I find myself in a bit of a quandary when it comes to rating this book. On one hand, I truly thought it was brilliant. The author managed to craft a narrative that was both engaging and thought-provoking.

However, I have to admit that there were aspects of the writing style that I wasn't entirely sure about. For example, there were 100 pages dedicated to a little kid riding a tricycle between illnesses and lamenting the evils of antisemitism in his own childish way. While this was a unique and powerful way to explore the theme, it also felt a bit long-winded at times.

Despite this, the book did an excellent job of portraying many Jewish issues and weaving them into the everyday details of the "normal" life of a completely abnormal family. The heartrending foreknowledge that their family in Poland was going to be destroyed was also poignantly portrayed as they came out of the depression and were remaking a life for themselves in New York while Europe was being ravaged.

Overall, I would say that this book is well worth reading. It offers a unique perspective on a difficult and important topic. However, I can't say that I "really liked it" in the traditional sense, so I'm not going to put stars on this one.

Mar 21, 9:30 am
Oh, my. If it were possible, I would give ten stars. I will review this as soon as possible.

Mar 24, 12:40 pm
The fifth title on my Chaim Potok challenge list, "In The Beginning", was by far the most intense. And that's saying something because the previous four were also intense reads. So many threads were tied up here. It seemed to me that Potok put all the issues the Jewish people have dealt with for centuries (and still deal with today) and presented them through the eyes of David Lurie. We follow David from birth to young adulthood as he tries to make sense of the world around him.
The first thing that happens to David is an accident. On the very first day of bringing baby David home from the hospital, while climbing the steps to the front door of the apartment house where the family lives, his mother trips and falls, and David's little face hits the steps. The baby has a nosebleed, but when the doctor comes, he says everything is fine. However, as David grows, he is sick more often than other children, with intense headaches and throat infections. This forces him to spend much of his life in bedridden fever dreams, trying to understand what the adults in his world are doing and why they seem so tense and worried all the time. What could be happening?
Of course, the reader generally knows what is happening because the story is set between the two World Wars. But even so, the narrative is so strong that emotionally we only see things through David's eyes and are just as confused by the world as he was. He had some harsh introductions to intolerance, even from people with whom he thought he would be accepted. These passages are painfully sad to read.
Will humanity ever learn to be humane? I'm close to giving up on us as a whole. Individually, we can be decent, but when we're all together, we become ignorant and intolerant fools. More so these days than ever before. Sorry, let me take a minute to step back from that depressing thought.
David turns out to be an incredible scholar, full of curiosity, asking questions that even most older students don't think of. He has a sharp mind with an impressive memory, but he doesn't just repeat what he learns; he wants to understand it too. He's just being himself, but he intimidates his teachers and fellow students. As the years pass, he must face the unknown future that his thirst for knowledge is leading him towards. Does he dare to follow his own thinking or must he stay within traditional educational paths?
I was impressed by the knowledge required just to write about David's scholarly pursuits. I was fascinated by the approach to religious commentary. I loved reading about the discussions over various passages when David or some other student is supposed to demonstrate their Talmudic knowledge to the teacher. I've ordered a few books that explore the lives of some of the Rebbes mentioned in this book, such as Rashi. I'm looking forward to those and to the remaining five books on my Chaim Potok list.
I feel like this is not nearly enough to say about all the things this book made me feel, but it's the best I can do. I just wish everyone would read it and see what an artist Potok was with his words and ideas.

Chaim Potok was indeed a remarkable writer. His work, In The Beginning, further cements his reputation for creating moving and thought-provoking books that center around Orthodox Jews in America. This particular piece is not one that offers a light or easy reading experience. It delves deep into the complex lives, beliefs, and struggles of the Orthodox Jewish community. However, despite its challenges, it is an incredibly rewarding read. The book forces readers to confront their own preconceptions and biases, while also providing a window into a world that is often misunderstood. Potok's masterful storytelling and vivid characterizations bring this world to life, making it impossible for readers to put the book down. In The Beginning is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the Orthodox Jewish experience in America, or for those who simply appreciate great literature.

One of the best books I have ever read is truly a remarkable piece of literature.

It has the power to transport you to different worlds and make you feel a wide range of emotions.

The story is engaging from the very beginning, with well-developed characters that you can't help but fall in love with.

The author's writing style is captivating, making it easy to get lost in the pages.

Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking mystery, this book has it all.

It has left a lasting impression on me and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

It's a book that you'll want to read again and again, discovering new details and nuances each time.

Overall, it's a literary masterpiece that deserves all the praise it has received.

Fascinating look at the Depression and beginnings of WWII as a young Jewish boy.

There are numerous parallels between Europe's war and his life.

I learned a great deal about the Torah and its interpretations by other Jewish scholars.

Interestingly, some of the Jewish people in this story exhibit a similar xenophobia that anti-Semites themselves had.

This is a profound statement on humans in general: we all have fears and anger, but we must look beyond these to embrace the fact that we are all still people who deserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The protagonist is a brave soul.

David is much more than a character; he is a beautiful and sad lesson in humanity.

We can see through his eyes the hardships and challenges of that era, as well as the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

His story serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding, and of the need to fight against all forms of prejudice and discrimination.

Overall, this is a powerful and thought-provoking work that offers a unique perspective on a dark period in history.

This book has truly been a remarkable journey for me. It transported me to a different place and time, specifically to the 1930s - 1940s in New York. Through the eyes and imaginings of the astonishingly gifted Jewish boy, David (Davey) Lurie, I got to experience a whole new world.

