Reviews

My Name Is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok

betseyboo's review against another edition

3.0

The book really started for me at Part 2. If you can make it through the first part I think you will enjoy this book.

zucaritas101's review against another edition

4.0

Let me start by saying, I enjoyed this book. It is well written and an interesting story that really brings you into Jewish culture in a way that makes you feel a part of it and not just an observer. However it took me a little while to get into it because much of the story is very sad and starts out a little slow, I had a hard time seeing where it was going. I do not always require to like the main characters but I got frustrated with how often I was angry with Asher and his parents. But once I hit about halfway into the book I found it difficult to put down. The book follows Asher from very young childhood to early adulthood. This is a long time for people to mature and develop and they were developed in a fascinating way with a very marvelous yet painful conclusion. I recommend this book, but do not expect it to be a "pick me up" in any way.

sjchaima's review against another edition

challenging dark informative sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

waynediane's review against another edition

5.0

Excellent. Chaim Potok can write! Wonderful story about a Hasidic Orthodox boy discovery of painting and conflict with the religious world.

sarkynir's review against another edition

challenging emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is my third time reading this book and I think it is still considered my favorite fiction book. 

Asher Lev is a young Jewish boy who cannot help but paint. His father works for the Rebbe and thinks that painting is a waste of time. His mother is torn between the conflict between Asher and his dad. 

The story follows Asher as he grows as a painter and a person.
Heartbreaking, stressful, and deeply passionate.

fwarg's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

finalgirlfall's review against another edition

5.0

i worked for--what? how could i explain it? for beauty? no. many of the pictures i painted were not beautiful. for what, then? for a truth i did not know how to put into words. for a truth i could only bring to life by means of color and line and texture and form.

it's near 2:30 in the morning here as i write this. g-d... this book was so much to deal with. i saw myself in asher in so many ways.

mary00's review against another edition

5.0

I don't know what to say about this book to show it justice. It is one of the best books I have read in a long time, perhaps one of the best I have ever read. It is incredible and Chaim Potok is brilliant. He is one of my top few favorite authors. His books resonate with me in a way that few books do - especially his prevailing theme of trying to find personal balance between religious tradition and the world. His books are not for everyone, but if you want to read beautiful, slowly-unfolding novels with depth and thought-provoking themes, then give Potok a try. The ending of this particular book is one of the most powerful I have ever read. Asher Lev is a character I will not be forgetting.

moreliajoy's review against another edition

5.0

This book doesn't wait for you to find a place for it in your heart. It carves itself into your very soul and refuses to go even when you cry out in grief.

Asher Lev was never a real person, but he lives so vibrantly in these words on a page that I have seen his paintings in my dreams. On the other hand, there is almost too much truth in this book for it to have ever happened.

500000/5 I recommend for everyone, no matter what you believe in, as long as you have looked at a painting and wondered how much pain its beauty caused and how much pain caused its beauty.

emerygirl's review against another edition

3.0

I learned a lot about Jewish Culture in this book. I also learned about art. Potok does a great job creating a picture of his characters in this book.