This is an extremely heavy and intense book, which is distinct in numerous aspects from the other works of Potok that I have perused. A somber cloud, which can only be characterized as one of hopelessness and doom, looms over the entire volume. This is comprehensible as it delves into the darkness of the human soul, atomic bombs, and culminates in a visit to Hiroshima. In "The Book of Lights", he employs very little of a traditional plot, instead relying on inner turmoil and psychological examinations. The resultant effect is rather dreamlike.

Two Jewish rabbinical students assume the role of chaplains subsequent to the Korean War and grapple with their own personal demons and doubts. The Jewish mystical elements are fascinating, yet not overly well-explained. I suppose that is an inherent part of mysticism, isn't it?

It is not my favorite read, but if you have an affinity for Chaim Potok's works, it is still worthy of perusal. However, it is advisable not to read it during the winter, as that would be far too depressing!

As always, Chaim doesn't disappoint!

With the simplest language, he dives deep into the subject matter and reveals layer upon layer of thought. This allows the reader to explore all sorts of avenues and perspectives that they may not have considered before. It's truly remarkable how he is able to do this with such ease and clarity.

What's even more impressive is that he then somehow manages to connect each seemingly divergent path together. He weaves a complex and intricate web of ideas that all fit together perfectly, creating a unified and cohesive whole. It's a masterful display of intellectual prowess and creativity.

Overall, Chaim's work is a joy to read and a testament to his skill as a writer and thinker. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

The book that I had the opportunity to peruse was extremely heavy on rabbinic teachings and mysticism. It delved deep into the esoteric and often complex world of religious doctrines and spiritual beliefs.

However, I must admit that it was a little too much for my personal taste. The abundance of rabbinic teachings and the emphasis on mysticism made it a rather challenging read for me.

As a result, I can firmly say that this was definitely not the book for me. It failed to capture my interest and engage me on a deeper level. I found myself struggling to connect with the content and often losing focus while reading.

Perhaps for those with a greater affinity for rabbinic teachings and a penchant for exploring the mysteries of the spiritual realm, this book might be a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. But for me, it simply did not meet my expectations.

What an incredibly amazing book it is!

Potok's work truly showcases an unseen level of quality. He manages to bring to life an abundance of feelings, ideas, and thoughts. He is truly a master of words, capable of transporting you to otherworldly places and different times.

I have a deep fascination for his unique art of seamlessly bringing together diverse cultures. It's truly remarkable how he always seems to find a direct path straight to my heart.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a literary gem that offers a captivating and enriching reading experience.

Whether you are a lover of literature or simply looking for a great story, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Pick it up and embark on a journey that will expand your horizons and touch your soul.

Once again, Potok demonstrates his remarkable talent for transforming the seemingly ordinary into a captivating narrative.

What initially appears as a mundane subject matter is skillfully crafted by Potok into a story that hooks the reader from the very beginning.

His ability to find the hidden beauty and drama within the everyday is truly astonishing.

With his masterful storytelling techniques, Potok weaves a tale that keeps the reader engaged and eager to discover what lies ahead.

Whether it's the characters, the setting, or the plot, every element is carefully constructed to create a rich and immersive experience.

Potok's work is a testament to his creativity and his deep understanding of the human condition.

Once again, he has proven himself to be a master storyteller, capable of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

I have a certain fondness for Potok. However, when it comes to reading most of the book related to Potok, I found myself rather uninterested.

The story, for some reason, failed to grip my attention and hold it firmly. There were moments when I felt that the narrative was dragging or that the characters weren't developed in a way that made me truly care about them.

It's not that I didn't want to like the book more. I went into it with an open mind, hoping to be engaged and entertained. But alas, my initial excitement soon waned as I progressed through the pages.

Nevertheless, I still have a soft spot for Potok and perhaps there are other works of his that might capture my interest more fully. I'll keep an open eye and see if I can discover that hidden gem within his body of work.

My review of The Book of Lights, written in the manner of The Book of Lights:

Gershon Loran simply drifts through the existence. He patiently awaits the kabbalistic revelation. All the while, he experiences visions and allows others to determine his path. Oh, he is so very boring, just boring. Arthur Leiden, on the other hand, whines incessantly. He manipulates those around him. And then he becomes completely obsessed with Japan. Due to this obsession, Arthur Leiden meets his untimely end. But you know what? I am not sorry at all.

Some years ago, I delved into other books penned by Chaim Potok. The Chosen, The Promise, My Name Is Asher Lev, The Gift of Asher Lev. I devoured those books, my head bowed down, completely enthralled, and carried away to other enchanting worlds. Now, I pick up Book of Lights. I manage to read just two paragraphs. Then my gaze drifts out the window. I read another two paragraphs. But when will this torment finally end? Alas, I do not have the faintest idea.

A page-long descriptive paragraph commences. All the dialogue comes to a screeching halt. Potok simply tells the story rather than showing it. Then a section of dialogue starts up again. But now all the description ceases. Who is speaking at this moment? I have no clue. Are they happy? Are they scared? Are they having an orgasm? I have no way of knowing. I read a paragraph. Then I flip ahead. Is the ending eluding me? I do not know. I just keep waiting.

Chaim Potok is truly one of my all-time favorite authors.

This remarkable book is filled with incredibly subtle spiritual and emotional insights that are masterfully unveiled through the protagonist, Gershon Loran. Gershon, a Kabbalist, is a humble, brilliant, and hardworking individual.

