I truly loved this book. From the moment I started reading it, I simply didn't want to put it down.

It's always been that way for me whenever I begin to read a book penned by Chaim Potok. His writings are like precious gifts that he has left us.

I had a strong feeling that this book was autobiographical, perhaps reflecting what his life was really like during his growing-up years.

His books, without a doubt, are a masterpiece of literature. They have the power to transport readers into a different world, filled with vivid characters and profound emotions.

Chaim Potok's writing style is unique and engaging, making it impossible for readers to resist the allure of his stories.

I can't wait to explore more of his works and continue to be captivated by his literary genius.

Chaim Potok is one of my favorite writers due to his amazing writing style.

He gently and convincingly leads me into his world of life and tells his story in a way that is both measured and penetrating.

This book is no different. Moreover, I think his descriptions of nature, especially the sky, are wonderful.

For example, 'dark gray clouds like pools of dirty milk against the sky', or 'the pale sun blinks like an indifferent eye.' So beautifully said.

However, this book, unlike the other books I have read by Potok, requires a long breath. It is a slowly told story, which is also due to the much and long waiting for changes in the Jewish community.

I find Potok special because he brings me into contact with Jewish and religious customs in the told story. This is also the case in this book, but for me, there were too many customs, which diluted the story.

I sometimes had difficulty with the extremely talented six-year-old protagonist. He was sometimes just a little too wise for his age for me.

Overall, while I still appreciate Potok's writing, this book had some aspects that made it a bit of a challenge for me to fully enjoy.

Nevertheless, I look forward to reading more of his works in the future.

It has been several years since I last delved into any of Potoks’ remarkable books.

Back then, I found great pleasure in reading them, and this latest encounter was no different.

Potoks’ writing style is truly captivating. It effortlessly allows me to step right into the vividly described settings, as if I am physically present in that world.

I can almost feel the textures of the environment, smell the scents in the air, and hear the sounds that surround the characters.

Moreover, I get to partake in the ordinary yet extraordinary daily life of the characters.

I witness their joys, their sorrows, their hopes, and their dreams.

It is as if I am a silent observer, privy to their most intimate moments.

Potoks has a unique talent for bringing his stories to life, making them not just a collection of words on a page but a truly immersive experience.

His books have the power to transport me to another time and place, and for that, I am truly grateful.

"Thus" is indeed a beautifully written coming of age novel.

It takes the reader on a journey through the life of the protagonist, exploring the challenges and triumphs of growing up.

The author's use of language is masterful, painting vivid pictures and creating a rich and immersive world.

The story is filled with relatable characters, each with their own unique personalities and flaws.

As the protagonist navigates through adolescence, they learn valuable lessons about love, friendship, and self-discovery.

The novel's themes are universal, making it a must-read for anyone who has ever experienced the joys and pains of growing up.

Overall, "Thus" is a captivating and thought-provoking work of literature that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

I don't understand.

I love /The Chosen/. I really liked /The Promise/. It's been ages since I read /Asher Lev/ but I'm pretty sure I liked that one too.

From the very beginning (ha) in this book, I was almost bored to tears and the boredom hardly ever let up. In /theory/, this book should have a lot going for it. David's parents and their predicament was technically quite fascinating. The moments of depression in various characters were realistically drawn. And the whole idea of him moving towards a more secular understanding of his faith could be very intriguing. It seemed a bit reminiscent of some characters in /The Promise/. But why oh why did we spend so much time with him being about 6, being bullied and getting traumatic injuries? What was the /point/ of it all?

It's well-written, with interesting characters, external and internal conflicts, ideas, and religious questions. But it never really came together for me and never gave me a real reason to keep reading. I found myself constantly waiting for something more to happen, for a breakthrough or a moment of clarity that would make the story truly engaging. Sadly, that moment never arrived, and I was left feeling disappointed.

How to rate this?

All through the first 30 percent, I nearly gave up. The circular repetition bored and irritated me to no end. It felt as if I was trapped in a never-ending cycle of the same ideas and events.

However, something miraculous happened then. I became completely engrossed in the story and simply couldn't stop. Despite the constant tension of being a brilliant young Jew in New York, growing up through the misery of the Depression and the horror of World War 2, the narrative pulled me in.

Potok is truly a brilliant mastermind. Every single bit of the storytelling is necessary to understand the true import of the ending, which is Davey's new beginning.

Even now, I still don't know what to rate it. On one hand, the beginning was a struggle, but on the other hand, the rest of the story was so captivating and thought-provoking. It's a conundrum that I'm still grappling with.

I guess only time will tell how I will ultimately rate this work.

This book was truly remarkable.

It chronicles the life of a boy named Davey throughout his childhood and teenage years during the tumultuous era of World War II.

