The Builder's Daughter

By Naomi Karz Jacobs

An original work that holds the spot light on Jewish life in America since the 1920s. Jacobs'vignettes of the beautiful grandmother who uses a garden hose to wash the floor; the generous mother who... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931643881
• ISBN13: 9781931643887
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Seven Locks Pr
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating tale

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Naomi Jacobs' autobiography. I was particularly fascinated by Jacobs' early life growing up in a burgeoning Los Angeles. Highly recommended.

A compelling and moving story

Naomi Jacobs is the founder of the West Coast Jewish Theater. "The Builder's Daughter" is an intimate history of this extraordinary woman that offers something for readers of every background. Those interested in American history will love the details about pre-WWII Los Angeles and Baltimore. Jewish readers will be drawn to the details about Jewish organizations, politics, and history. All readers will be moved by her joys and struggles as child, student, wife, and mother. Naomi's autobiography covers six generations beginning in Russia and ending in Los Angeles, her birthplace and current home. Her father Philip, a Russian immigrant, trains as a machinist and soon involves the entire family in his work as a general contractor. The family initially moves from house to house as properties are built and then sold. After one interesting twist, they find themselves on a ranch in Yuma, Arizona but another deal soon lands them back in LA. Philip goes on to achieve prominence as a residential and commercial real estate developer. The book includes other details about Naomi's childhood, including her adoring yet eccentric grandmother whose early life in Russia is marred by extreme and violent anti-Semitism. Later in life, Naomi struggles to achieve a college and post-graduate education at a time when women were expected to be homemakers. When her first marriage becomes strained, Naomi finds salvation in her children, active Jewish political and philanthropic organizations, and athletics. In 1993, Naomi starts the West Coast Jewish Theater (WCJT). The WCJT grows to include many prominent Hollywood board members and begins drawing big name stars for its productions. Along with her three children, the theater becomes the centerpiece of a life dedicated to nurturing family, those in need, and the arts. Throughout the story, Naomi offers wisdom passed down through the generations and, finally, her own reflections and wisdom based on a rich and rewarding life. I found many of these offerings to be quite profound and relevant to my own life. This is one of the best autobiographies I have read in recent years. Highly recommended.

Fascinating Living History!

This is simply a great read. Anyone with a history can relate to this novel. Jacobs captured human emotions in the most raw forms. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading.