INHERITANCE

In this mesmerizing, moving memoir, writer Dani Shapiro is stunned to learn, almost by accident, that the only father she has ever known - the man whose faith, traditions and love were ingrained in her from the earliest age - is not her biological parent. Thus begins an artfully woven narrative, written in real time, that chronicles her search for answers and ultimately, her sense of self. Part detective story, part genealogy mystery and part identity exploration, this book is a not-to-be-missed beauty. Secrets, honor, compassion and hope are all here in abundance.

How are we connected to our family? If not for a network of DNA, what makes that connection tangible? How do we become the individuals we are - biology, circumstance, our own will to become the person we envision ourselves to be? Can there be comfort in both truth-seeking and in the unknown? I loved considering these questions along the author’s journey.

Equally fascinating was the place of donor-conceived children in the context of Orthodox Jewish tradition, and how those laws can bend and sway with the parents’ intent to create the next generation. The prayers of her upbringing, as well as Buddhist teachings, science and history help connect the dots of this thought-provoking and powerful story.

Fittingly, I finished this book between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - the Days of Awe that are mentioned at a critical point in the book. So it seemed appropriate to photograph the challahs I handmade with my boys for the holiday, with apples and honey for a sweet new year. Challah-making is a mitzvah, and braiding this dough felt very much like something wonderful and special was happening in my kitchen. Something to carry on *l’dor vador* - from generation to generation -with love.