BOOKS BY LESTER BLUM

The Spirit of Ruchel Leah  is based on letters my impoverished aunt, Ruchel Leah wrote from Goworowo, Poland (and subsequently from the towns she fled to which are now in Belarus) to my father and grandparents in New York.   

A compelling story was pieced together with the descriptive, harrowing letters which are filled with anguish, hope, and increasing despair.  Yet, the story is one of courage, persistence, and resiliency.  

The book not only includes the letters but also provides meticulous historical, religious, and social context in which they were written. The book encompasses a wide-ranging Holocaust experience which takes the reader on a complete educational journey.

To date, The Spirit of Ruchel Leah has garnered five literary awards and is included in the Yad Vashem Library in Jerusalem, Memorial de la Shoah research library in Paris, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Library, The New York Public Library – The Dorot Jewish Collection, the Wiener Holocaust Library in London, YIVO Institute for Jewish Research - New York,  the National Library of Israel, and The Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw. 

$35. (includes shipping - NJ residents add $2.32 sales tax)

PAYMENT MAY BE MADE VIA PAY PAL TO laviegalerie@gmail.com

(do not forget to include sales tax if applicable)

or send an email to received a Pay Pal invoice

Be sure to include your shipping address with your payment. 

I Still Remember is an epic, compelling photographic narrative which tells a powerful and moving story of the quest for love, devastation, and remembrance.
 

The story is a fictionalized compilation of the lifestyle of many gay men of the 1980's/into the early 1990’s. This was a time when everyone was free; no one worried about sexually transmitted diseases. From sex clubs to Fire Island with the notorious Meat Rack to the Meatpacking District of New York to the boardwalk at South Beach, he seeks an immediate connection, a search for permanence, and a commitment of love.
 

His world was shattered by the onslaught of HIV/AIDS. Nothing would ever be the same. He had to face fear, rejection, and declining health. When he passed, his lover and friends gathered in Fire Island - to celebrate his life. Even today, he continues to live in their memories.
 

I Still Remember commemorates those who have passed from HIV/AIDS related causes and to help educate a younger generation about the early years of the disease.

$25. (plus  $5. shipping - NJ residents add $1.66 sales tax)

Since the advent of war, history has recorded the exploits of the generals or the heroic deeds of a few individuals. Although the commanders might acknowledge the exploits of their regiments, history books generally have neglected the cogs in the wheel of war - the low ranking military man. These men bore the burden of war - manning the front lines, carrying the equipment and supplies, preparing meals for thousands, and sending vital messages from unit to unit. Many of these men were the unsung heroes of war. 

Through the Eyes of a PFC 1942-1945 chronicles the journey of one such soldier, Abraham I. Blum, an interior design store clerk, from induction into the military; rigorous training in the swamps of Mississippi and Louisiana, in the sweltering heat of the Mojave Desert, in the sands and mountains of North Africa; to fighting in the three major Italian campaigns - Rome/Arno, North Apennines, and Po Valley. 

The book, which details facts of everyday life of the average soldier, is supported by a plethora of photographs and quotes from period correspondence /modern interviews of PFC Blum. In a 2008 interview he stated, "I was glad and proud to serve my country during war. I did all I had to do and all I could do, to the best of my ability." 

The years in the army had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of many men. Through the Eyes of a PFC 1942-1945 is a tribute to the bravery and heroism of the average soldier.

$20. (plus $5. shipping - NJ residents add $1.33 sales tax)

Join Alex and his sister, Cathy as they embark upon a flight of fantasy filled with mystery, drama, and suspense. Travel through three diverse time periods in the amazing pre-historic world where gigantic creatures – the Dinosaurs – ruled. Stimulate your imagination and be enchanted, amazed and touched by their escapades as they traverse this land of predators and prey in their struggle to survive. Experience the adventure. 

Ages 6-12 

$25. (plus  $5. shipping - NJ residents add $1.66 sales tax)

A visual interpretation of the concept of Hope. The Warrior offers hope for all in their battles against inequality, injustice and the ravages of HIV/AIDS. The Warrior of Hope was created to bring focus to the issues facing all mankind and visually bring renewed awareness to the disease.

$20. (plus  $5. shipping - NJ residents add $1.33 sales tax)

From the Spanish colonial architecture, the urban decay, the cultural heritage, the vintage American cars, the verdant countryside, Cuba has been locked in a time warp. The Cuban people have managed to persevere, in the face of all adversity. With the relaxing of the American sanctions, Cuba will evolve, over time, to remove the tarnish and reclaim the title of The Jewel of the Caribbean.

$35. (plus $5. shipping - NJ residents add $2.32 sales tax)

A visual exploration of the enchanting country - Myanmar. Having been isolated from the rest of the world for decades, Myanmar has managed to preserve the culture of its diverse ethnic groups and its historical heritage as it begins to open its arms to the world.

$35. (plus  $5. shipping - NJ residents add $2.32 sales tax)

 A visual presentation to dispel the stereotypical conception of the images of Christ by depicting him as any and every man or woman.

$30. (plus  $5. shipping - NJ residents add $1.99 sales tax)

The photographs are a visual interpretation of the rare enchantment that is Maui. The island of Maui is a paradise within a realm of magnificent beauty.

$30.  (plus  $5. shipping - NJ residents add $1.99 sales tax)

Divine Land China offers a glimpse into the vast world of China depicting both the historic and modern world. The focus of the book is to show aspects of the art and culture of a people ranging from Beijing to Xian to Tibet to Hong Kong.

$35. (plus $5. shipping - NJ residents add $2.32 sales tax)

A visual journey to five cities in Spain to explore the melding of the ideas, culture, science, art, religion, and philosophy of the various conquerors of the Iberian peninsula - Romans, Goths, Moors, Jews, and Christians.

$35. (plus  $5. shipping - NJ residents add $2.32 sales tax)

A photographic examination of the diversity and expressiveness of Hands.

$30. (plus  $5. shipping - NJ residents add $1.99 sales tax)

 A visual exploration of the nude male form ranging from the sensual to the erotic.
 

Warning: Book contains full male nudity of an artistic and erotic nature.

$35. (plus  $5. shipping - NJ residents add $2.32 sales tax)

Photographs and testimonials from individuals who either feel invisible or society treats them as being invisible. The causes can be singular or multi layered: physical or mental disabilities, disease (HIV/AIDS), age, weight, gender, sexuality, bullying, physical or mental abuse, religion, etc. Invisible gives these people a voice so that the veil of invisibility will be lifted.

$20. (plus $5. shipping - NJ residents add $1.33 sales tax)