Sandy Eller is a popular writer known to readers of Olam Yehudi for her informative features and light-hearted prose.
What books are currently on your night stand?
I don’t typically keep books on my nightstand because I work late nights and by the time I turn in I am asleep before my head hits the pillow… Under my night table, however, is a different story. I have an entire stack of magazines, waiting to be read.
What’s the best book on Judaism you’ve ever read?
Nothing will ever top the Chumash!
What kind of reader were you as a child? Your favorite books and authors?
A voracious one. We had quite a few books from The Happy Hollisters and The Bobsey Twins series in the house (I’m dating myself, aren’t I?), and I used to read those over and over again. I think I read every single Nancy Drew book that was out at the time and often found myself wondering exactly what color hair strawberry blond was; it was the first time I had ever heard that term.
Two books we owned that I remember reading repeatedly when I was in high school: Marathon Man and one volume that contained both Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. An odd combination, I know, but I loved them both.
If you had to name one book that made you who you are today, what would it be?
A book? I can’t think of a single one. As far as human beings are concerned, I would have to say my parents and (from a writer’s perspective) my high-school English teacher, Mr. Ira Miller, who is now the headmaster of Ramaz. I walked into his class thinking I knew how to write, and for our first essay he told us that two-run on sentences was grounds for immediate failure. I had five and earned what was probably my first “F” ever. His class was tough, but we all learned a lot and I can think of at least two classmates who also write professionally today.
What books would you recommend to someone aspiring to write as well, as whimsically, and as cheerfully as you do?
Any book they enjoy. Reading is a wonderful activity, so the more the merrier. In terms of writing styles, I think writers produce their best work when they let their personalities shine through. Every now and then I will write late at night, when I’m not thinking about how intelligent and proper I am supposed to sound, and some of my favorite articles have emerged as a result.
You’ve written a lot on being a mother, wife, cook, homemaker, and writer. Have you come across any great books on the nature of juggling these roles?
I can’t say I have, but every time I read something by Erma Bombeck, I get inspired. All of us today seem to be trying to balance a zillion different things at the same time, and without a sense of humor, it just doesn’t work. You can either let the pressure get to you, or you can laugh at how insane things are sometimes. Erma Bombeck is gone for 20 years already but her insights on life as a mom are still as timely as ever.
What books might people be surprised to find on your bookshelves?
Children’s books. I love children’s books. I used to love reading to my kids when they were little because not only do you want your kids to love reading, it was a great activity that made no mess. I have to say, though, that nothing drives me crazier than a poorly-written kids’ book. Authors need to remember that every book meant for little ones is going to have an older kid or adult read it, so quality writing and a well thought-out plot really do matter.
What book hasn’t been written that you’d like to read?
The one I am currently in the middle of writing. It will be a lighthearted look at a particular episode in our lives here at Chez Eller. It was a saga that lasted almost a year and I knew from day one that I had better take notes because I was sure it was going to be pretty memorable. One day I am going to sit down and finish it, but it just hasn’t happened yet.
What books are you embarrassed not to have read yet?
The classics. I read the ones assigned in high school but I confess that when I go to the library, the ones that call my name are usually murder mysteries with bad puns in the title, preferably ones that have food involved as well. Diane Mott Davidson, if you are reading this, I would love a few more books featuring Goldie the caterer and her fabulous recipes!
What do you plan to read next?
Sad to say, but since I am answering this question right before Pesach, the next book I will read will be the Haggadah because there is no recreation time on my calendar right now.
For the first Seder, I am planning on using Let’s Go Free with Miri and Tzvi because, I don’t care how old you are, a Haggadah with pictures is always way more fun. For the second Seder I plan on pulling out the Haggadah my son made in second grade that includes pictures of him and his classmates interspersed throughout. The older he gets, the cuter that Haggadah gets!