Since 2003, Joseph Epstein’s writing has brought me great reading pleasure and delight. That year I was introduced to a collection of short stories, FABULOUS SMALL JEWS, that from its description seemed like it would be right up my alley. It was set in Chicago, where I had grown up, and focused on characters who were Jewish, as I am. It was an excellent book, and one of its strengths was how it reached readers of several generations. By 2003, I was middle-aged, but I recall discussing these stories with my mother-in-law, who was in her early 80s at the time. We enjoyed them, and in future years I often would share my collection of Epstein books with her.

"There are a few authors I have read who I truly would enjoy having a conversation with. Joseph Epstein is at the top of this list.... If you have never read Joseph Epstein, I hope you will. It is an experience you most certainly will find worthwhile."

After finishing FABULOUS SMALL JEWS, I would go forward and backward from the list of books Epstein had written, along with the countless essays he had penned for many of the most prestigious publications in America. Jonathan Eig, another terrific writer and a student of Epstein’s at Northwestern University, calls him “the Fred Astaire of American literature, a writer of almost unbelievable humor, grace, and style.” It is worthy and justified praise.

NEVER SAY YOU’VE HAD A LUCKY LIFE: Especially If You’ve Had a Lucky Life, is the 87-year-old Epstein’s autobiography. Even that fact draws some of his gentle wit. Epstein recounts a discussion he had with an acquaintance, who asked if he was still writing. He replied that he was working on an autobiography. “Interesting,” his friend replied. “Whose?”

Quite honestly, I feel a kinship towards Epstein because we have many similarities. He taught at Northwestern, but sadly for me he arrived on campus right after I graduated. He attended the University of Illinois, as did many members of my family. He is a Chicagoan and often features scenes of the Windy City in his writing. He is Jewish, and Judaism in a non-religious fashion plays a major role in his stories. His essays include wonderful thoughts and observations on sports, literature and life. There are a few authors I have read who I truly would enjoy having a conversation with. Joseph Epstein is at the top of this list.

Epstein always sprinkles small pieces of information regarding his personal life into his work. I knew that he had been married and had children. I also was privy to the various positions he had occupied as an editor, as well as his teaching stint at Northwestern. While I was aware of the broad strokes of his career from his writings, I found that the greater detail he provides in NEVER SAY YOU’VE HAD A LUCKY LIFE makes his life even more interesting. For example, I learned that two of his sons attended Evanston High School, my alma mater, and was part of the plot for THE GOLDIN BOYS, which marked his fiction debut. Reading his fiction is a constant reminder of growing up in the Chicago Jewish community.

Epstein’s essays are as enjoyable as his fiction. While I do not agree with all of his cultural observations, I appreciate the thoughtful manner of their presentation, and his literary thoughts are a joy to consider. Every collection of his that I have read introduces me to some new material that I am excited to explore. I do not know what more a reader can expect from such a work than the books and authors discovered on its pages.

As Epstein remarked in an interview, writing his autobiography gave him an opportunity to review his life in a tranquil manner: “I was able to note certain trends, parallels and phenomena that have marked my life and set my destiny.” For this reader, it has completed an extraordinary reading journey that began many years ago and has a few more stops to make. If you have never read Joseph Epstein, I hope you will. It is an experience you most certainly will find worthwhile.