3.96 AVERAGE


I’m. Sobbing. This book is so good… it is so human and so beautifully written. It makes me want to chase my education relentlessly and have my heart open to the sufferings and joys of others. This is my second time reading it and I’ll definitely be reading it again.

Any of my friends who have read this can we pls have a book discussion asap

Worst book I've ever read for school. Possibly the worst book I've ever read, period. It's not about Judaism and Hasidism that I didn't like, it was just an awful story with an awful writing style.
EDIT (6/11/17): This book ruined my life. - Dana made me write this.
emotional reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No

Didn't think I was going to like this book, but it hooked me in even though it took me a while to read it. Lots of thinking while reading this book.

A thought provoking glimpse into Judaism. It's always difficult for me to read or hear about the extreme lengths people go to for their beliefs, religious or otherwise. What I liked about this book was that it showed the fanaticism of the Jewish faith and then showed its admirable qualities to counteract. For instance, the coldness, cruelty and rigidity of Mr. Saunders was countered by the warmth, affection and insight of Mr. Malter. Although these two fathers exercised very different parenting methods, both of their sons turned out to be intelligent, respectful and productive members of society. And despite their very different backgrounds and various hardships, the boys' friendship and affection for each other remained strong. I felt that this strong yin/yang quality gave the story a pleasing emotional balance and gave me an impression of Judaism that might have been distasteful but was also begrudgingly respectful.
challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Read this for school and just didn’t like it. Probably just not my thing
emotional informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

While this wasn't the best book I've ever read, it was fascinating nonetheless. I found myself getting sucked into the cultures of Reuven and Danny. In fact, the Jewish culture was one of the most interesting parts of the book. I learned so many things I never knew about Judaism.

I loved Reuven and Danny and found Potok's characterization to be fantastic. I really got pulled into the story and into the character's lives. I will definitely read the other books in the series.