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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
Excellent. Chaim Potok can write! Wonderful story about a Hasidic Orthodox boy discovery of painting and conflict with the religious world.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
This is my third time reading this book and I think it is still considered my favorite fiction book.
Asher Lev is a young Jewish boy who cannot help but paint. His father works for the Rebbe and thinks that painting is a waste of time. His mother is torn between the conflict between Asher and his dad.
The story follows Asher as he grows as a painter and a person.
Heartbreaking, stressful, and deeply passionate.
Asher Lev is a young Jewish boy who cannot help but paint. His father works for the Rebbe and thinks that painting is a waste of time. His mother is torn between the conflict between Asher and his dad.
The story follows Asher as he grows as a painter and a person.
Heartbreaking, stressful, and deeply passionate.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
i worked for--what? how could i explain it? for beauty? no. many of the pictures i painted were not beautiful. for what, then? for a truth i did not know how to put into words. for a truth i could only bring to life by means of color and line and texture and form.it's near 2:30 in the morning here as i write this. g-d... this book was so much to deal with. i saw myself in asher in so many ways.
I don't know what to say about this book to show it justice. It is one of the best books I have read in a long time, perhaps one of the best I have ever read. It is incredible and Chaim Potok is brilliant. He is one of my top few favorite authors. His books resonate with me in a way that few books do - especially his prevailing theme of trying to find personal balance between religious tradition and the world. His books are not for everyone, but if you want to read beautiful, slowly-unfolding novels with depth and thought-provoking themes, then give Potok a try. The ending of this particular book is one of the most powerful I have ever read. Asher Lev is a character I will not be forgetting.
This book doesn't wait for you to find a place for it in your heart. It carves itself into your very soul and refuses to go even when you cry out in grief.
Asher Lev was never a real person, but he lives so vibrantly in these words on a page that I have seen his paintings in my dreams. On the other hand, there is almost too much truth in this book for it to have ever happened.
500000/5 I recommend for everyone, no matter what you believe in, as long as you have looked at a painting and wondered how much pain its beauty caused and how much pain caused its beauty.
Asher Lev was never a real person, but he lives so vibrantly in these words on a page that I have seen his paintings in my dreams. On the other hand, there is almost too much truth in this book for it to have ever happened.
500000/5 I recommend for everyone, no matter what you believe in, as long as you have looked at a painting and wondered how much pain its beauty caused and how much pain caused its beauty.
I learned a lot about Jewish Culture in this book. I also learned about art. Potok does a great job creating a picture of his characters in this book.
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If I were an author, I would love to be able to write like Potok. A book that pulls you in, and doesn't let you go until you finish the last word.
I read [b:The Chosen|187181|The Chosen (Reuven Malther, #1)|Chaim Potok|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403191327l/187181._SY75_.jpg|1336083] back in high school, and that was the beginning of my love for this author. I have read it multiple times. I used to think that [b:The Book of Lights|11498|The Book of Lights|Chaim Potok|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1166479789l/11498._SY75_.jpg|13942] was my favorite. Now, after reading this book again, I think I have no Potok favorites, I just love them all. His books still resonate, they are as illuminating as when I read them as a teenager.
I read [b:The Chosen|187181|The Chosen (Reuven Malther, #1)|Chaim Potok|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403191327l/187181._SY75_.jpg|1336083] back in high school, and that was the beginning of my love for this author. I have read it multiple times. I used to think that [b:The Book of Lights|11498|The Book of Lights|Chaim Potok|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1166479789l/11498._SY75_.jpg|13942] was my favorite. Now, after reading this book again, I think I have no Potok favorites, I just love them all. His books still resonate, they are as illuminating as when I read them as a teenager.
Artists with a spiritual upbringing would appreciate this book.