A very moving and thought-provoking book. This kind of book has the power to touch our hearts deeply and make us reflect on various aspects of life. It can transport us to different worlds, introduce us to diverse characters, and make us experience a wide range of emotions. Whether it's a story of love, loss, courage, or hope, a truly moving book has the ability to stay with us long after we've turned the last page. It can inspire us to be better people, to face our own challenges with more determination, and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the human experience. Such books are not only a source of entertainment but also a valuable tool for personal growth and self-discovery.

I find myself in a dilemma when it comes to rating this book. Should it be a 3 or a 4? I continued reading because I was deeply invested in Asher Lev. However, I couldn't overlook the fact that in this book, most of what the character does is think, walk, and sit in cafés, and yet the reader still doesn't truly know him. This just doesn't hold up in today's literary standards.

Nevertheless, Potok does have some excellent insights into the nature of the artist. The artist's journey often involves dry spells, and Potok captures this aspect well. It also bothered me that the Ladovers were involved in various professions, with Asher's own father being in politics (holding a Master's in Political Science), yet most in the community didn't accept him as a fine artist. They seemed to be able to see people working for God in all professions except for art, unless it was calendar art that specifically depicted Jewish stories.

The ending of the book left me with mixed feelings. I understand the explanation given for why it ended the way it did, as Asher processes all that the Rebbe had said and done. However, for a particular situation at the end, we are left wondering about the time frame. If it is a certain way, then I don't believe that in a real-life situation, it would be God's desire. Perhaps this is a difference between Ladover Hasidism and Christianity (my world view), but I'm not sure. The example was shown throughout the first book, leaving both me and Asher uncomfortable, yet it was all for the Master of the Universe. This has definitely made me think, but I don't feel like I got the redemption I was hoping for. As the saying goes, "the work is never finished" until Messiah completes it.

The Gift of Asher Lev serves as a highly appropriate sequel to My Name is Asher Lev.

Nearly two decades after the events of My Name, Asher Lev, the exiled Hasid artist, prospers in France. His name is now counted among the contemporary greats, listed alongside Picasso and Jacob Kahn. He is married to Devorah and they have two lovely children, Rochelah and Avrumel. His exile has become his home. However, two events occur in rapid succession, throwing Asher into a state of ambiguity. First, there is the vicious criticism of his most recent exhibition, with some critics, especially the more astute ones, claiming that he is repeating himself. An artist trapped in a loop is indeed in a state of ambiguity, as he repeats himself because he cannot see clearly. If My Name is about Asher's undeniably gifted perception, The Gift is about the curse and burden that comes with it.

Asher and his family fly to Brooklyn for the ritual mourning following the death of his beloved Uncle Yitzchok. This brings a complex mix of emotions and ironic results. The death of Uncle Yitzchok has the effect of pulling Devorah out of her shell and reconnecting the grandparents with the grandchildren. The family that Asher's parents had and lost is now found again after the period of mourning. A family in exile is now part of the community of a people, except for Asher. He is the original exile, exiled because of his gift.

The Gift is like a riddle. But it is Asher's struggle with these riddles, with the truths that come in ambiguous forms, that eventually pulls him out of the state of ambiguity. He comes to see clearly once he acknowledges that he cannot see clearly. And what he sees is not always pleasing. Sometimes, seeing with clarity is more painful than seeing with ambiguity. The gift of The Gift is the ability to see the pain; the curse of The Gift is having to see that pain; and the burden of The Gift is having to live with that pain.

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Twenty years have elapsed for Asher Lev.

He is now a world-renowned artist residing in France, yet he remains uncertain about his artistic direction.

When his beloved uncle passes away suddenly, Asher and his family hurriedly return to Brooklyn.

They are thus thrust back into a world that Asher had believed he had left behind for good.

The journey back is filled with a mix of emotions. Asher feels a sense of nostalgia for the familiar streets and people of his childhood.

However, he also experiences a certain amount of trepidation, wondering if he will be able to face the past and the expectations that come with it.

