Hagiographies by Artscroll, lots of Paysach Krohn stories, Avigdor Miller, and something on Torah codes.
Judaism as a Civilation - all the rest is commentary, go and learn!
Oh God... I forgot all about the Artscroll hagiographies! How about some James Kugel? He's "Orthodox" with a heavy dose of academia.
Does she know that you have this blog?
Seems to me that if she's still on the fence, you owe it to her to let her hear both sides. So I'd tell her that she should be aware of what she's getting into and that there are blogs by those who are frum and maybe name some. Then I'd tell her that there are other blogs by those who are skeptics, if not skeptics of OJ itself, at least skeptics of some OJ institutions.
Then I'd tell her about blogs such as yours, Lubab, the Godol's archives, Failed Messiah, etc, and would just point out that if she's going to make a commitment she needs to go into it with her eyes open.
Just remembered a few other things. For books maybe The Unchosen and Boychicks in the Hood, or something by William Dever, the archaeologist. Depending on where she is in the process I might tell her to stay away from To Be a Jew and To Pray Like a Jew, by Donin, at least until she has some exposure to the skeptics.
BTW which Finkelstein are you referring to? Israel, Norman, or someone else?
On Being a Jew by James Kugel looks interesting, but I have not read it yet
This is my God by Herman Woulk
I don't know specifics about books, but you should definitely make sure they see the "other side" before they make the plunge into OJ.
I have always maintained that OJ is great for many people although I am not one of them.
It is only fair to let her have ALL of the facts in front of her before she makes such a life altering decision such as converting.
Skeptodox,
What did you decide to do?
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