A beautiful and poignant novel awaits the readers. It is a work that is rich in historical accuracy, delving deep into the aftermath of the atomic bomb and exploring the post-WW2 themes of Judaism. The story unfolds with a delicate touch, revealing the complex emotions and experiences of its characters. It is a touching tale of friendship that blossoms in the most unexpected of circumstances. However, it is also a story of regret, as the characters face the consequences of their actions and decisions. The novel takes the readers on a journey through a time of great turmoil and change, allowing them to witness the impact of history on the lives of ordinary people. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, friendship, and the human condition.

Chaim Potok delves deep into the essence of being a religious Jew in the contemporary world.

The Book of Lights is set predominantly after World War II and the advent of the atomic bomb. Arthur is haunted by his father's part in the bomb's creation, especially in collaboration with Einstein, who makes several appearances.

Gershon and Arthur are roommates in the seminary and later become friends. Their lives intersect as they fulfill their mandatory service as chaplains in Korea after WWII, a place seemingly on the brink of another war.

War, peace, light, one's spiritual journey, and the relationship with God are recurring themes throughout the book. Potok has a penchant for exploring these themes in both Jewish and secular contexts.

He skillfully weaves together the personal and the historical, the religious and the scientific, to create a rich and complex tapestry that invites readers to reflect on the meaning of faith, the impact of war, and the search for light and hope in a world often filled with darkness and uncertainty.

Potok's exploration of these themes offers valuable insights into the human condition and the challenges faced by religious Jews in the modern era.

I haven't wept over the ending of a book in a long time.

Today, as I finished reading The Book of Lights, tears welled up in my eyes. I found myself asking why I hadn't read this one before, but I couldn't come up with an answer.

I have read and re-read Asher Lev and The Chosen many times. I've delved into so many of Potok's works that I feel infused by them.

The Book of Lights is slightly auto-biographical, and it conveys to me Potok's almost didactical urgency to commit his memories of the Orient to the written word. His terse prose pulls me through passages that, in less adept hands, would have been dull and chronological.

I love the way Potok paints details with a dry brush. His descriptions are sparse, clear, and have just the right amount of detail. He contrasts the gray reality of academia and day-to-day life with brilliant passages of mysticism and transcendence.

And, as in nearly all his works, Potok introduces us to giants of faith, art, and science. He affirms the gifts given to men, emphasizing that they are burdens of inestimable weight and glory that only a few are able to bear.

By reading his works, I am always inspired to kindle whatever tiny flame has been given to me and to bear it with hope, dignity, and truth.

Potok's writing has a profound impact on me, and I look forward to exploring more of his works in the future.

A story that masterfully weaves together the east and the west, Judaism and eastern religions, as well as the profound themes of good and evil.

It is a work of art that transcends time and space, captivating readers with its sublime beauty.

This book is not just a literary creation; it is a profound exploration of the human condition and the universal struggle between light and darkness.

With its rich tapestry of characters, settings, and ideas, it takes the reader on a journey that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving.

It is a book that will be cherished for generations to come, a timeless classic that continues to inspire and enlighten.

Whether you are a lover of literature, a seeker of spiritual truth, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

It is a testament to the power of the written word to connect us with the deepest aspects of our humanity and to bridge the gaps between different cultures and beliefs.

So, pick up this book and embark on a journey that will change your life forever.

I was truly struck by his remarkable patience in writing. His ability to patiently unfold the story allows the reader to enter deeply into its world. Some might describe his books as slow-paced, but I find that description inaccurate. He is willing to let countless little moments accumulate, gradually building towards profound insights into life.

This book features another Jewish seminary student, Gershon Loren, who studies Kabbalah. His roommate, Arthur, is the son of one of the physicists who worked on the atomic bomb with Einstein and others. Arthur tries to live in the shadow of his father's great achievement. The Korean conflict has reached a standstill, but the US army still occupies the country. National defense requires Jewish chaplains, and Gershon and Arthur are conscripted into service.

(Chaim Potok himself was a chaplain in the Korean conflict.) As a chaplain, Gershon experiences a truly foreign place and land. He witnesses both beauty and pain, and he wonders if his God hears the prayers of the old Korean man in his temple. He asks questions like: "Why do you make them suffer so, these people, this land [Korea]?"

There is no answer to his prayers. Gershon remains silent, as one should not act rudely towards a guest. They sit together in the darkness until the air grows cold.

There is much in this book to discuss and many aspects that impressed and struck me. However, I will move on to the culmination. Eventually, the chaplain is joined by his roommate, and together they take a trip to Japan. Arthur wants to visit Kyoto and Hiroshima. One city was spared, and the other was destroyed.

There is a vision and a voice "from the other side" that questions the chaplain about what it is like to live in the shadows of the giants of the early part of the century. Did he not flee to the ends of the earth to escape these shadows? This is the question he must answer.

One of his professors sums it up at the end: "I will tell you, Loran. What is of importance is not that there may be nothing. We have always acknowledged that as a possibility. What is important is that if indeed there is nothing, then we should be prepared to make something out of the only thing we have left to us - ourselves."

This echoes an earlier moment when he is leading the festival of booths and has a vision. Two of his professors visit him in this vision, and one says to him: "Do not stop studying, Mr. Loran. In a place where there is no people, you be a person."

