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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
2024 Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt: A bildungsroman
This book felt like it took forever to get through. There were a lot of high reviews, but I thought it was average.
This book felt like it took forever to get through. There were a lot of high reviews, but I thought it was average.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, but I have no idea what it was actually about. Like it's basically this kid who goes about drawing and grows up and becomes a famous painter, but I don't understand what the point was. I mean there was some family drama and that made it interesting enough to read to the end, but in the end I felt like there wasn't enough plot to make it worth a whole book. I really enjoyed The Chosen, by the same author, so I thought I would enjoy this too, but unfortunately, I really didn't. I liked the kid but I wanted something to happen to him to send him on a quest or something, or I don't know. Change his life in some important way, and that never really happened. I'll give it 3 stars for the wonderful characters but I can't give it higher than that because I don't understand what the point was.
I read this book years ago and it haunts my life today.
I enjoyed it, but I liked The Chosen more. The ending was disappointing...it just sort of...ended.
Upon a reread -- I think the ending felt unresolved to me because I wanted him to choose his family.
Upon a reread -- I think the ending felt unresolved to me because I wanted him to choose his family.
Not as good as 'The Chosen' by Potok. I think the length of the book should have been shorter as the middle of the book goes on and on without much progress and there's a lot of repetition.
One of the most amazing books I have ever read. Poignant and well written, it is a glimpse into what Potok feels an artist's mind and soul are like.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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:
Complicated
Powerful book about the struggle of an artist in a deeply religious family and the struggle against being true to one's own self vs. what family/society expects. I would give this book all the stars in the world! A MUST READ!!!!
A great portrait of an artist struggling to be true to his art and his faith. I find it heartbreaking at times and I disagree sometimes with the stance of the author. I don't think art and religion have to be opposed and I don't think all art comes from suffering and sorrow. Maybe I'm not a good enough artist to believe that. Overall this book is great at exploring questions of faith vs. culture and family responsibilities vs. personal responsibilities.
dark
hopeful
informative
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes