This article describes the experience of a teacher invited to discuss Paul Cowan's "An Orphan in History" at a "Let's Talk About It" book program on the theme, "Being Ethnic, Becoming American: Struggles, Successes, Symbols." This was one of a series of book reading and discussion programs jointly sponsored by the American Library Association, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the New Hampshire Humanities Council, and the New Hampshire State Library. The teacher's own search for ethnic roots, personal reminiscences about experiences with anti-semitism, and thoughts about the conflicting ideals espoused by German and Eastern European Jewish ancestors inspired by "An Orphan in History" are compared with the content of the book, which is the personal history of a contemporary journalist who investigates and embraces his Jewish roots. In addition, other readers' reactions to the book are discussed, and it is noted that each reader perceived the book differently and each had an ethnic insight to share. Finally, the four group study questions prepared for the book talk are presented. A listing of four additional books on the same theme which were also discussed at book talk programs is provided. (KM)