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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
The Chosen traces a friendship between two Jewish boys growing up in Brooklyn at the end of World War II. Reuven Malter, is a traditional Orthodox Jew. He is the son of David Malter, a dedicated scholar and humanitarian. Danny Saunders, is a brilliant Hasid with a photographic memory and a passion for psychoanalysis. Danny is the son of Reb Saunders, the head of a great Hasidic dynasty. The novel tells the story of the friendship that develops between the two boys, and it examines the tensions that arise as their cultures collide with each other and with modern American society.
The author shows us in the novel that there are so many parallels. He shows us that everything is connected. Without connection there can be no growth.
Very good read. Highly recommend it.
The author shows us in the novel that there are so many parallels. He shows us that everything is connected. Without connection there can be no growth.
Very good read. Highly recommend it.
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
While the book wasn't completely boring, there were a lot of times when I had to convince myself to continue reading. The friendship between the two boys is well done. It doesn't feel fake, and there are definitely ups and downs in their friendship. I give it one star for that. I learned a lot about Jewish culture, and it flowed naturally with the book, so I'll give it another star. I felt that by the end of the book, the characters were a disappointment. I expected them to change drastically, and they never did. I'm still upset with one for what he says on the very last page. There were a few ends that didn't seem resolved, but overall it wasn't a horrible book.
Can't believe how much I liked this book the second time around, given that I couldn't even remember most of it from reading it as a freshman in high school. I guess ten years gives you quite a different perspective. Who could have known that when reading this book in Mr. Mustard's class I would next be reading it in rabbinical school? Can't wait to re-read my essays...
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Mindy put post its in this one and it made it for me. Loved the story of Rueven and Danny.
I’ve seen the movie but was excited to read the book. This was my first time reading Chaim Potok and I really enjoyed it. The book follows a Modern Orthodox and Hasidic Jew who become friends as teens. The book takes place during WW2/the Holocaust/Nakba and chronicles how both branches of Judaism largely react to the creation of Israel. As a Jew and anti-Zionist, it was interesting to read more about the perspectives from both branches of Judaism - neither of which I was raised in. I was already familiar with both the Modern Orthodox and Hasidic positions on Zionism/Israel but I enjoyed reading about it in narrative form to add greater nuance/depth to my understanding.
I was assigned this book in high school and I remember really enjoying it