I know this was a good book because I already can't wait to read it again. It offers profound insights into life, faith, and the human condition.

I've read several books penned by this author, and I must admit that the style was strikingly different yet highly effective.

There are numerous tonal shifts throughout the text, which mirror Gershon's meandering thoughts. It presents a far more experimental style that keeps the reader engaged.

The book offers a profound insight into how the wars had a significant impact on young Americans, both at home and once they entered the service. Gershon's friend is burdened with guilt due to his family's role in the development of the atomic bomb. This guilt consumes him, driving him to an obsession with Japan and the Japanese people. He even takes a posting in Korea solely to spend as much of his leave time there as possible.

I had the distinct impression that neither of the main characters was entirely in a state of well-being. However, instead of coming across as feeble, they are portrayed with compassion and a sense of purpose. I felt as if I truly understood the inner workings of these individuals and what made them who they are. I have always believed that Potok's greatest strength as an author lies in his remarkable ability to vividly depict the relationships between people, and the friendship between Gershon and Arthur serves as a prime example of this.

An incredible, mesmerizing book!

I've purchased numerous copies and presented them to friends whom I firmly believed had to read it, for it is simply that outstanding. In fact, I don't even think I possess a copy anymore as I continuously give them away.

The world that Potok has created, the characters he has brought to life, and the way he so brilliantly and intricately handles the themes of friendship, family, love, guilt, war, and the aftermath of an atomic history - all within the captivating context of a student of Kabbalah and his fascinating professor - have made this one of my all-time favorite books.

If any of these issues resonate with you, I highly recommend reading it. You will not be disappointed.

Gershon Loran and Arther Leiden are rabbinical students and roommates.

Each of them grapples with his own inner turmoil while also focusing on their studies. For Gershon, the pain of being abandoned by his family haunts him. For Arther, his complex relationship with his father, who was part of the team that developed the atomic bomb, weighs heavily on his mind.

A proclamation is issued stating that all rabbinical students must serve in the US military for two years after graduation. This takes place during and just after the Korean War. Gershon finds himself stationed in Korea, working with the US troops, particularly the Jewish members.

I found this story enjoyable, although not to the same extent as some of Potok's other books that are set solely in the NYC boroughs. However, it was fascinating to read about the Jewish military ranks and the attempts to uphold the festivals. I have read other novels that deal with war and military service, but none from a specifically Jewish perspective. This added a unique dimension to the story and provided new insights into the experiences of Jewish soldiers during that time period.

Overall, it was an interesting read that offered a different take on the themes of war, family, and identity.

This book accomplished several feats.

It put forward an anti-war stance, offered some understanding into the teachings of Judaism, particularly Kabbalah, and traced the rather directionless life of a young rabbi.

While I took pleasure in the character development and the focus on spiritualism, I had the sense that the book was deficient in something.

It didn't possess the same allure that I felt with Potok's other books.

I was especially let down by the ending.

I wasn't anticipating all the loose ends to be neatly resolved, but it just seemed a touch too sudden.

I wouldn't suggest this to anyone as an introduction to the works of Potok, yet it is an enjoyable read.

Perhaps with a bit more refinement in certain areas, it could have been an even better book.

Nevertheless, it still has its merits and can provide some entertainment and food for thought.

Overall, it's a decent addition to Potok's body of work, albeit not one of his strongest.

Another novel from the pen of Chaim Potok, the Book of Lights, takes a slightly different, more secular direction than most of his others.

I found myself intrigued by the story from the very beginning. The characters were well-developed and the plot had its twists and turns that kept me engaged.

Thought I liked it, it left me with a less hopeful, less positive, less satisfying feeling at its conclusion. The ending seemed a bit abrupt and left some loose ends that I wish had been tied up.

Nonetheless, like his other writing, it was quite thought-provoking. It made me think about different aspects of life, such as faith, relationships, and the meaning of existence.

The author's writing style was also engaging, and he was able to bring the story to life in a vivid way. Overall, while the Book of Lights may not have been my favorite Potok novel, it was still a worthwhile read that I would recommend to others.

Potok does it again.

This is just as well-written as anything else he does. Although it may not quite reach the caliber of Asher Lev or The Chosen, it still manages to have a profound impact.

Potok has this remarkable ability to get me really emotionally worked up about his fictional characters. This is quite unusual for me, as I'm not typically one to be so deeply affected by fictional stories.

Surprisingly, there is even an LDS character who is written about in a positive light. What a happy day that is.

However, I am not very keen on the idea of a rabbi fornicating. Granted, it is extremely brief and not meant to be overly relevant. But still, I just can't stand it when people who are supposed to be religious leaders, regardless of the faith, cross the chastity line. It really gets under my skin.

Despite this one small drawback, I truly loved the book. It had so many other wonderful aspects that made it a great read.

It is truly an interesting read that keeps you engaged from the very beginning. The story unfolds in a captivating manner, leading you on a journey of anticipation and curiosity. The author has masterfully crafted the narrative to build up the tension and excitement. As you progress through the pages, you find yourself completely immersed in the world created by the words. And then, just when you think you have it all figured out, comes the surprise ending. It hits you like a bolt out of the blue, leaving you stunned and amazed. It's one of those moments that makes you realize the power of a well-written story. But don't worry, there's more to come. So stay tuned as we continue to explore this fascinating tale and discover what other surprises await us.