Chaim Potok is an extremely talented and remarkable author.

Every single piece of work that he has penned is truly wonderful. His writing has the power to transport readers to different worlds, to make them feel deeply for the characters, and to gain new perspectives on life.

Whether it is his novels that explore complex themes such as identity, religion, and family, or his shorter stories that capture the essence of a moment, Potok's words have a unique charm and authenticity.

His works are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, challenging readers to question their own beliefs and values.

In conclusion, Chaim Potok's writing is a treasure trove that should be discovered and cherished by all lovers of literature.

Compelling Read

This story takes us back to the 1930s and 1940s, where a boy is growing up in New York within an orthodox Jewish family. In my view, the author crafts a truly compelling narrative. The boy, David, lives in a family where his father is seen as a hero. However, as Hitler's regime gains strength in Europe, both sets of his grandparents stubbornly refuse to leave. The story beautifully revolves around David's thoughts and the numerous trials he endures as he grows up and attends yeshiva school. We witness his internal struggles, his attempts to make sense of the world around him, and the impact of his family's decisions on his life. It's a story that not only provides a glimpse into a specific time and culture but also explores universal themes of family, identity, and the challenges of growing up.

The story begins with a precocious Jewish boy named David, who grows from around six to twenty-one, starting just before the Great Depression. The narrative is mostly low-key, with major events like Black Tuesday and the invasion of Poland happening in the background. David doesn't keep track of dates, so the reader has to be aware of when these events occurred.

Despite the backdrop of historical turmoil, not much major happens directly to David. His parents are from Poland, and Hitler is rising in Germany, creating a striking juxtaposition throughout the book. Young David has many experiences that long-term book readers can identify with. For example, he enjoys listening to his mother read, even though he doesn't always understand. He also likes reading in parks, where he can see how his reading changes the world around him.
The book also explores how the world has changed since the thirties and forties. There are details about the number of watch repairers in downtown New York City and the work of immigration officials. We learn that David's father is involved in bringing Jews to America from overseas, forming a society to help with emigration and integration.
A significant part of the book is dedicated to the question of evil and hatred. When David is young, he wonders why some kids dislike him. As he gets older, the question becomes how to respond to violence. The book also delves into the question of how we can believe in a God who allows evil. And, of course, as the story progresses, the focus of evil turns to Germany and Hitler.
In conclusion, this is a brilliant and thought-provoking story that offers insights into a young boy's成长历程and the historical context in which he lives. It explores themes of identity, violence, and the existence of evil, making it a must-read for anyone interested in history or human nature.

“The Jewish people is going to have a big phone bill these next few months,” Alex said.

She read to me often after that. I could not really understand most of what she was reading. But I like listening to the words. It was always exciting to hear new words. It was what I had instead of good friends.

“I liked parks. I had the world visible to me while I read. It was important to have it visible so you could see how your reading changed it.”

“We all have people who dislike us, David. Anyone who knows very clearly what he’s doing with his life will have people who dislike him.”

“With a goy who wants to kill you a Jew should not be a gentleman. That was what I tried to teach my little brother in return for what he taught me. I failed. He died gentle. Most Jews who are dying now are gentle. There will not be many gentle Jews left after this war.”

“Are the Germans killing Jews?”
“Yes.”
I shivered in the wind. “Is anyone doing anything?”
“It is not officially known as yet. When it becomes officially known, then governments will meet and decide that nothing can be done.”

Wonderful writing is truly a remarkable thing. It has the power to transport us to different worlds and evoke a wide range of emotions. At times, it can seem like a stream of semi-consciousness, flowing freely and unhindered, as if the words are being channeled directly from the author's subconscious. It's as if the writer is in a trance-like state, allowing the ideas to pour out onto the page without much thought or inhibition.

On other occasions, wonderful writing can feel like a dream. It has a certain ethereal quality to it, as if it exists in a realm beyond our own. The words seem to dance and twirl, creating a vivid and enchanting landscape in our minds. We become lost in the story, completely immersed in the author's vision, and it's as if we are living the dream along with the characters.

Whether it's a stream of semi-consciousness or a dream, wonderful writing has the ability to touch our hearts and souls. It can make us laugh, cry, think, and feel. It's a form of art that has the power to change our lives and leave a lasting impression on us. So the next time you come across a piece of wonderful writing, take a moment to appreciate it and let it carry you away.