As he steps foot in Brooklyn once again, he realizes that this place holds many memories and unresolved issues that will undoubtedly have an impact on his future as an artist.

The sudden death of his uncle serves as a catalyst for Asher to reevaluate his life and his art.

He begins to question whether his current path is the right one and if he has truly found his artistic voice.

Back in Brooklyn, Asher must confront his past and make peace with it in order to move forward and find the clarity he so desperately seeks in his art.

I read this when it first came out in 1990. At that time, I wasn't that impressed.

However, I've just read it again recently. And to my great surprise, it was totally superb.

The Hasidic descriptions in it are so vivid and detailed that they really bring the story to life. The art involved also adds a unique charm to the whole work.

It was simply a wonderful read from beginning to end. I would highly recommend it to everyone. It is truly a must-read for all those who appreciate good literature and want to explore different cultures and experiences through books.

Whether you are a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book is sure to captivate your attention and leave a lasting impression on you. So don't miss out on this amazing literary gem.

It isn't that I can't paint anymore, Avrumel; I could paint all day and night.

It's that I don't want to continue painting in the same way over and over again like a computer. But why do I have to keep pushing against the boundaries? Why the eyes always to the future? I could paint this way for the rest of my life and sell everything. Only a few really care about frontiers, about the future. Why bother with it? Why? Why?

(. . .)

Keep everything always off balance. No boundaries. No repetition. The opposite of what the Rebbe wants. The Rebbe seeks fixed boundaries, perfect balance, eternal repetition. Asher Lev caught between the two. Like the paper between the press and the carborundum. Crush it and texture it. Put colors on the texturing and make a work of art.

But Asher Lev is not a sheet of paper.

——

Legitimately believe that Chaim Potok is the only author who can successfully pull off sequels that could theoretically also just be one-off novels while retaining the merit of the narrative both in conjunction with the first book and as it's own thing entirely. I love him so much and he is everything to me. Even though the Asher Lev books aren't my favorites, I still adore them and I adore Asher. Potok said that Asher is the character he identifies with the most, and there's something so special in knowing that while reading it. I'm going to start crying, so I'm done now, but G-d. Chaim Potok you are everything 2 me.

I truly believe that Chaim Potok's talent lies in his ability to create sequels that stand on their own while also enriching the overall narrative when connected to the first book. His works, especially the Asher Lev series, have a unique charm. Although it may not be my absolute favorite, it still holds a special place in my heart. Asher, the main character, is complex and relatable. Potok's connection to Asher adds an extra layer of depth to the story. Reading these books, I can sense the author's passion and dedication. It's no wonder I love him and his works so much. Chaim Potok is truly a remarkable author.

While "My Name is Asher Lev" is indeed a superior novel, I find that I have a particular affinity for this story. There is something about it that makes it stand out to me. It seems to carry a glimmer of hope, even as it delves into the theme of sacrifice. This hope gives the story a unique charm and makes it more engaging.

The way the author weaves the theme of sacrifice throughout the narrative is masterful. It is not a blatant or overdone theme, but rather a subtle undercurrent that adds depth and complexity to the story. The characters' sacrifices are not made in vain, but rather serve to advance the plot and develop their personalities.

If you have enjoyed "My Name is Asher Lev," then I highly recommend giving this story a read. It offers a different perspective on the same theme and is sure to leave you with something to think about. So, pick up a copy and lose yourself in this captivating tale.

I started the book with a certain fear of being disappointed, because its first part is one of my favorite books.

Although it doesn't reach the level of the first one (which is a unique book), "The Gift of Asher Lev" is still worth reading.

In fact, you may even be left with the desire to read the third one, which Potok never got around to writing.

This book delves deeper into the life and struggles of Asher Lev, exploring his artistic journey and the conflicts it brings with his religious and cultural background.

The story is engaging and thought-provoking, making you reflect on the meaning of art, faith, and family.

Even though it may not have the same impact as the first part, it still offers valuable insights and a captivating narrative that keeps you hooked until the end.

