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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
A very powerful story about friendship, life, and the religion of Hasidism.
It deals in the perspective of the Hasidic with the horribleness of Hitler and the German concentration camps and the start of a Jewish State- Israel.
Such a powerful message that should not be forgotten.
It deals in the perspective of the Hasidic with the horribleness of Hitler and the German concentration camps and the start of a Jewish State- Israel.
Such a powerful message that should not be forgotten.
A beautiful & heart-breaking story of friendship, family relationships, faith, growing up/finding one's own way, & controversial politics in & among closely-related communities. Made me cry, and broke my heart a little bit on multiple levels. 5-stars & beyond, would highly recommend to any friend.
I liked this book quite a bit and it certainly isn't anything I would have pulled off the shelf on my own (this was a book club read). The main character was very likeable, as was his father, and there was much to be learned about Jewish culture and religion (I'll admit, much of that seemed to go over my head). The writing was enjoyable to read in this coming of age story in the mid-twenthieth century.
One of my favorite books of all time. A lovely story of friendship, faith, family, and what it means to be true to yourself while honoring your heritage.
It took me a little bit to get into the story but then I was hooked. I learned so much about the characters, their experiences, and the threads weaving between them. Plenty to ponder.
P217 “A span of life is nothing. But the man who lives that span, HE is something. He can fill that tiny span with meaning, so its quality is immeasurable though its quantity may be insignificant... A man must fill his life with meaning, meaning is not automatically given to life. It is hard work to fill one’s life with meaning... A life filled with meaning is worthy of rest. I want to be worthy of rest when I am no longer here.”
P217 “A span of life is nothing. But the man who lives that span, HE is something. He can fill that tiny span with meaning, so its quality is immeasurable though its quantity may be insignificant... A man must fill his life with meaning, meaning is not automatically given to life. It is hard work to fill one’s life with meaning... A life filled with meaning is worthy of rest. I want to be worthy of rest when I am no longer here.”
Re-read, again.
Chaim Potok is one of my very favorite authors, and this book about friendship and fathers and sons is worth reading once, no matter who you are.
10/10
Chaim Potok is one of my very favorite authors, and this book about friendship and fathers and sons is worth reading once, no matter who you are.
10/10
This is a great story, and it really doesn't take a lot of time to read.
I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It was so fascinating hearing all of the Jewish history, as well as the differences in the sects.
"Human beings do not live forever, Reuven. We live less than the time it takes to blink an eye, if we measure our lives against eternity. So it may be asked what value is there to a human life. There is so much pain in the world. What does it mean to have to suffer so much if our lives are nothing more than the blink of an eye?... I learned a long time ago, Reuven, that a blink of an eye in itself is nothing. But the eye that blinks, that is something. A span of life is nothing. But the man who lives that span, he is something. He can fill that tiny span with meaning, so its quality is immeasurable though its quantity may be insignificant."
I love that quote so much.
"Honest differences of opinion should never be permitted to destroy a friendship..."
I feel like the opposite of this is very prevalent today. Someone doesn't agree with your religion, race, whatever? Sorry, can't be friends. No! "Love they neighbor as thyself." Not, love thy neighbor but only if they agree with everything you say and do.
This book was a lot about accepting differences in those you love, and being a true friend. Danny and Reuven were both Jewish, but couldn't have had more opposite upbringings. They were able to look past that and truly be there for each other, even when they weren't allowed to be friends. I wish I knew what happened with them after the story ends.
"Human beings do not live forever, Reuven. We live less than the time it takes to blink an eye, if we measure our lives against eternity. So it may be asked what value is there to a human life. There is so much pain in the world. What does it mean to have to suffer so much if our lives are nothing more than the blink of an eye?... I learned a long time ago, Reuven, that a blink of an eye in itself is nothing. But the eye that blinks, that is something. A span of life is nothing. But the man who lives that span, he is something. He can fill that tiny span with meaning, so its quality is immeasurable though its quantity may be insignificant."
I love that quote so much.
"Honest differences of opinion should never be permitted to destroy a friendship..."
I feel like the opposite of this is very prevalent today. Someone doesn't agree with your religion, race, whatever? Sorry, can't be friends. No! "Love they neighbor as thyself." Not, love thy neighbor but only if they agree with everything you say and do.
This book was a lot about accepting differences in those you love, and being a true friend. Danny and Reuven were both Jewish, but couldn't have had more opposite upbringings. They were able to look past that and truly be there for each other, even when they weren't allowed to be friends. I wish I knew what happened with them after the story ends.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes