Eshet Hayil (Woman of Valor) By Lihi Lapid Kinneret, Zmora-Bitan, Dvir 222 pages; NIS 88 Writer Lihi Lapid's second novel, Woman of Valor, puts women characters front and center. Taking the title of her book from the passage in the Book of Proverbs, Lapid writes about a woman's greatest job in life - motherhood. The traditional poem describes the woman of valor as one who is energetic, righteous and capable. Lapid questions beliefs about a woman's role in modern society, probes stereotypes and examines the lies parents tell their daughters. Through her own story, and that of others, she tells a tale of everyday battles a woman goes through. She writes from different viewpoints including that of a 30-plus woman dying to get married, a woman who relies on advice columns before doing something for herself, and a young woman who decides getting married at 22 is the proper thing to do. This novel is not meant to be a feministic battle cry but rather a book about a day in the life of a woman in contemporary Israel. Aida By Sami Michael Kinneret, Zmora-Bitan 271 pages; NIS 88 Sami Michael's Aida is a political love story. It is the story of Zakhi Dali, the book's protagonist and the last Jew in Iraq, and Aida, a Kurdish refugee. It is a story of loneliness and companionship. Michael, who was born in Baghdad, also tells a love story for his former country. His protagonist insists on looking for points of beauty on the shattered face of his country. Other characters thrown into the mix include neighbors who hide their two sons who are being hunted by the regime, a mythological love who is thrown into a jail where communist inmates rot and a secret policeman. Michael weaves his views into this story, but keeps the love theme at the front of what he's writing. Due to his involvement in the communist underground in Iraq, Michael was forced to leave in 1947 and arrived here in 1948. He has published numerous novels for adults and young adults. And he is known for his literary representation of women, Middle Eastern Jews and Arabs, and their political and ethnic struggles and cultural systems. Nimusim Na'im Legvarot Ule'adonim (Proper Etiquette for Ladies and Gentlemen) By Hadar Kimhi Kinneret Books 140 pages; NIS 69 Hadar Kimhi's etiquette book, replete with retro illustrations, is a hilarious read. Armed with a good dose of irony and sarcasm, Kimhi sets out to refine the sabra's prickly edges. In her foreword, she calls on the public to sit up straight, daintily sip tea and to dance properly in order to "guide us all toward a better, more cultured and refined life in the Land of Israel." Based on old-fashioned etiquette books, Kimhi's version is tongue-in-cheek and a lot of fun. Oy Metukim Shelanu (Oh Precious Ones) By Rogel Alpher Xargol/Am Oved 189 pages; NIS 79 Rogel Alpher's compelling and passionate drama skewers society. His heroes change identities rapidly, and it often feels like they were left on a TV show without a director or producer. The book begins with the story of Danny Harel, who wants a "normal life" but who has crazy parents. This is a novel that tells about living here, with all its ups and downs. Alpher writes succinctly, yet with an ample amount of passion and rage. His writing touches readers' raw nerves (and it turns out we have quite a few). A Tel Aviv University philosophy graduate, Alpher can also be found writing for local newspapers and TV series. This is his second book.

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Writer Lihi Lapid's second novel, Woman of Valor, puts women characters front and center.