The Chosen (Ballantine Reader's Circle) by Chaim Potok
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Book Reviews of The Chosen (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
Book Review: Friendship
Summary: 5 Stars
In Chaim Potok's, The Chosen friendship begins in an odd way. Danny Saunders, an Hasidic Jew, and Rueven Malter, an Orthodox Jew are playing baseball for their schools. Filled with hatred for the Orthodox team, Danny throws a baseball into Rueven's face sending him to the hospital. Shocked at the hatred that lives within himself, Danny visits Rueven in the hospital. They become friends.
Raised in entirely different Jewish sects, community within the sect is sacred, contact with those outside of the sect is discouraged. Danny and Rueven's friendship is rare and dear.
Potok delves deep into the Hasidic and Orthodox culture and religion making it not just a great story of friendship but an intriguing way to learn of the tradition, customs and culture of these two Jewish sects.
Book Review: Sublime Tenderness
Summary: 5 Stars
The Chosen is one of those books that goes beyond the ability of the author, and has a Life of its own. It is a work of art meant for the enrichment of the heart and the soul in pain. For those who live in the tender places of the heart, this work is for you. It is a story of love and truth and deep meaning. Beautifully written and timeless in its depth and simplicity, The Chosen is a authentic and beautiful and compassionate book.
The metaphor of God's love within the silence and pain is for me, something far beyond helpful, and something I could never articulate properly.
But I do feel that this book is a Divine gift to those who need it.
Book Review: Potok is Awesome!
Summary: 5 Stars
Potok is one of my favourite authors. I am not even Jewish, but I found this book in my mother's library. I read it in High School and was totally intrigued by Judaism and the Jewish culture. I learned about Jewish life, Hasidism, Hasidics' view of Conservative (or secular) Jews and vice-versa, father-son relationships, and following one's dreams which might go against a parent's expectation.
I absolutely cherished this book (sadly it was already falling apart and I had to tape the cover page back on).
For anyone who is interested to know more about the topics that I mentioned above, go ahead and read it.
Book Review: Excellent Story
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a story I would definitely recommend. Brilliantly written, it teaches the history of Judaism in a way that makes everyone relate- through the unlikely friendship of two boys from different backgrounds. I agree with the poster below me that the basic premise of this book is one everyone can understand, whether or not you are Jewish.
I only wish I had read this book before I read "In The Beginning". While I loved "In The Beginning", there were many terms and references to Jewish history I found confusing, but they were explained in this book. Potok is a wonderful writer whose works speak to everyone.
Book Review: good book
Summary: 5 Stars
Eli Manna 10/19/98 The Chosen Revue Paper The Chosen is a book about two boys who become best friends and stick together through the worst of times. Danny Suanders, one of the boys, is a Hasidic Jew. He is very religious and has to follow the family tradition of becoming a Rabbi. The other boy, Reuven Malter, is an Orthodox Jew who is not as religious as Danny. However they still are occasion best friends. I thought this is a very good book over all. Even though this book drags on a little it is still is educational and helpful if you want to learn more about the Jewish religion.