Jonathan Safran Foer, "Here I Am"

Now available in paperback, Foer’s expansive third novel unfolds over just six weeks in contemporary Washington. But as his title suggests, with its echoes of Abraham and the Old Testament prophets, Foer is exploring timeless and universal questions of faith, sacrifice, and intimate human relationships. Centered on the Bloch family, the narrative traces the rising tension between Jacob and Julia, and charts the effects of the parents’ unhappiness on their children. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, an earthquake is wreaking havoc in the already troubled Holy Land. Deftly interweaving the Blochs’ personal turmoil with the larger political events, Foer explores what it means to be religious in the modern world and what responsibilities American Jews have toward Israel.

Founded by Carla Cohen and Barbara Meade in 1984, Politics and Prose Bookstore is Washington, D.C.'s premier independent bookstore and cultural hub, a gathering place for people interested in reading and discussing books. Politics and Prose offers superior service, unusual book choices, and a haven for book lovers in the store and online. Visit them on the web at

Produced by Tom Warren