How do we learn to live with our ideological opponents? This question is highly relevant today.

The main character, Reuven Malter, is learning to navigate the complex world of Jewish academia in New York City. This city is filled with zealous, fundamentalist, and suffering survivors of the Holocaust.

Amidst key themes such as tradition, father-son relationships, and psychological coming-of-age, Reuven struggles to replace anger with a respectful defense of his own intellectual convictions.

I truly appreciated this literary exploration of the meeting of fundamentalism and source criticism. Although the plot is firmly rooted within Judaism, specifically in the United States during the post-WWII period, I could easily draw parallels to my own experiences within Christianity.

Author Chaim Potok is a masterful novelist. His helpful, yet unobtrusive, explanations firmly place the reader within the world of his story. I am grateful to have experienced this aspect of history and Jewish culture through the eyes of Reuven.

Though it began with a different tone than "The Chosen," this was an excellent sequel. It offers the reader all the best of the original, including deep, heartfelt relationships, along with fresh variations on those themes and an entirely new narrative.

Potok's storytelling skill is also evident in his conclusion, where he expertly weaves together the various storyline threads and ends with the perfect amount of resolution and hope.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring themes of identity, faith, and the power of relationships.

This was the second book that I read from Potok.

I really liked the well-known "The Chosen", but not to the same extent as I liked "The Promise". I would highly recommend reading "The Chosen" before "The Promise" as it gives you a better and more coherent picture in "The Promise".

As someone who is deeply interested in New Testament textual, form, redaction, and now narrative criticism, I've found some of the discussions that Reuven Malter has with his professors to be quite fascinating. However, I'm afraid that for other people, some of the intricacies and thorough descriptions of these discussions may seem irrelevant to those readers who don't have any interest in the scholarship of ancient texts. Nevertheless, one can learn a great deal about Judaism today just from these discussions alone.

The comment above was my only criticism. In terms of the plot, I've been able to find my own story and life experiences in Potok's characters. The world of Christianity, especially the relationship between critical scholarship in the academia and the reaction of the church in general, as well as the effects of traditionalism and fundamentalism, exist everywhere, not only in Judaism. If you have an inclination towards critical scholarship and are not satisfied with the tradition just for the sake of keeping the tradition, you'll find this book filled with conventional wisdom and direction. Some of the lines and anecdotes will have a profound impact on you, no matter where you are in your particular journey.

I highly recommend this book!

I finished this book in one evening!

It was an absolute whirlwind of emotions. I wept tears that flowed freely like a river, moved by the profound and touching stories within its pages. And then, I laughed heartily, finding moments of pure hilarity and lightness that made my spirit soar.

As I closed the book, I was filled with a complex mix of joy and exquisite pain. The joy came from the beauty and wonder I had discovered, the new perspectives and emotions that had been awakened within me. But there was also a hint of pain, a sense of loss at having to part ways with the characters and the world that the author had so skillfully created.

This book had truly taken me on an unforgettable journey, and I will carry its essence with me for a long time to come.

The Promise is an absolute must-read for every individual who adored The Chosen.

Danny and Reuven have now reached adulthood, grappling with the question of whether the paths they have chosen are indeed the correct ones. Danny is delving into the field of psychology and conducting experiments with radical therapy, which is inspired by his childhood experiences. Meanwhile, Reuven is diligently studying to become a rabbi, yet he faces the push and rude challenges from a teacher who is extremely Orthodox. The tension within the book escalates as the characters engage in their own individual battles between the rigid Orthodox tradition and the new modern thinking.

As I delved into the story, I found myself loving Danny and Reuven's characters even more. Although the love triangle initially made me a bit angry, Rachel undeniably brought some positive aspects into Danny and Reuven's friendship.

