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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I'm really struggling with how to review this book. It was beautifully written. The relationships between Danny and Reuven and between Reuven and his father were real and touching. I enjoyed learning about different systems of Jewish faith and the interactions (or lack thereof) between their communities. The historic insights into WWII and its aftermath, particularly the realization among American Jews of the extent of the Holocaust and the formation of the state of Israel, were fascinating.
But I was so distracted and disturbed by Reb Saunders's coldness toward his own son, his lack of willingness and/or ability to even talk to him outside of Talmudic discussion that it's difficult for me to get past it. His explanation toward the end of the book didn't really help. It was obvious that he loved his son and was incredibly proud of him, and that he truly believed that he made the best choice he could at the time in how to raise his son with a soul, though he admitted when asking for forgiveness from Danny, "A wiser father...may have done differently. I am not...wise." My heart just ached for the pain and suffering he had put both himself and his son through. And I was especially disheartened that Danny said he may raise his own son in silence, too, "if I can't find another way." I don't understand the reasoning behind being cruel to your child (because this was definitely emotional abandonment and neglect, if not outright abuse) in order to teach him compassion. There are better ways to teach compassion, even to intellectual geniuses like Danny.
For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
But I was so distracted and disturbed by Reb Saunders's coldness toward his own son, his lack of willingness and/or ability to even talk to him outside of Talmudic discussion that it's difficult for me to get past it. His explanation toward the end of the book didn't really help. It was obvious that he loved his son and was incredibly proud of him, and that he truly believed that he made the best choice he could at the time in how to raise his son with a soul, though he admitted when asking for forgiveness from Danny, "A wiser father...may have done differently. I am not...wise." My heart just ached for the pain and suffering he had put both himself and his son through. And I was especially disheartened that Danny said he may raise his own son in silence, too, "if I can't find another way." I don't understand the reasoning behind being cruel to your child (because this was definitely emotional abandonment and neglect, if not outright abuse) in order to teach him compassion. There are better ways to teach compassion, even to intellectual geniuses like Danny.
For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
Interesting book- Started out slow at first, but by the end the pace picked up.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The baseball game that spanned a fifth of the book really took the pace out of the beginning, but I loved the rest.
Picked it up from the Library on a whim, and couldn't put it down. I read it on the Metro, at work, at breakfast, while I walked through the neighborhood, I carried it with me when I jogged.
Sure, it's well told, well-constructed, all that jazz. And even though I'm often a little leery of historical fiction, it doesn't feel "historical" in the least. It feels 100% natural. The characters are so real, they could be friends of mine.
My favorite aspect of the book was the complicated, real, and totally beautiful friendship between Daniel and Reuven. Sure, it's about growing up - and yes, I love books about that, too - but it's about growing up in relationships (all kinds of relationships). I wish I'd read this younger, but I'm really glad I've finally read it.
Oh, and of course I learned a ton about being an American Jew. A ton. And that makes me happy, too. (Which is to say that even if the experiences portrayed in the book are limited by the characters, the historical existence of those characters allowed me to better appreciate the stories surrounding the culture. That's not a great explanation, but it's the best I got.)
Sure, it's well told, well-constructed, all that jazz. And even though I'm often a little leery of historical fiction, it doesn't feel "historical" in the least. It feels 100% natural. The characters are so real, they could be friends of mine.
My favorite aspect of the book was the complicated, real, and totally beautiful friendship between Daniel and Reuven. Sure, it's about growing up - and yes, I love books about that, too - but it's about growing up in relationships (all kinds of relationships). I wish I'd read this younger, but I'm really glad I've finally read it.
Oh, and of course I learned a ton about being an American Jew. A ton. And that makes me happy, too. (Which is to say that even if the experiences portrayed in the book are limited by the characters, the historical existence of those characters allowed me to better appreciate the stories surrounding the culture. That's not a great explanation, but it's the best I got.)
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
I finished this book over a week ago, but I'm still not sure I've actually processed it.
Some writers need a lot of words to say very little... Mr Potok says a lot in a few words and even more between the lines. When I first read this book, I was probably too young to understand every layer. Worthwhile to read and re-read!
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved this as much as the first time I read it, even if so much has changed in my appreciation of it. This time, tears in my eyes through half the time reading.