Her novel alternates between late medieval Spain and Portugal during the traumatic time of the Inquisition, and a very small town in New Mexico in 1992. The modern New Mexican characters are Catholics with peculiar habits. Nobody in town eats pork but they don’t know why. It is likely they are the descendants of conversos, Jews who converted during the Spanish Inquisition. The story weaves a connecting thread from the Iberian Peninsula to Mexico City and then on to the original settlers who moved into what is now the American Southwest. Five hundred years later, a young amateur astronomer wonders about the secret of the town he grew up in: Entrada de la Luna, or Gateway to the Moon.
Morris’ previous work, The Jazz Palace, won the Anisfeld-Wolf Book Award for important contributions to the understanding of racism in 2016. She also writes short stories and travel memoirs. Her many novels and story collections have been translated into six languages. She lives in Brooklyn, New York and teaches writing at Sarah Lawrence College.
Doors open at 4:00 PM to meet and greet the author. A one-hour author reading and discussion will follow beginning at 4:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free.
Co-sponsored by the Beit Am Jewish Community and the MJCC. Grassroots Bookstore will be there with copies of the paperback edition of Gateway to the Moon for sale and author signing.
Wondering Jews: A Good Life and a Good Death / Understanding RX interactions
Wednesday, January 8, 2:00pm
A Good Life and a Good Death: How do new ideas, ancient rituals, and intentional approaches allow us to create a more meaningful life—and end of life—for ourselves and loved ones? Come hear personal and inspiring stories from CNS members including those who participate in the sacred work of the Chevra Kadisha and Shroud Crowd.
You Bet Your Life: Understanding (prescription and other) drug interactions: Interactions with prescription medications can cause hives, dizziness, comas, severe illnesses and even death. EXCLUDING opioids, data from hospital emergency rooms report nearly 500,000 American deaths will occur annually due to prescription drug interactions, and (non-opioid) drug interactions cost Oregon emergency room departments $32 million a year. This educational workshop will answer your questions, offer prescription guidelines and a checklist to help you identify drug interaction symptoms and (lifesaving) steps to take.