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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
A nice tale about the bond between fathers and sons but a bit bland for my taste.
Incredible. Read this with my 17yo/junior son. Led to many wonderful conversations about our faith (reformed christian), the jewish people, history, politics, relationships, education, passion, calling, parenting, and God. The ending, as well as many other points throughout, was heartwrenching. The book was slow for me. Not fast-paced. Filled with constant tension and foreshadowing. I did struggle to push through some portions (usually the exact portions that caught my son's attention, interestingly). But it was an absolutely worthwhile investment of our time.
A really great story. A little bit of friendship and a little bit a tale about boys and a little about religion.
I was bored with the blow by blow of the baseball game but I think boys reading the book may have enjoyed that.
I also thought it was a little preachy at times, but it is a book where religion plays a huge role, so the insight into history was fascinating.
I was bored with the blow by blow of the baseball game but I think boys reading the book may have enjoyed that.
I also thought it was a little preachy at times, but it is a book where religion plays a huge role, so the insight into history was fascinating.
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Potok has produced a very well-written bildungsroman. He includes many symbols and utilizes literary devices. This book is rather interesting. The Chosen is a coming of age story about two Jewish boys, Danny Saunders and Reuven Malter. Both boys are very different. Danny wants to become a psychologist, but in order to do this, he must stand up to his father. Reuven, on the other hand, desires to become a rabbi. First, he must discover his identity and find his true self. In order to succeed in their goals, both boys suffer through many awkward positions, always trying their hardest and putting themselves out there, ready to learn new things.
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I can't remember how many times I've read this book but I love it every time. The characters are wonderful and engaging and have such lessons to teach. Potok makes it all seem so effortless. On this reading I was really struck by the friendship between Reuven and Danny and what forms it took, what it really meant to them.
emotional
informative
reflective
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:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a good story, but I did have trouble getting into it. Once again, it is probably because of my grad class and my inability to focus well on the story. Luckily, I am finished with my last grad class as of December 11, so I'm hoping this is the last book it will ruin! :)