The Acclaimed Author Series, presented by Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J, is back this spring and in person.
The Acclaimed Author Series will span four events over two weeks at various locations in the Kansas City area. Each of the events is free, and registration is required by visiting thejkc.org/aas.
“After successful virtual events last fall, we are looking forward to bringing the Acclaimed Author Series in person,” said Ethan Helfand, director of Jewish Experiences. “This spring, we’ve focused on bringing authors who have stories that connect directly to our community. We’re thrilled to be showcasing these four incredible stories, each of which offers a unique perspective into the diversity of how we as a community connect with our Jewish identities.”
Four Authors Bring Different Perspectives
Former professional basketball player and writer Dan Grunfeld shares the story of his father, Ernie Grunfeld, in his book “By The Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, a Basketball Legacy, and an Unprecedented American Dream.”
Ernie Grunfield had escaped to America with his parents, was bullied as he struggled to learn English and cope with family tragedy, and would go on to win an Olympic Gold medal and reach previously unimaginable heights as an NBA player and executive.
Grunfeld, who spent some time in Kansas City when his father played for the Kansas City Kings, will share his story on Monday, March 20 at the Blue Valley CAPS Building (7501 W 149th Terrace, Overland Park.) at 7 p.m. Ben Heisler, a local sports writer and content creator, will moderate the event, which is co-sponsored by the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education.
“Dan's memoir is not only a remarkable and impactful story of survival but also of perseverance and rise to achievement of an American dream unlike any other told in the game of basketball,” Heisler said. “I'm grateful to have the platform to sit down with Dan and have our KC community experience these accounts and memories together in person.”
On Tuesday, March 21, at 7 p.m. daytime Emmy-winner Jean Meltzer will be at Monarch Books & Gifts (7713 W 151st Street, Overland Park) to talk about her newest rom-com, “Mr. Perfect on Paper.” The story follows Dara Rabinowitz, a third-generation matchmaker who has funneled her wisdom into the world’s most successful Jewish dating app, J-date, and a non-Jewish single dad, Chris, who is looking to boost ratings on his struggling show.
Cohosted by PJ Library as a “moms' night out,” this event includes making a signature cocktail and a raffle to win a giveaway basket. Nora Freyman, chief marketing officer at United Way of Greater Kansas City, will moderate the night.
“I am so excited to moderate the conversation with Jean Meltzer,” Freyman said. “The Kansas City community has already expressed so much enthusiasm around this event.”
Those interested in issues of Jewish identity can mark the calendar for Monday, March 27 at 7 p.m. Journalist Emily Tamkin will present her book “Bad Jews: A History of Jewish Politics and Identities” at the Lathrop GMP Building (2345 Grand Blvd, Ste. 2200, Kansas City, Missouri), The event will be moderated by Gavriela Geller, director of JCRB|AJC Kansas City, and is co-sponsored by JCRB|AJC.
In her book, Tamkin examines the last 100 years of American Jewish politics, culture, identities, and arguments. She tracks the evolution of Jewishness throughout American history, and explores many of the evolving and conflicting Jewish positions on assimilation, race, Zionism and Israel, affluence and poverty, philanthropy, finance, politics, and social justice.
The Acclaimed Author Series will close out its second season on Wednesday, March 29, as Kansas City native, former army captain and political figure Jason Kander shares his story through “Invisible Storm: A Soldier’s Memoir of Politics and PTSD.” The event will be held at 7 p.m. at the Blue Valley CAPS Building (7501 W 149th Terrace, Overland Park) and will be moderated by local writer, editor, author and playwright Victor Wishna.
"By confronting his PTSD in his newest book, Jason Kander publicly tackles what some might consider a very private subject – and that’s exactly why he wrote it, to do what he can to de-taboo it,” Wishna said. “But while vitally important, it’s not a heavy read – it’s, well, really enjoyable. Reading Jason's book is like getting to have a personal conversation with him, so I’m really looking forward to the chance to actually do that on March 29.”
The Acclaimed Author Series is co-sponsored by Jewish Experiences and the Jewish Book Council and is supported by the Sam Schultz Jewish Book Fair Fund. Monarch Books & Gifts is the exclusive bookseller of the Acclaimed Author Series. Only copies purchased from Monarch Books & Gifts will be eligible for author signing.
More information about the Acclaimed Author Series and other programs developed by Jewish Experiences is available at TheJKC.org/jewishexperiences.