The story follows a young man who grows up in New York, attends seminary, becomes a rabbi, and then serves as a Chaplain in post-war Korea. While stationed there, Gershon has the opportunity to travel to both China and Japan. The vivid depictions of these countries make me feel as if I am actually there, walking through the beautiful gardens, inhaling the unique scents, riding in the boats, encountering the beggars, dining in the restaurants, and meeting others in the clubs and cafes.

The development of Gershon, his personal growth and strength, along with his achievements and subtle charm, make this book an absolute must-read. There is a profound insight and depth within these pages that I truly appreciate, especially the esoteric mysticism present in the story. The idea of Kabbalah in Korea is simply fascinating! Additionally, the friendship that Gershon has with his troubled roommate from seminary, who hails from a powerful, political, and scientific family, is both challenging and heart-wrenching. One of the qualities that I adore about Chaim Potok is that I rarely have any idea how a story is going to end until I reach the very end!

My father was drafted into the Army during his second year out of high school and was stationed in post-war Japan. This book has brought back many fond memories of the stories he shared with me about Japan when I was a child. The Book of Lights has now become a source of comfort for me.

Ah, 1950s JTS! It feels like it has been an eternity since I've witnessed a plot point being established and carried out with such grace and finesse. Just consider the scene: "He turned and ran back up the path and threw open the door and stood there in the doorway, staring at the bookcase near his desk. Some of the books on the shelves had been pushed in." This simple yet powerful description immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets the stage for what is to come. We can almost picture the character's actions in our minds, feel his sense of urgency and curiosity. It's moments like these that make the writing of the 1950s so captivating and memorable. The attention to detail, the ability to create a vivid image with just a few words, it's truly a lost art. I long for more stories that can transport me back to that era and让我沉浸在 those wonderful tales once again.

What a story... Fascinating, also because of the historical context in which you then think “what else is there to know about what you don't know”

The Book of Lights is an extremely challenging yet deeply absorbing read.

Once again, Potok delves into the devastating disappointments of the 20th Century. This time, he does so through the eyes of a young, mystically-inclined rabbi and his friend. Both of them are searching for meaning as US Army chaplains in Korea at the dawn of the atomic age.

As always, I followed Potok's protagonist's yearning to find his place in the world with great interest. However, also as always, I found him to be inaccessibly remote in a certain way, which limited his relatability.

Nonetheless, I am truly moved by the themes of openness to learning from others and the willingness to challenge received ideas that no longer seem to serve. These themes are so prominent in Potok's work and add a great deal of depth and significance to his stories.

Overall, The Book of Lights is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that offers readers a unique perspective on history, faith, and the human experience.

I read in a Wikipedia biography of Mr. Potok that in the late 1940’s, he was a rabbinical student.

After that, he served as an Army chaplain in Korea, where he developed a profound understanding of the world at large. He suggested that the provincial world of traditional Judaism didn't actually offer all the solutions to man's fundamental questions or one's happiness.

“The Book of Lights” is a fictionalized portrayal of these experiences in Mr. Potok's life. The protagonist, Gerson Loran, raised in traditional Jewish tradition by his aunt and uncle after his parents were killed in a war in the Middle East, enters the rabbinate, yet is unsure why.

He comes under the influences of Nathan Makulson, a traditional Talmud scholar, and especially Jakob Keter, a professor of the Kabballah, a mystical interpretation of traditional Jewish writings. Gershon turns out to be a brilliant Kabbalistic student, while still remaining close to both Keter and Makulson.

Gershon's roommate is Arthur Leiden, whose father played a crucial role in the development of the Atomic Bomb. Arthur is burdened with deep guilt about his family, which torments him throughout the book.

After his rabbinical studies, Gershon enters the Army as a Chaplain and is assigned to a medical battalion in Korea. This is at the end of the War, and most of the descriptions focus on the mundane everyday life of both soldiers and those responsible for their spiritual well-being.

Gershon tries as much as possible to arrange for traditional Jewish services within this context and indeed “consults” with both Keter and Makulson regularly in his visions (which he has had since childhood).

Eventually, Arthur comes to Korea and he and Gershon resume their friendship. Arthur remains guilt-ridden and wishes to visit Hiroshima, hoping to ease his guilt. Gershon and Arthur do make this trip, with an initial stop in Kyoto.

It is here that Gershon is exposed to a culture without Jewish influence but in which the people can still find spiritual fulfillment and happiness, compelling Gershon to expand his concept of what constitutes such states of mind beyond traditional Judaism.

The trip to Hiroshima is a sobering experience for both Gershon and Arthur, although they are both glad they went.

The remainder of the book details Gershon's ongoing spiritual journey after discharge from the military, as well as Arthur's fate, but I won't reveal these themes for you.

The “Light” in the title refers to the original idea of Judaism being the “light of the world,” expanded by Gershon's realization that such “light” is not restricted to Judaism. It also refers to the “light” of the atomic bomb explosion that haunts Arthur throughout.

I'm a big fan of Mr. Potok, having read “In the Beginning” and the “Asher Lev” books. His themes seem to mainly involve the protagonist's internal conflict regarding the values and demands of traditional, Orthodox Judaism.

While “The Book of Lights” does address this as a central theme, I don't consider it his best work. Much of it appears to get mired in the details of mystical scholasticism and some of the longer passages related to daily military life.

Nevertheless, as with his other books, I definitely learned something and would recommend it.