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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
"It is hard for a free fish to understand what is happening to a hooked one."
And so begins The Chosen, with a passage from Karl Menninger that speaks volumes. Potok writes about an unlikely friendship between two boys on the brink of adulthood. Through their extreme differences they find compassion and respect. But The Chosen is as much about their relationships with their fathers as well, and the lessons taught to lead them into adulthood.
I was instantly drawn to Potok's simple but passionate and curious language as Reuven grew up to become an aware and compassionate adult alongside Danny. But I have to say, it was the portrayal of love that really got me. I feel like I'm being constantly bombarded with action packed blockbusters and insane gritty dramas on television--- Which I do actually like to an extent... but it's a book like this that makes me feel, and proud to be, human.
I may have to come back to this review, I'm getting ready to leave for a trip. But this book comes with my high recommendation!
And so begins The Chosen, with a passage from Karl Menninger that speaks volumes. Potok writes about an unlikely friendship between two boys on the brink of adulthood. Through their extreme differences they find compassion and respect. But The Chosen is as much about their relationships with their fathers as well, and the lessons taught to lead them into adulthood.
I was instantly drawn to Potok's simple but passionate and curious language as Reuven grew up to become an aware and compassionate adult alongside Danny. But I have to say, it was the portrayal of love that really got me. I feel like I'm being constantly bombarded with action packed blockbusters and insane gritty dramas on television--- Which I do actually like to an extent... but it's a book like this that makes me feel, and proud to be, human.
I may have to come back to this review, I'm getting ready to leave for a trip. But this book comes with my high recommendation!
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thoroughly enjoyed. Much more than I thought I would.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book gave me a lot of insight into Hasidic and Orthodox Jewish culture. More importantly it made me think about the power of religion in my life, how people raise their children, and the influence of great friends.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A masterpiece. As a member of a religion with varying levels of orthodoxy, and with a range of opinions regarding our place in the world, I found this work incredibly relevant to me, both as a member of a larger religious community and on a personal level. The Latter-day Saint religion shares many similarities with the Jews, including a history of persecution, traditionally insular communities, and an identity tied inseparably to our past. Reuben and Daniel's experiences in grappling with a doctrine that is dear, but which comes with deep obligations to so many -- self, God, family, congregation, sect -- seemed familiar. I love love loved this.
A few random thoughts I had while listening:
How interesting to be inside the mind of a scholarly male. I know that burden and oppression was a big theme in the book, but I could not help but marvel at the complete freedom with which Reuben sought and expressed knowledge. As a woman, my wonderful parents supported me in earning a graduate degree, and my father lovingly counseled me over and over again to keep learning and achieving my whole life. I'll be forever grateful to him. And yet, Reuben's experience in class felt so bold to me. I have always thought, "Will I sound too smart?" In the scene where he answers his teacher's questions for three days...I think I would have stopped at some point and apologized. Isn't that unfortunate.
*It was interesting to note how often eyes were talked about. More specifically, vision and blindness.
*It would be interesting to compare this with A Separate Peace. My mind kept darting that direction while listening to this book.
*What a unique historical and cultural perspective. Just absolutely mind-blowing.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Can't wait to talk about this with book club. Where will we even begin?
A few random thoughts I had while listening:
How interesting to be inside the mind of a scholarly male. I know that burden and oppression was a big theme in the book, but I could not help but marvel at the complete freedom with which Reuben sought and expressed knowledge. As a woman, my wonderful parents supported me in earning a graduate degree, and my father lovingly counseled me over and over again to keep learning and achieving my whole life. I'll be forever grateful to him. And yet, Reuben's experience in class felt so bold to me. I have always thought, "Will I sound too smart?" In the scene where he answers his teacher's questions for three days...I think I would have stopped at some point and apologized. Isn't that unfortunate.
*It was interesting to note how often eyes were talked about. More specifically, vision and blindness.
*It would be interesting to compare this with A Separate Peace. My mind kept darting that direction while listening to this book.
*What a unique historical and cultural perspective. Just absolutely mind-blowing.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Can't wait to talk about this with book club. Where will we even begin?