I once again thoroughly relished Potok's profound and powerful writing style, just as I had in The Chosen. I was confronted by the struggle between tradition and modern thinking. Potok explores both the good and bad sides of each aspect of the argument. I was challenged to notice the thought-provoking questions but not always be content with the answers. I completed the book with that wonderful sense of satisfaction that always seems to accompany the conclusion of a great literary work.

The Promise is truly the most delectable food for the mind. "Each generation believes it is fighting new battles. But in reality, the battles remain the same. Only the people change."

The depth of this book is truly remarkable.

It contains profound insights that make one stop and think.

The quote "A choice communicates to the world what is most important for a human being. When a man has a choice to make, he chooses what is important for him, and that choice communicates to the world what kind of man he is." is especially thought-provoking.

It makes us realize that every decision we make is a reflection of our values and priorities.

Whether it's a small daily choice or a major life-altering one, it has the power to define us.

This book encourages us to be more conscious of our choices and to consider the impact they have on ourselves and the world around us.

It challenges us to make choices that are in line with our true selves and that will lead us to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the power of choice.

The Promise is the continuation of Chaim Potok's brilliant novel, The Chosen, which I adored. However, I was slightly let down by The Promise. It failed to grip my heart in the same way as The Chosen did.

Don't misunderstand me; I did like The Promise. But...

The Promise shows Danny Saunders and Reuven Malters nearing the end of their studies. A promise made to one of Reuven's Talmud instructors and another to a very ill and angry boy will cause both young men to question their judgment and put their ability to forgive to the test.

I can't delve into the plot too deeply as I would reveal spoilers. Potok weaves his storylines skillfully, and once again, most of his characters are warm and multifaceted. There is the conflict between tradition and new ideas. There is a boy under 13 who is filled with rage and illness. There are also a few other subtle and complex storylines that Potok handles beautifully.

I did not have as much affection for this book as I did for The Chosen, which this one is a sequel to.

There is an abundance of more detailed information regarding the Jewish culture and the division among the different factions following World War II. That particular aspect was simply disheartening, leaving me with a sense of unease due to the viciousness with which they attacked one another.

One would assume that, after all that the Jewish culture has endured, they would unite rather than split apart.

The most challenging part for me in this book was the treatment of Michael. I will refrain from going into specifics to avoid spoiling the book for anyone, but it was extremely difficult for me to read.

Overall, while the book provided some interesting insights into the Jewish culture and its post-war situation, it also left me with a rather heavy heart and a sense of disappointment in the actions and divisions within the community.

The work of Jewish fiction presented here is truly phenomenal. After delving into "The Chosen", I learned that there was a subsequent book, and I felt a twinge of nervousness. I was extremely reluctant to have one of my all-time favorite books spoiled by an inferior sequel. Fortunately, Chaim Potok did not let me down with "The Promise".

This book offers a captivating look at Danny and Reuven as they transition into adulthood and assume the responsibilities that come with it. It is as if they are holding their very lives in their hands. The story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Potok's writing is masterful, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their struggles. The themes explored in "The Promise" are profound and thought-provoking, making it a great read for anyone interested in Jewish literature or coming-of-age stories.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has read "The Chosen" and is eager to see what becomes of Danny and Reuven. It is a worthy successor to a beloved classic.

A tremendous sequel to The Chosen has emerged, captivating audiences once again. This new installment builds upon the success of the original, taking readers on an even more thrilling and emotional journey. The story unfolds with new challenges and obstacles for the characters, testing their resolve and relationships. The author's masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what will happen next. The vivid descriptions bring the settings and characters to life, making it easy to immerse oneself in the world of the book. Fans of The Chosen will not be disappointed with this sequel, as it offers everything they loved about the first book and more. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a compelling and well-written story.

I truly have a profound affection for Potok's writing style and his remarkable story-telling abilities. His books are like precious treasures that are filled with deep and meaningful messages for life. Each word he pen is carefully crafted to draw the reader in and make them reflect on various aspects of their own existence.

