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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked this book, but I didn't love it as much as so many others do. I struggled to identify with the main character - I just can't imagine having the "need" to create art that would knowingly hurt loved ones. I obviously don't have a creative bone in my body, so to think that it would rule his life was too much of a stretch for me. However, I enjoyed the writing and the peek into Jewish culture.
Another serious candidate for favorite read of 2012. Asher Lev was recommended to me by several friends when I was asking about novels that speak to prayer and spirituality, so I read it.
Oh my goodness.
This is one of the great novels. It’s the story of a brilliant young painter born into a Hasidic Jewish family in Brooklyn, and wrestles with questions of family, community, tradition, art and creativity. I loved this character and loved the way the story of his life was told.
I will read more Chaim Potok in the very near future.
----
Read Nov 2012; Jan 2013
Oh my goodness.
This is one of the great novels. It’s the story of a brilliant young painter born into a Hasidic Jewish family in Brooklyn, and wrestles with questions of family, community, tradition, art and creativity. I loved this character and loved the way the story of his life was told.
I will read more Chaim Potok in the very near future.
----
Read Nov 2012; Jan 2013
I want a sequel! Please tell me the rest of Asher’s life!
Honestly, for almost the entire first half of this book, I was bored. There are a LOT of snowy scenes. It feels like you could almost skip the first half and insert a place-holder that says “Dreary setting”. (But don’t. Don’t skip it.)
And THENNNNN. Just like that, I was completely engaged and couldn’t stop reading.
THENNN I got to the climax and it felt like “Really?! This is a boring climax!”
Such a wild ride of emotions about a book!
(The ending was neutral/satisfying.)
Despite the seemingly huge deal-breakers mentioned above, I still loved it. The mood is so strong that you can’t help being moved and connected. It is crippling, haunting, and certainly relatable for anyone who has struggled to connect with their parents.
This one is a slow burn but worth your time.
Honestly, for almost the entire first half of this book, I was bored. There are a LOT of snowy scenes. It feels like you could almost skip the first half and insert a place-holder that says “Dreary setting”. (But don’t. Don’t skip it.)
And THENNNNN. Just like that, I was completely engaged and couldn’t stop reading.
THENNN I got to the climax and it felt like “Really?! This is a boring climax!”
Such a wild ride of emotions about a book!
(The ending was neutral/satisfying.)
Despite the seemingly huge deal-breakers mentioned above, I still loved it. The mood is so strong that you can’t help being moved and connected. It is crippling, haunting, and certainly relatable for anyone who has struggled to connect with their parents.
This one is a slow burn but worth your time.
Although I didn’t love the simplistic writing style, I felt a connection to Asher and his internal conflict. I especially love the character of Jacob Kahn and I’m so glad he became Asher’s mentor.
Despite the lack of descriptive language for Asher's feelings, I felt them all. My soul was moved in a way that does not happen with most books. Perfection.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is the best book I have ever read. I can't believe I nearly died without reading this book.
I will barely believe that this was written by a human. That this is fiction. That this story was anything other than poured straight out of Asher Lev's head and onto the page.
It is a masterpiece. Rich with understanding of art and humanity and families and difficulties and growth and decisions. It built and held and strengthened and solidified. It was calm and assured, glorious and breathtaking, heart-wrenching and devastating
This will not be for everyone. I loved it.
Reminded me of Giovanni's Room and Song of Solomon, and for the autobiographical, 'mind won't register as fiction', On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous.
I loved it. But if the ending of the book- the answer to the question asked throughout (where is this from)- was the book's answer, then I disagree. If it was Asher Lev's answer, then I totally agree, it is the end of the book but the start of the story, and I am overwhelmingly excited to continue
I will barely believe that this was written by a human. That this is fiction. That this story was anything other than poured straight out of Asher Lev's head and onto the page.
It is a masterpiece. Rich with understanding of art and humanity and families and difficulties and growth and decisions. It built and held and strengthened and solidified. It was calm and assured, glorious and breathtaking, heart-wrenching and devastating
This will not be for everyone. I loved it.
Reminded me of Giovanni's Room and Song of Solomon, and for the autobiographical, 'mind won't register as fiction', On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Would give it 6 if I could
challenging
dark
emotional
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