On Thursday, December 8, the Nashville Jewish Book Series hosted local award-winning journalist, Marissa Moss in conversation with writer and NPR music critic Ann Powers, to discuss her new book, Her Country. The event took place at 3Sirens recording studio and community space in East Nashville, which proved to be the perfect cozy atmosphere for the rainy-day weather.

Local singer/songwriter, Katie Schecter, welcomed guests in the warm setting with her ethereal voice and melodic tunes. Guests mingled while enjoying small bites and cocktails prepared by the Jewish Cowboy. The Bookshop joined the evening selling copies of Her Country.

Attendees gathered in their seats to listen as the conversation began. Ann, prepared with questions, kicked off the discussion and the room quieted down as Marissa and Ann spoke. Topics covered the world of country music, the difficulties women and those from diverse backgrounds face in the industry, and how many women that have gone on to challenge the system in place and became successful. The main topic was the overarching feeling of being an “insider outsider” in the country music world as well as in the south.

The evening ended with wonderful questions from the audience as well as a meaningful conversation with Katie Schecter who shared her feelings about being a Jewish woman and musician in living in the south.

After a break for the holidays, our events continue in January with two incredible writers. The first is a virtual event on Thursday, January 11 at 7pm with author Jai Chakrabarti, and his debut novel, A Play for the End of the World. January rounds out on Tuesday, January 31 at 7pm with an in-person event with international food and travel writer Sylvie Bigar, and her food memoir, Cassoulet Confessions- Food, France, Family, and the Stew That Saved My Soul.

The Nashville Jewish Book Series aims to connect the local community with authors from around the globe, fostering conversations that could not happen anywhere else in the world. The NJBS runs from November 2022 to May 2023. You can find the whole schedule, with registration and ticketing information, at nashvillejcc.org/book or contact community-wide programs director Sharon Benus at sharonb@nashvillejcc.org or 615-354-1697.