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Book Jacket

The Tenth Song
by Naomi Ragen

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication date: 10/12/2010.
Novels, 320 pp.

Number of reader reviews: 23
Readers' Consensus: 4.0
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First Impressions: Page 1 of 4
Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Shelley C. (Eastport, NY)

The Tenth Song
Observant Jews use the word, "ba'shert", to refer to both wonderful and awful events that come into their lives. It means fate, kismet, how the Supreme Being wanted things to turn out.

The wonderfully ordered world of the Samuels family turns upside down when Adam, an honest and very successful accountant, husband, father and grandfather is suddenly arrested by the FBI. He is accused of funneling millions of dollars to a terrorist organization that will use the money to kill American soldiers. Now he must prove his innocence while all his friends and colleagues treat him like a pariah.

How fate has intervened to change the lives of his youngest daughter, his wife, and himself is the subject of this extremely well written novel by Naomi Regan. Set in Boston and Israel this is a timely story that will leave you turning page after page; unable to put this book down. I highly recommend it.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Dorothy T. (Victorville, CA)

A lot to think about
What at first appears to be the main plot line of "The Tenth Song" is in fact the catalyst for what I see as the author’s true focus: to encourage each reader to ask questions and to seek answers about his or her own life and how God is involved, if in fact He is. The locales set the stage perfectly, and the story line and the characters kept me turning the pages.

This would be a great choice for a book club whose members are interested in discussions that go deep and perhaps allow for more personal introspection and revelation.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Trezeline B. (Columbia, MD)

The Tenth Song
A very good book. It took me longer to read than usual because it caused introspection, self examination and a great deal of thought. It has mystery, suspense and intrigue. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for the thoughtful reader.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Jane N. (Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey)

The Tenth Song
Every now and again a book comes along that captures the reader's soul and mind and this is the book. Naomi Ragen's book speaks of a current event, the attempted destruction of a family, and offer resolution by way of timeless human truths. This book is a joy at every level that I can think of. Ms Ragen engages the reader with the characters in a way that touches the readers soul. It is easy to see why she is so popular in Israel. I know that I will be reading more of her books.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Shirley L. (Norco, LA)

The Tenth Song Sings
I had enjoyed "The Saturday Wife" and was disappointed in the slow start of this book. The characters seemed all soooo perfect. However, hanging in paid off. The characters grew and matured from their initial positions. The discussion of the impact of rote, formalized organized religion versus a more spiritual community of alive, purpose seeking individuals was quote worthy. The relationships of the family members rang true. All characters were multi-dimensional and interesting. Another home run for Naomi Ragan.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Diane R. (Munger, MI)

The Tenth Song
This is a must read...Everyone can find themselves in this page turning book. How life can turn upside down in a blink of an eye. But to find a path through the upset and have sadness once again find a way to truth and the end result is finding oneself. It is written so you can actually feel like you are there experiencing the action. Mother and daughter connect and love finds a way. It is amazing how the end actually connects to the beginning after many trails & tribulation. The mystery and suspension of the story is what makes this a page turner. Male and female readers will connect to this story.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Kathryn K. (Oceanside, CA)

A Light read? Maybe not!
"The Tenth Song" by Naomi Ragen Is a story about how a Jewish family deals with a crisis of significant magnitude. On the surface, the book was okay. The plot was interesting and believable - and there was enough pathos to hold my interest. I had to find out how it all came out, but it seemed to be, what I call, a "light" read. What surprised me was where the book took me! The depth that developed as the story progressed caught me off guard and I found Ragen's perspective of even more interest. She conveyed great deal of wisdom and insight into interpersonal dynamics and the strength of spirituality in one's life.

It turned out to be a thought provoking and insightful read. There is within this story a message of hope, revealing the resilience of the human spirit when facing adversity. It is the first of Ragen's books I have read – it won’t be the last!

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