Jewtopia: The Chosen Book for the Chosen People

The world of Jewish humor books is crowded but the style used by the authors of the play Jewtopia, including audio touches which show they understand the medium, gives this work some nice elbow room. Alternating as narrators, the authors present-among other things-a timeline of Jewish expulsions, a summary of each holiday, an investigation into the veracity of stereotypes, a travel guide for Jews, and conversations with (their own) Jewish mothers. Snippets of music, little sound effects-including the narrators saying ""BING!""-and a sprinkling of short jokes add to the fun. Jews will find tips on blending in at a Gentile bachelor party and Gentiles will get lessons on ordering food in a restaurant like a Jew. Some of the shtick, such as Moses' diary during the forty years in the desert, doesn't work very well and intermittent overemphasized delivery sounds a bit like bad stand-up. However, for the most part this unique presentation will have listeners smiling in recognition, learning a thing or two, and possibly adding a laugh track. Simultaneous release with the Warner Books hardcover. (Reviews, Sept. 14).