Overall, "The Gift of Asher Lev" is a worthy addition to the series and a must-read for fans of Potok's work.

I included Chaim Potok's The Chosen in Benjamin's reading list for his final year of school with me. I had such a profound love for that book that I delved into Mr. Potok's My Name is Asher Lev. And to my surprise, I loved this book even more. Kathleen is an artist, and this book enabled me to perceive a facet of Kathleen that had eluded my understanding previously. It also assisted me in commencing to fathom the Hasidic community, which has been frequently in the news lately.

Earlier this year, I discovered Mr. Potok's The Gift of Asher Lev on my parents' bookshelves and carried it home to read. In this book, Asher Lev is an adult with a family of his own. This book might just be my favorite among Mr. Potok's works thus far! Asher's perspective of the world - a kaleidoscope that discerns numerous diverse perspectives and angles that all converge to form the world - could potentially assist all of us in transcending the current deadlock that so much of the world finds itself in.

I have come to learn that there are invariably multiple sides to an argument or a set of facts - the side I favor, the side I dissent from, the side I haven't yet contemplated, the side someone else suggests that is captivating... all with their own merits. This book instilled in me the hope that perhaps in the not-too-distant future, a new generation of thinkers and doers will propel us towards better days.

I wrote the date I first read this inside the cover - September 1991! That means I read My Name is Asher Lev before that! How can it be so long ago?

I'm going to start with the cover of this mass market paperback. Who okayed this? Who is this main character supposed to be? Who is the little boy supposed to be? I know they are supposed to be Asher and Avrumel. The artist did not read the book. Did the editor read it? Did the author have a say in the cover? Asher and Avrumel have RED HAIR. It is mentioned repeatedly. And Asher has a full red beard all of the time. I don't get it and it annoys me when covers are so disconnected from the story they supposedly represent.

Maybe I am just frustrated. This book has left me unsettled. I long for Asher to be happy, to acknowledge and embrace the wonder of his life and gift and find joy in it all. If you are great does it have to follow that you are haunted and tormented? No. I refuse to accept that.

I'm trying to remember if I understood the dual meaning of the title the first time I read this. It was so long ago, who knows?

The story is slow and told in a way that feels heavy. The heat and weather throughout the book add to the feeling of oppression and smothering that Asher is feeling. Rocheleh's asthma is another aspect of smothering. The torn up boulevard, the ruined outlying neighborhoods all reflect Asher's turmoil. Everything is oppressive.

But it is so wonderfully done. The detailed descriptions of the characters' emotions and the complex relationships between them make this book a truly remarkable read. The way the author weaves together the themes of art, religion, and identity is masterful. Despite the heaviness of the story, there are also moments of beauty and hope that shine through. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and deeply moving read.

I managed to obtain a copy of this from the free books bin.

Even though I already possess a hardcover copy, having a backup that isn't as heavy is rather nice.

And upon re-reading it, the double meaning in the title finally dawned on me. There was a slight sense of embarrassment.

Anyway, I'm curious if anyone else who has seen the cover of this edition also thinks that Asher resembles Harrison Ford and finds it to be a bit odd.

It's quite interesting how a cover can sometimes give an unexpected impression.

Maybe it's just my perception, but it makes me wonder if others share the same thought.

It could be a coincidence, or perhaps there's some subconscious connection that I'm not fully aware of.

Either way, it adds an extra layer of intrigue to the book.

I'll have to keep an eye out for other people's reactions to see if they notice the same thing.

Who knows, maybe it'll spark some interesting discussions.

I truly had a great liking for this.

However, I don't believe that I have grasped its full essence as of yet.

There is a need for me to engage in some deep thinking regarding this matter.

I feel that there are still many aspects that I haven't quite understood clearly.

Perhaps with more thought and reflection, I will be able to gain a better understanding and appreciation of it.

For now, I will continue to ponder on it and see where my thoughts lead me.

I am determined to figure it out and make sense of it all.

Only then will I be able to say that I truly understand this thing that has piqued my interest.