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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
A peek into another world, one I was wholely unfamiliar with despite having some vague knowledge of its existence. Though I often got annoyed by his word choice and overly repetitive and overt language, I understand why the story itself has become a classic. Despite having very little action and characters that aren't exactly endearing, it still keeps you interested for the sake of learning about the world itself and pondering Danny's strange dilemma in light of his unusual friendship with Reuven. Not one I particularly want to read again, but one I am glad I took on.
I enjoyed this book but I didn't think I would.
There were some really good themes in this book and other really great characters. It dragged at times and it seemed that years went by before anything happened. But overall it was a really powerful story.
There were some really good themes in this book and other really great characters. It dragged at times and it seemed that years went by before anything happened. But overall it was a really powerful story.
I read this as a teen and remember it fondly, so it was a nice re-visit for bookclub this month. I don't think most of us are placed on a path by family expectations as occured when this book was written, thankfully so. Where the fact that Danny was expected to become a rabbi for his people was upsetting to me as a young person - I found myself looking more at the fathers and their rolls in the boys lives this read through. Yes, I expected my perspective to change but it's funny to realize when it does. This is a wonderful book that teaches history, some religion and tolerance in a warm hearted and loving way. I wish everyone could have a special friend who accepts you while challenging you as you begin your journey to becoming what you will be.
*Update*
I just finished reading this with discussion with fantastic ladies. So good. So so so good.
*First read thoughts*
What a interesting read! Besides being incredibly self-reflecting, I confess to not knowing much about the Jewish faith and the challenges they faced following World War II. I found myself wondering if my ancestors from Poland and my ancestors who spoke Yiddish were the same ancestors? I haven't gone and looked that up yet. I was too busy devouring the rest of the book.
I just finished reading this with discussion with fantastic ladies. So good. So so so good.
*First read thoughts*
What a interesting read! Besides being incredibly self-reflecting, I confess to not knowing much about the Jewish faith and the challenges they faced following World War II. I found myself wondering if my ancestors from Poland and my ancestors who spoke Yiddish were the same ancestors? I haven't gone and looked that up yet. I was too busy devouring the rest of the book.
I've read this book more times than I can remember. It's a coming of age story, yes, but it's also a telling account of two young men, with similar foundations but very different rules and futures – one clearly charted, one less so – who wrestle with their differences, similarities, and the heartbreaking task of growing up.
This is one book I have held on to for a long time, and one I will recommend any chance I get. Chaim Potok is a stunning storyteller.
This is one book I have held on to for a long time, and one I will recommend any chance I get. Chaim Potok is a stunning storyteller.
Somehow written like a romance novel. It has everything, enemies to lovers, holding hands so they won't get seperated in a crowd, forbidden romance. The thing that really got me was how much Reuven thinks about Danny's eyes.
(This a joke review, but not really it does really seem like they're in love even though I don't think that's the kind of relationship Potok meant to give them. It's a good book though.)
(This a joke review, but not really it does really seem like they're in love even though I don't think that's the kind of relationship Potok meant to give them. It's a good book though.)
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
It was pretty good. I had no idea what it was about when I started, but my friend said it was amazing, so I just blindly jumped into the world of reading, hoping for a good story. I wasn't disappointed.
Although it didn't hit the super awesome meter, I did grow attached to the characters, good ol' Danny and Reuven. So yes, it was hard to tell myself that the book was over when I finished. But there's a sequel, so I'll be okay...for now...
Although it didn't hit the super awesome meter, I did grow attached to the characters, good ol' Danny and Reuven. So yes, it was hard to tell myself that the book was over when I finished. But there's a sequel, so I'll be okay...for now...
A wonderful style to read. Something I will read again.
3.5 stars. The synopsis for this book did not pull me in, and I likely would have never picked this up had it not been a book club selection. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it.
This is a quiet book that goes over many tangents, all of which are profound. In it's short length it covers coming of age, spirituality, finding one's own path in the world, developing diverging opinions from those of your parents, and the meaning of life. I love deep books that give you things to mull over and dance with. This also covers a lot of WWII history which was interesting, especially seeing the divergent opinions of Jews post-holocaust. As an ignorant gentile, I'm afraid I would have erroneously assumed the Jews were one united front on the matter.I enjoyed the historical enlightenment the novel brought.
So why only 3.5 stars you ask? Well first, recall that I am very tight fisted with my stars and consider 2.5 stars to be an average read, so this is a positive rating from me. Mainly, the novel just made me hungry for more. I felt like the profound thoughts it touched upon were only touched upon. I wanted these topics to be expanded upon and developed further. Especially the "raising in silence" method that Rabbi Saunders utilized with Danny. I just knew that was going to be a life changing revelation once explained and instead I found the unveiling lacking and disappointing. The novel also has quite a few slow periods where I feel there was too much mundane detail given, slowing down the story progression.
Favorite quote:No one knows he is fortunate until he becomes unfortunate, that's the way the world is.
First sentence: For the first fifteen years of our lives, Danny and I lived within five blocks of each other and neither of us knew of the other's existence.
This is a quiet book that goes over many tangents, all of which are profound. In it's short length it covers coming of age, spirituality, finding one's own path in the world, developing diverging opinions from those of your parents, and the meaning of life. I love deep books that give you things to mull over and dance with. This also covers a lot of WWII history which was interesting, especially seeing the divergent opinions of Jews post-holocaust. As an ignorant gentile, I'm afraid I would have erroneously assumed the Jews were one united front on the matter.I enjoyed the historical enlightenment the novel brought.
So why only 3.5 stars you ask? Well first, recall that I am very tight fisted with my stars and consider 2.5 stars to be an average read, so this is a positive rating from me. Mainly, the novel just made me hungry for more. I felt like the profound thoughts it touched upon were only touched upon. I wanted these topics to be expanded upon and developed further. Especially the "raising in silence" method that Rabbi Saunders utilized with Danny. I just knew that was going to be a life changing revelation once explained and instead I found the unveiling lacking and disappointing. The novel also has quite a few slow periods where I feel there was too much mundane detail given, slowing down the story progression.
Favorite quote:No one knows he is fortunate until he becomes unfortunate, that's the way the world is.
First sentence: For the first fifteen years of our lives, Danny and I lived within five blocks of each other and neither of us knew of the other's existence.