The contrast between Old World and New World Jewish orthodoxy is a central theme in this captivating book.

We witness the intense conflict between father and son, as their different perspectives and beliefs collide.

The women, often portrayed as side characters, add an interesting dimension as they engage with the works of James Joyce.

And then there is the shocking practice of locking children in rooms for months at a time, which further heightens the drama and tension.

This book truly has it all, offering a rich and complex exploration of family, faith, and society.

It delves into the deepest recesses of the human psyche, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths and question our own values.

With its vivid characters and engaging storyline, it is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Whether you are interested in Jewish culture, family dynamics, or simply a good read, this book is not to be missed.

I didn't love this quite as much as The Chosen.

It is still, however, an extremely well-written piece. It manages to be both quiet and loud simultaneously, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.

The story is filled to the brim with profound thoughts, intense feelings, rich culture, and a deep sense of history.

It's as if the author has carefully woven together all these elements to create a tapestry that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.

However, I must admit that the last half of the story dragged a bit for me.

It seemed to lose some of the momentum that had been built up in the first half.

Nonetheless, I still loved the first half tremendously.

It was engaging, exciting, and kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

Overall, despite the slight dip in the second half, this is still a remarkable piece of work that I would highly recommend to others.

I have a profound love for following the characters in The Chosen. Through this journey, I have not only delved deeper into Jewish culture and history but also gained some insights into psychology. Mr. Malter's wisdom still holds a special place in my heart.

One of the quotes that struck me was, "'Little children little troubles, big children big troubles,' he murmured in Yiddish." (p. 129) It shows the simplicity and truth in this observation about the different stages of life.

Another powerful quote is, "'You understand what it is to make a choice, Greenfield? A choice tells the world what is most important to a human being. When a man has a choice to make he chooses what is most important to him, and that choice tells the world what kind of a man he is.'" (p. 159) It makes us think about the significance of our choices and how they define us.

The quote, "'That is the way the world is, Reuven. Each generation thinks it fights new battles. But the battles are the same. Only the people are different.'" (p. 254) gives us a perspective on the cyclical nature of human experiences.

The description, "I had never in my life come across a man who was so zealous a guardian of Torah that he did not care whom or how he destroyed in its defense. I had never thought Torah could create so grotesque a human being." (p. 272) shows the extreme consequences that can arise from an overly zealous interpretation of religious teachings.

Finally, the question, "'How can we teach others to regard the tradition critically AND with love? I grew up loving it, and then learned to look at it critically. That's everyone's problem today. How to love and respect what you are being taught to dissect.'" (p. 312) is a thought-provoking one that challenges us to find a balance between critical thinking and respect for our traditions.

I truly value the profoundness of the characters in each and every one of Chaim Potok's books. This particular book is no exception - I was really fond of it! At times, I find myself longing for him to pen books from multiple perspectives. The reason being that I have a strong desire to know what every single character is thinking. It would offer a more comprehensive understanding of the story and the people within it.

Moreover, I also wish there could be a greater representation of female characters in his books. However, I do understand that the religion and culture he is depicting often pose certain limitations in this regard. Nevertheless, despite these wishes and considerations, Chaim Potok's works continue to captivate me with their rich and engaging narratives.

This story takes place a few years after the events of "The Chosen" conclude. Reuven and Danny are now attending separate universities. It delves into the tensions that exist between the fundamentalist and liberal aspects of religion. Additionally, it explores the parent/child relationship in greater depth, particularly for those like Reuven's father, who are outspoken and sometimes the target of harsh criticism.
In this book, Rav Kalman, one of Reuven's teachers, represents the fundamentalist side of the Jewish faith. He disapproves of the methods Reuven and his father use to study the Talmud. Meanwhile, Reuven starts to get to know Abraham Gordon, a writer who is attempting to bridge the gap between his atheism and his traditional Jewish roots. It appears that Reuven himself is in the middle of these two extremes. These elements of the story come together in Michael, the mentally ill son of Abraham Gordon, who is being treated by Danny.
As in the previous book, I found the relationship between Reuven and his father to be quite endearing. Although we don't see as much of Reuven and Danny together in this installment, their friendship and perspectives are still present. I truly appreciated the complex and compassionate way in which the "battle" between generations and between conservative and liberal views was presented. This could have implications for other religions as well.

Man, I don't think I've ever had a series affect me this much. The themes it presents seem to sink down deep within me and truly shake my soul.

It makes me reflect on what it means to engage with a piece of literature. As Kafka said, "If the book we are reading does not wake us, as with a fist hammering on our skull, why then do we read it? ... what we must have are those books which come upon us like ill-fortune, and distress us deeply, like the death of one we love better than ourselves, like suicide. A book must be an ice-axe to break the sea frozen inside us."

