At New Door Books—an Independent Press for Independent Readers—we believe in literature’s power to transform thinking and challenge the status quo. And in an era when society seems more fractured than ever before, our next book is a story that demands to be heard. Nathaniel Popkin’s Partly Strong, Partly Broken (his fourth novel and eighth book) presents a microcosm of America—a community where deeply held values clash and political conflicts threaten to tear the community apart.
The protagonist is Rabbi Adinah Feld, progressive in her politics, sentimental in her relationships, and devoted to her motley congregation in suburban New Jersey. The novel takes place in the month before the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, October 7, 2023, and the Israeli decision to lay siege to Gaza.
Rabbi Adinah returns from a summer sojourn in Israel to find her synagogue in disarray. A hurricane has ripped a hole in the roof, her office is flooded, her building manager is incompetent, and a young Syrian refugee she mentored lies in a coma, victim of a hate crime.
When a new conservative member stirs rancor and things turn uglier, the rabbi desperately tries to hold her beloved community together, even as her most treasured beliefs and alliances are betrayed. What will happen when news of the Hamas attack arrives? Will the congregation rip apart? Does Adinah’s vision of an all-embracing society have a future?
A personal as well as political tragedy, the novel raises provocative questions about faith, empathy, and what it takes for any community to survive in today’s America.
We believe Partly Strong, Partly Broken will spark public discussion on issues vital to our time. It will also be, because of its artistry, a significant contribution to American literature. But we need assistance in funding this publication and others. Can you help?
Donations to New Door Books are tax-deductible, and all will be used to defray out-of-pocket expenses. By contributing, you will champion our effort to bring provocative, insightful literary works into the public forum.
Products
You receive an autographed copy of Partly Strong, Partly Broken, with a personalized message if desired. (If the book is a gift, you can request a message addressed to someone else. Shipping to USA or Canada.)
You receive:
- An autographed copy of Partly Strong, Partly Broken, with a personalized message if desired. (Shipping to USA or Canada.)
- An autographed copy of To Reach the Spring, Nathaniel Popkin’s passionate, book-length essay about the climate crisis.
You receive:
- An autographed copy of Partly Strong, Partly Broken, with a personalized message if desired. (Shipping to USA or Canada.)
- The author's appearance, via Zoom, at a meeting of your book club, congregation, or other gathering.
You receive:
- An autographed copy of Partly Strong, Partly Broken, with a personalized message if desired. (Shipping to USA or Canada.)
- Professional page layout for your own book, by the New Door Books expert staff (maximum of 250 pages; cover and printing not included).
Highlights
See all activity20How to Contact Us
- Send an email to info at newdoorbooks dot net
- Use the blank form at the bottom of the Contact page on our website: https://www.newdoorbooks.net/contact
- Call us at 215-769-2525
- Write us at 2115 Wallace Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130 USA
This project is fiscally sponsored by CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia, a charitable trust administered by CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia. All donations to this project will be received and managed by CultureTrust. Learn more at cultureworksphila.org.
CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia (EIN: 46-3109411) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to which are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The official registration and financial information of CultureTrust may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Activity
You receive an autographed copy of Partly Strong, Partly Broken, with a personalized message if desired. (If the book is a gift, you can request a message addressed to someone else. Shipping to USA or Canada.)
You receive:
- An autographed copy of Partly Strong, Partly Broken, with a personalized message if desired. (Shipping to USA or Canada.)
- An autographed copy of To Reach the Spring, Nathaniel Popkin’s passionate, book-length essay about the climate crisis.
You receive:
- An autographed copy of Partly Strong, Partly Broken, with a personalized message if desired. (Shipping to USA or Canada.)
- The author's appearance, via Zoom, at a meeting of your book club, congregation, or other gathering.
You receive:
- An autographed copy of Partly Strong, Partly Broken, with a personalized message if desired. (Shipping to USA or Canada.)
- Professional page layout for your own book, by the New Door Books expert staff (maximum of 250 pages; cover and printing not included).
