In the Winter 2017 issue of "Letters," various topics are discussed by readers and responded to by authors.

In the summer of 1936, Ostend became a gathering place for a mix of real and fake intellectuals, many of them Jewish and including writers like Stefan Zweig and Joseph Roth.

Prof. Russell Berman from Stanford University explains in a discussion with host Gilad Halpern the educational value of his undergraduate seminar "Zionism and the Novel," highlighting how studying literature can enhance discussions about Israel and Zionism.

The text discusses the American culture as a unique entity influenced by restlessness, risk-taking, and a sense of journeying rather than settling.

In "The Daemon in Mr. Bloom," the discussion revolves around T.S. Eliot's views on race, religion, and anti-Semitism in 1933, contrasting with the Jewish scholar Harold Bloom's upbringing and literary influences.

The article outlines the portrayal of Jewish fathers in literature, highlighting 13 problematic examples spanning biblical figures like Abraham and Jacob to modern creations like Mr. Portnoy in Philip Roth's "Portnoy's Complaint."

"The Museum of Extraordinary Things" by Alice Hoffman is set in 1911 New York and weaves together the stories of two characters, Eddie Cohen and Coralie Sardie, against the backdrop of real-life tragedies like the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and the Dreamland amusement park fire.

Robert Alter, a prominent scholar and critic, challenges readers to see the Bible as a work of literature, not just religious scripture.

The text delves into the concept of genius and inspiration through dreams, citing examples like the creation of music, writing, and poetry by famous figures like Handel, Wagner, and Goethe arising from their dreams.

Saul Bellow's letters, showcased in the collection "Saul Bellow: Letters," offer insights into the famed writer's views and relationships throughout his life.