This series has become that ice-axe for me. It has chipped away at the layers of complacency and routine that had built up around my heart and mind. It has forced me to confront emotions and ideas that I had been suppressing or ignoring.

I find myself thinking about the characters and their struggles long after I've finished reading. Their stories have become a part of me, and I know that I will never be the same again.

I am grateful for this series and the impact it has had on me. It has reminded me of the power of literature to transform us and make us more human.

I was extremely eager to explore the characters of Danny and Reuven in this sequel, The Promise. After reading both books consecutively, I can scarcely recall where one begins and the other concludes. These are not books with a rapid pace or that are "thrilling" in the traditional sense. However, you are well aware that you are coming across something of great significance.

The Promise chronicles Reuven's inner turmoil as he endeavors to find his place among Jewish fundamentalists, moderates, and liberals. Each stance is vividly represented by distinct characters, and Reuven's interactions with each offer valuable insights. As is always the case with Potok's writing, it allows the reader to feel sympathy and understanding for every position, even those with which one may disagree. In the end, Reuven manages to carve out his own path while simultaneously enhancing the significance of respect and tolerance for the viewpoints of others.

I adored the fact that the culmination of the debate between the ancient and the modern culminated in the marriage of a Hasid (Danny) to a "twentieth-century girl". The concessions they made and would continue to make to accommodate each other provided hope for the work that Reuven would be embarking upon.

I will give this a proper review eventually, but for now I will just say that I read to find books like this.

It's truly a remarkable piece that has caught my attention from the very beginning. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to turn the next page.

The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motives. You can't help but become invested in their lives and root for them as they face various challenges.

The writing style is engaging and flows smoothly, making it a pleasure to read. It transports you to a different world, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the story.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and captivating read. It's one that you won't want to put down until you've reached the very end.

The Chosen indeed garners far more attention and is likely more accessible and readable for non-Jews. However, I firmly believe that this sequel stands as the superior book. It is far more nuanced and delicate as it masterfully balances Danny's arduous attempts to cure the mentally ill son of a well-known secular Jew with the captivating story of Reuven's rabbinical studies.

After the harrowing Holocaust, a significant number of the surviving ultra-Orthodox Jews make their way to America. They are resolute in their refusal to compromise on the traditions, faith, and practices for which countless lives were sacrificed. Reuven's father finds himself in hot water with these ultra-Orthodox due to his writing of a book that employs source criticism, which involves analyzing the Talmud using variant readings, more precise translations of foreign languages, and other supplementary sources.

One of the most vehement critics turns out to be none other than Reuven's own teacher, who cunningly tricks Reuven into assisting him in understanding the book. This teacher will also be one of the three individuals who must approve Reuven's final examination for him to become a Rabbi. Naturally, as the story unfolds, the two plots intersect in a most fascinating and unpredictable manner.

I read someone's review before reading this book, which claimed that The Promise was even better than The Chosen. However, this is not the case. Nevertheless, it is a very good book. It was interesting to see what became of Danny and Reuven after all the teenage turmoil in The Chosen.

The same reviewer also said that they couldn't wait to read Davita's Harp and "complete the trilogy." I read the description of Davita's Harp, and it doesn't seem to have any connection to The Chosen or The Promise. So now I'm a bit confused. I might read it anyway, simply because I like Potok's work. I often read a lot of worthless drivel just for entertainment, but his books make me feel as if I've actually gained something meaningful from reading them.

I look forward to exploring more of Potok's literary world and seeing what other insights and emotions his stories will evoke in me.

Chaim Potok is always a master. His works are truly remarkable. They have the power to make you think deeply about various aspects of life.

The stories he weaves are not only thought provoking but also beautiful in their own unique way. The descriptions are vivid, painting a clear picture in the reader's mind.

Moreover, the pacing of his novels is excellent. It keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, never allowing the story to lag or become dull.

Potok's ability to create complex and relatable characters is another aspect that makes his works stand out. You can't help but become invested in their lives and root for them.

In conclusion, Chaim Potok's works are a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature. They offer a unique and enriching reading experience that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Not sure I will finish this one. It is a hard beginning.

But it is well worth the struggle. This is an amazing book. I initially did not think "The Chosen" needed a sequel. However, after reading this, I am convinced that it was very necessary. Mr. Potok's story-telling style of explaining Hebrew culture in 3 different factions of the Jewish faith added so much depth to this father/son conflict.

The reintroduction of the rich characters was like hearing from old friends. I learned an incredible amount about the child/parent relationship and could completely relate to Rueven and his father. It actually helped me to better understand my own daughter.

Moreover, it gives me hope that just as all 3 boys in this story adhered to their traditions and learned to care about the world yet not embrace it blindly, so too would my daughter. I truly pray this to be the case.

I am now halfway through "Asher Lev", and I am eager to see where the story takes me next.