions to culture. The NEW format features four signature events throughout the year with preview programs highlighting the theme of each.

Pat Kazakoff, Festival Chair, said, “Who wasn't effected by Carl Bernstein and Watergate? Who doesn't remember Lily Tomlin, John Belushi or Chevy Chase- all Second City Alum? And that's just the beginning! We are so excited to be a cultural force on the Greater Hartford landscape. This series will attract everyone.”

Upcoming speakers include Sheldon Patinkin and Jewsical! The Musical- The Second City Production on March 8, 2008 and Ambassador Dennis Ross on May 15, 2008.

Series subscriptions are available for $100 and include admission, reserved seating at all four events and book signings. Individual tickets to events are also available. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Delly London at 860.231.6316. Additional information is available at www.mandelljcc.org.

About the MANDELL JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
The Mandell JCC is a community and cultural center that offers a full range of activities, classes and special events for people of all beliefs, ages and stages. The JCC’s offerings include early child centers and after school programs, a summer camp, recreation and wellness facilities, health spas, an indoor pool, a swim and tennis club, an arts center and more. The JCC has a rich history which dates back more than 90 years and has continued to expand and evolve into its current role as a significant community and family resource for the Greater Hartford area. The JCC also has childcare facilities in Simsbury and Glastonbury.