About the Book

Book Cover Bylines and Blessings by Judy Gruen

What happens when career ambition begins to clash with cherished religious values? In this illuminating memoir, award-winning author Judy Gruen shares how she resolved these seemingly conflicting drives.

From an overconfident young journalist earning her chops with a small publisher, a major university, and a Fortune 500 corporation, she learns to rise above rejection and rookie errors in pursuit of professional excellence and growth.

Later, as she navigates writing and motherhood, Gruen’s values increasingly steer her course. Understanding that words create worlds, she chooses to write about life through the lens of Jewish teachings-in pointed response to a society growing more hostile to traditional religion. After a crisis of professional confidence, she turns to a trusted mentor who helps her find the blessings in the bylines.

This engaging memoir is filled with humor and depth. Reading it will feel like having a heart-to-heart talk with an old friend.

Praise for Bylines and Blessings

“A perceptive memoir, written with both boldness and restraint.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Gruen is an effortlessly good writer, an effortlessly funny writer, and an effortlessly deep writer, though there is nothing effortless about writing. Though I’m a soldier of the nefarious left, and as secular as a Jew can be while still retaining membership, I respect her points of view and her passion. My endorsement of Bylines and Blessings is from the heart.”

Howard Rosenberg, Author, Blizzard of Lies, Pulitzer Prize winning author/journalist

“Judy has a wonderful writing style – evocative and humorous. She shows her path to a life that I think all spiritual seekers are after, but which can get lost when we make the search all about ‘me’ when it’s really all about ‘us.’”

Jennifer Lawler, author, Dojo Wisdom

“Gruen tackles issues I’ve thought about but never dared to make public, and I’m grateful for her relatable voice and courage. Bylines and Blessings is for writers of books, letters, social media posts, and anyone seeking to understand how to live life with gentle balance.”

Laya Saul, author, Sisterhood of the Copper Mirrors—The Legacy of the Jewish Woman

“As someone who spent 40 years as a journalist, I understand the daily battles to not only get the story, but to get it right. Judy Gruen also understands this, and writes about her fascinating career with humor, depth, and poignancy.”

Matthew Schwartz, Eight-time Emmy and Murrow award-winning reporter; author, Confessions of an Investigative Reporter

More Praise for Bylines and Blessings

“Bylines and Blessings is that rare book that I can’t wait to get back to. It’s smart, funny, interesting, deep, charming, honest, brave, and real. It’s the journey of a person fighting to grow, change, shed old skin and constantly become new. It’s the story of an artist struggling for her art, humanity, spiritual life, and doing what’s right for her family. You’ll laugh, cry, and learn the many blessings you may not have known you already possess. I loved it.”

Mark Schiff

Author, Why Not? Lessons in Courage, Comedy and Chutzpah

“A Jewish journalist is not so different from a Christian journalist where faith and ambition bump up against each other. Gruen tells the stories of hard life lessons with engaging humor and reveals that with faith, grit, and love of God and family, life does indeed offer resounding success.”

Patti Maguire Armstrong

Bestselling author of the children’s “Dear God” series, journalist at National Catholic Register

“The best successful journalism is, by definition, timely. Religious values, in their very essence, are timeless. Judy Gruen explores the contradictory and occasionally complementary passions that have driven her eventful life with insight and humor. For the reader, her perspective can deepen faith at the same time that it enhances appreciation for the writer’s craft.”

Michael Medved

Syndicated talk show host and author of The American Miracle: Divine Providence in the Rise of the Republic

“Bylines and Blessings made me think about my own life, and I cheered as Gruen relied on her humor, heart, and strong belief in the Jewish faith to bring her through personal and professional struggles. Five stars!”

Carrie Scarborough Kinnard

Author, From the Grit Comes A Pearl: A Southern Woman’s Imperfect Faith in Her God, in Herself, and in Her Humorous, Unique Outlook on Life’s Stumbling Blocks

“Judy Gruen’s memoir will inspire anyone struggling to build a career… and a life. I would’ve enjoyed it immensely no matter what work she chose to pursue, but it’s especially fun to learn how this talented writer evolved her craft and turned her passion into her profession, while always remaining true to her faith and values. Highly recommended!”

Salvador Litvak

Director of Man in the Long Black Coat, influencer at Accidental Talmudist

“Judy Gruen has long explored her faith through her writing, and she ties the two together in Bylines and Blessings. It’s a wholly satisfying read that breaks down stereotypes about Orthodox women (and men) interwoven with timeless Jewish teachings.”

Chaplain Rachel C. Weingarten

Author, Ancient Prayer: Channeling Your Faith 365 Days of the Year

“Judy Gruen invites readers on an unfiltered journey through the peaks and valleys of her career and spiritual exploration, blending humor and inspiration for a memoir that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening.”

Arty Cwieber

Shabbos Reads editor, 18Forty