Living with his parents in the Bronx, Davey faces numerous challenges. He endures the harsh reality of antisemitism, the heavy burden of familial expectations, and the ever-present specter of hardship, illness, and death.

In some aspects, it bore a resemblance to Great Expectations, particularly in the relationship between young Davey and his older neighbor, Mrs. Horowitz, who reminded me of Miss Havisham.

Just like the other works by Potok that I have read, the story commences at a more leisurely pace in the beginning and middle. However, he masterfully weaves all the elements together with his beautiful endings.

His engaging dialogue and vivid descriptive style are aspects that I truly relish.

A recurring theme in his novels, the tension between secular passions and religious tradition, is also explored in this book.

I was especially captivated by how every character felt so deeply human, making it effortless to empathize with them for various reasons, be it Davey or his father.

Overall, I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book!

It was a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read that left a lasting impression on me.

I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a compelling and well-written story.

I have a deep affection for Chaim Potok. His works have always held a special place in my heart. However, this particular novel of his is not my absolute favorite.

At certain points in the story, it tends to be a bit long-winded. It feels as if some sections could have been more concise and perhaps a few pages could have been trimmed without sacrificing the essence of the narrative.

Nevertheless, despite these minor drawbacks, the novel still manages to present a captivating and engaging account of the challenges and experiences that Jewish families had to confront in their daily lives. It offers a valuable insight into their traditions, values, and the various difficulties they faced, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in learning more about the Jewish culture and heritage.

Overall, while it may not be my top pick among Chaim Potok's novels, it still has its own merits and is worth considering for anyone who enjoys exploring different cultures and stories.

A very powerful and sober coming of age story unfolds with David Lurie. Potok's remarkable talent for crafting characters that one can easily relate to and connect with is on full display here, and David Lurie is no exception.

The book predominantly delves into his childhood and early teenage years, which occur before and during WWII. It's a captivating exploration of growing up and grappling with the complex web of relationships and one's place in the world.

David is intellectually gifted, yet he constantly battles illness due to a deviated septum and is accident prone. These traits make him feel like an outsider. As a Jew during that era, David personally experiences hateful acts on several occasions and witnesses the widespread anti-Jewish sentiment in New York and across the world.

Of course, this all reaches a tragic climax with the Holocaust. Both of David's parents are Polish, and dozens of his family members meet their untimely deaths in Bergen Belsen. The story is a poignant reminder of the hardships and challenges that individuals like David had to endure during those tumultuous times.

It offers a profound look into the human experience, highlighting the importance of resilience and the search for meaning and identity in the face of adversity.

The story that Chaim Potok centers on within this narrative is truly magnificent.

One can vividly follow the growth and development of David as well as the people who form his immediate circle.

The way Potok portrays their experiences, challenges, and triumphs is not only engaging but also highly inspiring.

It makes the reader feel as if they are an integral part of their journey, sharing in their joys and sorrows.

The depth and complexity of the characters and the story itself are what make this work so remarkable.

I find myself eagerly looking forward to delving into other works by Potok.

I am certain that they will offer the same level of literary excellence and captivating storytelling that I have experienced in this particular story.

His ability to bring characters to life and create a world that is both believable and enchanting is truly a gift.

I can't wait to see what other wonderful tales he has in store for us.

A slow read, but worth almost every word.

It is a journey that unfolds gradually, captivating the reader with its depth and authenticity.

I imagine this must be the closest any of Potok's fiction comes to memoir.

The story seems to be drawn from the author's own experiences, with a level of detail and emotion that makes it feel incredibly real.

Each word is carefully chosen, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their world.

As you read, you can't help but be drawn in, empathizing with their joys and sorrows.

It's a book that makes you think, reflect, and appreciate the power of storytelling.

Despite the slow pace, it never feels dull or拖沓.

Instead, it builds momentum, drawing you deeper into the narrative with each passing page.

In the end, you'll find yourself enriched by the experience, having gained a new perspective on life and the human condition.

A beautifully written book by Chaim Potok.

This story intricately follows the life of David Lurie, starting from his childhood and spanning all the way to adulthood. It commences during the beginning of the depression and concludes at the end of World War 2.

David Lurie has to grapple with the numerous hardships that come with being a Jew in NYC. He faces many prejudices from those outside his faith, which constantly challenges his beliefs and self-identity.

However, his trials don't end there. He also has to deal with problems that arise within his own family and the Jewish community. These issues stem from his unrelenting search for the truth within Judaism. David looks for life's answers with unwavering conviction, never shying away from the difficult questions.

Overall, this is a story that is filled with valuable life lessons, teaching us about perseverance, self-discovery, and the importance of staying true to one's beliefs in the face of adversity.