The way he weaves his tales is simply captivating. It's as if he has the power to transport us to different worlds and make us experience the emotions and challenges of his characters firsthand. Reading his books is not just a pastime; it's a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

However, the thought of reading his last book fills me with a sense of sadness. It's like saying goodbye to a dear friend who has accompanied me through many wonderful literary adventures. I know that once I finish that final page, a chapter in my literary life will come to an end. But I also feel grateful for the opportunity to have been able to enjoy his works and learn from his wisdom.

(Some spoilers for The Chosen follow)

Once again, Potok masterfully crafts a deeply nuanced and human story that unfolds during a period of significant change for both America and the Jewish community. Although its message extends beyond the bounds of any particular sect, it remains firmly rooted in the experiences and struggles of the Jewish people. This book serves as a continuation of The Chosen, following the lives of Reuven and Danny as they embark on their respective professional journeys. Danny delves into the field of psychology, while Reuven pursues Talmudic studies with the aim of becoming a rabbi. Despite their busy schedules, they manage to maintain a close friendship.

However, America has changed. American troops are now fighting and dying in Korea instead of Europe, McCarthy's actions are causing turmoil, and recently immigrated European Jews, survivors of the Holocaust, are beginning to reshape the landscape of American Judaism. There are several sources of conflict within the book, most of which center around Jewish identity. Reuven has been raised in an Orthodox household, but one that is also very modern. His father, a world-renowned Talmudic Scholar, employs scriptural analytical techniques that many recent Jewish immigrants view as a threat to their understanding of sacred texts. Potok does an excellent job of explaining the details without overwhelming the reader. These techniques assume that the people who wrote, transcribed, and interpreted the texts were human and prone to error. A well-read and knowledgeable modern reader, armed with access to more documents, can make educated guesses to clarify and reinterpret those texts.

The recent immigrants from Europe, who witnessed the destruction of their culture, way of life, and loved ones during the war, passionately defend their view of scripture. They oppose the work of Reuven's father and similar scholars in both public and private settings. One of the teachers Reuven must study with and who will decide whether he is allowed to become a rabbi is vehemently opposed to this modern interpretation of scripture and leads the charge against Reuven's father. This friction between Reuven and his teacher causes him great anxiety and stress, leading him to consider a life in academia rather than the rabbinate. However, in this conflict, there are no true villains. Instead, there are simply well-meaning people with different perspectives on Judaism, shaped by their unique life experiences. The recent immigrants, having lost so much of their past, cling to their interpretation of scripture as if it were a life preserver. \\n  

\\"When your world is destroyed and only a remnant is saved, then whatever is seen as a threat to that remnant becomes a hated enemy.\\"

\\n Potok does a remarkable job of humanizing all of his characters, endowing them with rich and realistic motivations. The book weaves together multiple plot lines in a subtle yet profound way. However, much like in The Chosen, I found Reuven to be the least interesting character. While he is more developed and faces greater challenges than in the previous book, the other characters have more captivating storylines. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful and engaging read, and a fitting conclusion to the story of Danny and Reuven.

Another remarkable book penned by Chaim Potok.

It serves as a continuation of the story presented in The Chosen. This book is truly thought-provoking as it presents a plethora of challenging moral dilemmas.

As I read, I found myself constantly asking myself how I would handle each and every scenario that arose.

The writing style employed by Potok is extremely appealing.

The long account of the carnival at the opening of the book is a prime example. Had it been written by a less talented author, it could have easily become tedious and uninteresting.

However, Potok crafted it in such a masterful way that I was completely engrossed and couldn't even fathom putting the book down until that particular part was resolved.

Moreover, the book handles the struggle between religious traditionalism and modernism in a fair and balanced manner.

I had been hoping that there might be a third book in this series, but unfortunately, it seems that this is not going to be the case.

This realization truly saddens me as I have become so invested in these characters and their stories.

I will definitely be recommending this book to others who enjoy thought-provoking literature that delves deep into complex moral and religious themes.