Mordecai: An Early American Family Book

I loved this book. It's certainly not for everybody, but what can I say? I'm a total geek. Plus, I had the privilege of hearthcooking at the Mordecai House in Raleigh once a month (or more) for nine years. I felt like it was "my kitchen" and felt rather proprietary about the family as well. Now I know a whole lot more about the family, after reading this book. It read, to me, like a soap opera. And how could it not? When you have that many strong personalities,and that many societal and religious pressures, sparks are bound to fly.

What made it even more interesting, were the offshoots I simply have to follow up now. It created more questions about things I had either not heard of before, or never thought of in the context of family ties. Curiosity abounds. And another field trip to Warrenton, NC is clearly in my near future.

Whether you are familiar with Jewish American history, the Mordecai family, North Carolina or none of the above, this is an absorbing story of family loyalty, generational divide, conscience and the barriers we all face as we make our way though life.