The characters in this book are truly endearing. There's the protagonist, Davey, and his entire family - his mother, brother, father, cousin, aunt, uncle, and family friends. Each one is unique and adds depth to the story. What I loved most was that I had no idea how the book was going to end. Usually, I can predict the ending long before it arrives, but not with this one. Davey led me through the story, and I was completely captivated. I found myself reading late into the night, unable to put the book down.

Chaim Potok is already a favorite author of mine, and I was overjoyed to discover this gem at the local library. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-written story with important themes and just the right amount of detail. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Truly Remarkable


The character development and thematic development in this work are simply exquisite. The author has masterfully crafted each character, endowing them with unique personalities, complex emotions, and believable arcs. As the story progresses, we witness the characters grow and change in profound ways, making it easy for readers to become deeply invested in their fates.


Similarly, the thematic development is equally impressive. The themes explored in the book are thought-provoking and relevant, touching on issues such as love, loss, identity, and the human condition. The author weaves these themes throughout the narrative with great skill, creating a rich and layered tapestry that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and experiences.


It is truly a testament to the author's talent that it is so painful to come to the end of the book and leave this creation behind. We have become so attached to the characters and the world they inhabit that saying goodbye feels almost impossible. This is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page, leaving you with a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the power of great literature.

3.75 stars.

It is a very powerful ending to a good novel.

Having recently read Potok's "The Promise", the themes in this novel are very similar. It explores how to honor the past of Judaism while also looking at its future.

Potok is extremely good at making the readers experience the feelings and events of his protagonists. He does this in a way that makes one feel as if they have been through a lot, almost bruised.

The story not only presents the personal struggles and growth of the characters but also delves into the rich history and traditions of Judaism.

It makes the readers think about the importance of maintaining the connection with the past while also adapting to the changing times.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that leaves a lasting impression on the readers.

Chaim Potok never disappoints.

Just like The Chosen, this book is an intricate and detailed account of the daily life and emotions of a young Jewish boy.

The story unfolds with great precision, allowing the reader to truly immerse themselves in the world of the protagonist.

The author's vivid descriptions bring to life the sights, sounds, and smells of the boy's community.

We witness his joys and sorrows, his friendships and conflicts.

The book not only provides a fascinating look into the Jewish culture and traditions but also delves deep into the universal themes of growing up, finding one's identity, and dealing with the challenges of life.

I enjoyed this book thoroughly, and it left a lasting impression on me.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in Jewish literature or simply a good story.

I read this book and was able to vividly visualize David's story. He truthfully depicts his life of growing up Jewish. David is a deep thinker who visualizes events both with his eyes and in his mind. He poses excellent questions, some of which I have also asked myself. David's life is frequently challenging as a sickly child, and often people fail to understand his passion for truth. I am truly in awe of this author and his remarkable mind.

I absolutely adored this book. It was given to me by a family member, and I feel truly blessed. I find myself at a loss for words when attempting to describe the emotions I had and still have from reading this novel. The story is so engaging and thought-provoking that it has left a lasting impression on me. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written and inspiring story.

My sister was carefully going through an old box filled with books from our mother's house.

As she rummaged through, she pulled out a particular book. On it, there was a bookplate with my name on it and the date 5/17/76.

Recognizing that it belonged to me, she promptly gave it back.

I just completed reading it again, and now I understand why I couldn't recall anything about it before.

I didn't care for the way it ended, and it's definitely not among my favorite books by the author.

David Laurie had a rather unfortunate start in life. As an infant, his mother tripped on the front step while entering their home, and he was dropped face-first.

Their doctor initially didn't detect any problem, but this incident caused a deviant septum.

Consequently, he was sick for most of his childhood.

It wasn't until he finally grew up that he had surgery to correct the issue.

Being so sickly, he turned to reading and dreaming.

He had a brilliant mind and a vivid imagination.

Regrettably for him, he grew up during the Great Depression, as well as WWII and the Holocaust.

The book delves into great depth about the frum world in New York.

It describes how the Jews who escaped to America created societies to assist those in Europe to follow in their footsteps.

These societies helped the new comers find jobs and assimilate into the American Dream while still maintaining their Jewish neshamas.

It also explores family relationships and the never-ending anti-semitism that the Jewish people have endured since time immemorial.

While the book is very educational, it did become tedious at times.

However, what I disliked the most was the ending.

It really didn't make sense as it never answered crucial questions such as whether David's biological father was Max or Uncle David.

Also, at the significant time leap at the end, it's unclear who his wife is.

But one thing that remains constant, as we have witnessed in 2023 - 2024, is that "once G-d gives permission for Satan to destroy, he destroys the good with the wicked".

And that is precisely what is happening right now.

If you truly desire to have a comprehensive understanding of Israel in the present day, then this book is an absolute must-read.

It offers a wealth of information and insights that will open your eyes to the various aspects of this fascinating country.

From its rich history and diverse culture to its modern-day politics and economy, this book covers it all.

Through vivid descriptions and detailed accounts, you will be able to envision the landscapes, meet the people, and experience the unique atmosphere that makes Israel so special.

Whether you are a student of history, a traveler interested in exploring new places, or simply someone who wants to learn more about the world, this book is sure to satisfy your curiosity and provide you with a deeper appreciation for Israel.

So don't hesitate, pick up this book today and embark on a journey of discovery.