JL;DR SUMMARY "Two highly praised novels of 2018, Dara Horn's 'Eternal Life' and Sarah Perry's 'Melmoth,' feature Jewish women born in ancient Judea who are still alive today, a twist on the wandering Jew legend. Horn's story focuses on Jewish compassion and continuity through generations, revolving around a woman who can't die and witnesses her loved ones age and pass away across time. Perry's novel, reminiscent of gothic horror, centers on a Jewish woman cursed to wander the earth due to her denial of seeing the risen Christ, serving as a witness to human cruelty throughout history. Both books explore existential questions of why continue living, with Horn emphasizing the importance of perpetuating the Jewish story through family, while Perry delves into despair amidst humanity's injustices. The novels, created by authors from warm religious backgrounds, offer contrasting perspectives on hope and despair in the face of the world's challenges." A way out west there was a fella, fella I want to tell you about, fella by the name of Jeff Lebowski. At least, that was the handle his lovin' parents gave him, but he never had much use for it himself. This Lebowski, he called himself the Dude. Now, Dude, that's a name no one would self-apply where I come from. But then, there was a lot about the Dude that didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. And a lot about where he lived, likewise. But then again, maybe that's why I found the place s'durned innarestin'.