A finely-wrought and deeply felt dive into four "Eminent Jews" who left an enduring footprint not only on American society. This is exactly what I expected from one of my favorite film critics turned cultural historian/biographer. Eminently readable!

Eminent Jews; Bernstein free Dan Brooks and Mailer by David Denby, I rated this book 3 stars despite the fact that had five star material what I didn’t like about the book is there were things in it that were either repeated, pointless and or made the book just too long. Although I learned a lot about those I knew like Mel Brooks and Norman Mailer I also became familiar with David Bernstein who I had heard of but didn’t know quite what he did and Betty free Dan who I had never heard of. The only thing that connects them is their religion Judaism and the fact they all were in or adjacent to entertainment. These books could’ve been released as standalone and although I am glad I read it I think with a little editing this really could be a five star read. since the beginning of time Jewish people have been scapegoat for many things and so these people in the midst of the hatred became popular despite it. I love Mel Brooks and have read Norman Mailer’s books and now getting to know Bernstein and free Dan I can honestly say I admire what they’ve done.#NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #DavidDenby, #EminentJews,#HenryHoltAndCompany,

David Denby's basic thesis is that in the first half of the century Jewish Americans tended to lay low while often downplaying their Jewishness, but that their children flourished in the second half of the century as they more blatantly challenged norms of culture and propriety and became major influences on American society. The four mini-biographies he offers - Mel Brooks, Betty Friedan, Norman Mailer, and Leonard Bernstein - are prime examples of eminent Jews who were (in Denby's words) 100% American and 100% Jewish.

I really loved this book even if the discussions of Mel Brooks (presumably chosen over Woody Allen) and Betty Friedan (perhaps the most influential of those profiled) were merely sufficient. Denby really shines when covering the incredibly lively, prolific and scandalous careers of Mailer (I would have chosen Philip Roth, but that's a matter of personal taste) and Bernstein. The two of them simply come alive - warts and all. While all of the biographies required research, it seemed that the Mailer and Bernstein sections were supplemented by a lifetime of fandom.

The entire book is worth your time, but I certainly wouldn't judge you if you jumped straight to the Mailer and Bernstein chapters.

Thanks to Macmillan and Netgalley for providing a copy for early review.

This book examines in detail the lives of four Jewish individuals and their effect on society and Jewish culture. Each of them represents specific areas of the arts and culture. This contribution to the body of knowledge about Jewish people seems particularly applicable to American society at this time. Historical information is also provided, as well as resources for further research and reading. The book would be of particular interest to readers who seek to learn more about history and contributions of Jewish people in America.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Henry Holt for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. This book is a discussion of 4 prominent people, Mel Brooks, Betty Friedan, Leonard Bernstein and Norman Mailer. It is a discussion of their lives, their careers and the their Jewishness. The writing on this book strikes an odd tone, part biography, part lecture, part criticism. I am not sure just what the author was intending, but at times it was hard to follow. If you do not know much about these 4 , you might want to read it to get a better image of them and their work. I have read several books about each one, and did not get a lot of new information.I am also curious as to how he picked these 4, the preface and notes do not give many clues. Again, thanks for the opportunity.

Leonard Bernstein, Mel Brooks, Betty Friedan, and Norman Mailer. Brilliant, brash, yet soulful, they were 100 percent Jewish and 100 percent American. They upended the restrained culture of their forebears and changed American life. Important story about Jews, the blessed race from God.

A book that’s equal parts biography as well as a cultural and sociological examination of four Jewish American trailblazers.

These are historical figures I’ve heard of but did not really know. Sure, some of their stories have made it to the big screen. While others’ creativity are featured on bookshelves or discussed on college campuses. Still others, have graced the stages of NYC.

What influenced their work, their childhoods and their Jewish cultural identity is explored in detail. The author does not flinch from sharing their flaws. And that makes their stories even that more interesting.

This took much longer to read given the amount of detail the author expended but the reader will only leave the read with more knowledge of these extraordinary individuals when that last page is turned.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Henry Holt and Company via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I did not realize that there were only 4 profiles that were going to be examined, but nevertheless, I did enjoy learning how Judaism impacted each one’s life and careers.

American Liberty Unlocked Jewish Genius
I could list pages andAm pages of Jewish contributions to medicine, music, politics and more contributions. David Denby chose four famous American Jews: Mel Brooks (comedy including significant satire); Leonard Bernstein, (music original composer and teacher); Betty Friedan, (politics and opening America to the role of women), and Norman Mailer, (literature and philosophy).

They are 100% Jewish and 100% American. The Jews have sometimes survived significant anti-Semitism in this country and the rest of the world. Denby’s writing is clear and honest. He was writing about intellectuals and impacted the reader and American culture.

Despite the raw talent and outrage of Denby’s master changers of American life, it is shocking to know that there are a total of less than 16 million Jews in the world, 7.3 million live in Israel, 8.5 millions outside of Israel, and only 6.3 million in the United States. And yet these small group of people has made your laugh, listen to remarkable music, and enjoy having Novocain at the dentist, using digitalis for your heart and keeping your children alive with the Salk vaccine.

Denby writes with candor and does not omit their impact on American culture.

My gratitude to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for this pre-published book. All opinions expressed are my own.

First off, I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC of this book.

This book was fun! As a Jewish person myself, I loved a fun read through some of the famous Jews throughout history. It's such an enjoyable read, light-hearted, with a nice cover and illustrations. I especially enjoyed the focus on non-pop culture people, like Betty Friedan. This would make a great gift for Jewish folks in your life, friends who love trivia or celebrities, or who are interested in history.