The Best Boy in the United States of America: A Memoir of Blessing and Kisses

Wolfson, an acclaimed Jewish educator, slathers on the schmaltz in this autobiography, which is unlikely to have much appeal beyond his friends and family. Wolfson grew up in Nebraska as part of a multigenerational Jewish family, rebelled, returned to the fold, married, and found his calling as a teacher. The hyperbole of the title (Wolfson’s grandfather referred to him as “the best boy in the United States of America”) is matched by the text, which is replete with exclamation points. The author shares songs and poems that, while important in his own life, are less than memorable. His frequent insistence that all his stories “are true” only invites skepticism. The innovations that mark Wolfson’s dedicated work to revitalize Jewish observance and worship are not matched by his pedestrian approach to his own life journey. (Aug.)