The power of art is truly remarkable. I consider writing to be a form of art, and it has the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and sometimes even trigger memories.

I have a deep understanding of the compulsion that artists feel. When I was young, I had an intense urge to draw. I would draw the faces of the Beatles and pretty girls. After studying the faces in fashion magazines, I even learned how to apply makeup. As I grew into womanhood and continued my passion for drawing, there were certain experiences that I didn't want to face. I wanted to forget them and move on with my life.

I began to study art seriously. I continued to draw, mostly pencil portraits at first. I became quite proficient in representational art and also learned to paint. I painted beautiful things like landscapes, still lifes, and abstractions. Time seemed to fly by when I was painting. Those early paintings now adorn the houses of my relatives and friends. I gave some away to strangers and sold a few as well. But they were just steps in my journey of learning the craft of painting.

One particular drawing stands out vividly in my memory. It was a black and white pen and ink drawing of a woman fleeing through a forest with a target centered and superimposed on her. This drawing represented the terror I felt as a young woman, something I was afraid to confront and wanted to forget. Although it wasn't good enough to be hung in a gallery, it could have potentially led to a series of paintings highlighting the risks faced by girls and children.

Instead, I became a landscape architect. I needed a career that would allow me to be independent and not rely on a man for support. I utilized my artistic skills to develop a craft and build a career that didn't require me to pour as much of myself into the subject matter. This has provided me with a fulfilling career and a means of making a living. Now, instead of painting pretty things and places, I create beautiful spaces like Rivkeh's birds and flowers.

I stopped painting as it requires a significant amount of time and a dedicated space of one's own. However, some of that artistic imagination still finds its way into my best work. My work is often more collaborative than that of a painter. I have used standing stones to evoke power and created suspended circles of light in a campus quad to inspire wonder at the universe. At its best, my work has the ability to inspire the imagination of others.

In conclusion, "My Name is Asher Lev" is a remarkable work of art about art. The ending of this book deeply touched my memories, and I would rate it five tearful stars.

My book club book is truly a captivating one.

It tells the story of Ascher Lev, an observant Jew residing in Brooklyn. Right from his earliest days, he shows an inclination towards art and is even considered a prodigy. However, as his talent blossoms, so does his estrangement from his father and the community he belongs to.

This book had a profound impact on me, making me feel a sense of sadness early on. I could intuit that it wasn't going to have a happy ending. And, as I had foreseen, Ascher ultimately finds himself in exile from his family and neighborhood. While it is to return to Paris and further his art studies, and he leaves as an acclaimed artist, the question still lingers: why does he have to make such a difficult choice between family and community on one hand and art on the other?

As a side note, I wonder what it is that causes truly talented artistic and creative people to endure such suffering. How much of their mental turmoil is a result of the same quirk of neurochemistry that ignites their creativity? Of course, Ascher Lev is a fictional character, but when I think of real-life examples like Van Gogh, the one-eared genius who was so tortured that he shot himself at the age of 33 and took three days to die, or Ernest Hemingway, who also ended his life by shooting himself but had the misfortune to die instantly (probably due to his use of a shotgun and being a better marksman), it makes me realize the gravity of the situation. I can think of numerous other such cases, but I'm sure you understand the point I'm trying to make.

*5+*
I'm really not quite certain about how to review this. At the beginning, it advanced in a rather slow pace. However, it was never dull or boring. As it progressed, it gradually transformed and became truly magnificent. It was just like the process of watching a very beautiful flower blooming. You could see the gradual unfoldment of its charm and allure. Each step was like a new petal emerging, adding more and more beauty and splendor to the overall picture. It was a truly captivating experience that left a deep impression on me. I found myself completely immersed in it, unable to tear my eyes away. It was one of those rare things that start off unassuming but end up being absolutely breathtaking.

I have an intense love for this book.

It contains an abundance of profound thoughts that are intricately woven together with precisely the right number of words.

These thoughts seem like the most perfect punch lines that could ever grace that particular page.

It truly deserves to be read more widely.

The author has managed to create a masterpiece that engages the reader's mind and heart.

Each sentence is carefully crafted to convey a powerful message.

The book has the ability to make you think deeply about various aspects of life.

It is not just a regular read, but an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Everyone should have the opportunity to discover the beauty and wisdom hidden within its pages.

So, go ahead and pick up this book, and let it take you on a journey of enlightenment.

I have no words. Truly. Tina, thank you for the gift of this recommendation. I would never have read this book on my own, and I will never forget it.

April 8, 2023. My first reading of this book was 4 years ago, and it left me completely speechless. That feeling hasn't changed at all because it's truly impossible for me to find the right words to describe it. This book is still a 5-star read, which in my opinion equals 10. It is still as beautiful as it is devastating. The story within its pages has the power to touch your heart and soul in ways you never thought possible. It takes you on an emotional journey that you won't soon forget. Every time I pick up this book, I am transported to a different world, a world full of love, loss, and hope. It is a book that will stay with me forever, and I am so grateful to Tina for introducing it to me.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a truly unforgettable reading experience. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will make you think. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be read and cherished by all.

Let me preface this review by stating that I have little basis for identifying with many characters in the book. I am not Jewish, was not raised in a religious community, did not see my community nearly exterminated during the worst conflict in the 20th century, and couldn't draw a properly proportioned stick figure to save my life. In spite of all of these obstacles, I found this book both challenging and emotionally compelling.

This book raises many profound questions. What does it mean to be an artist? What does it mean to be a Jew? Can the two be reconciled? Can someone meet the responsibilities of being an artist and a Jew without betraying the other? To what do we owe ourselves and what do we owe our family and community? These are not easily answered as they are so unique to every person, depending upon a person's proclivities, experiences, and environment.

The book tells the story of Asher Lev, a Hasidic Jew, his struggle with these questions, and the impact on those around him, especially his parents. The setting, from the early 1950s to the late 1960s, is crucial. The Holocaust is still a vivid memory, and Stalin's actions towards Russian and Eastern European Jews add to the uncertainty for Jewish culture. Asher's father works for a Rebbe, traveling to establish Yeshivas, while Asher is driven by his need to create art, which conflicts with his father's expectations.
This book is about the tensions that Asher experiences. The tension between his artistic aspirations and his father's desire for him to study the Torah. The tension between his Jewish heritage and the world of art. The tension between his family's legacy and the path he chooses. The tension between what others want him to be and what he truly is.
Potok tells this story beautifully from Asher's perspective. As Asher grows, so does the narrative's introspective nature. He becomes more perceptive and aware of his world and himself. The artist's eye becomes an integral part of his perception. He grapples with the tensions and conflicts in his life and becomes more sympathetic to his parents' struggles.
As a reader, I became deeply invested in Asher's story. I saw his triumphs and struggles, the choices he had to make, and the ones forced upon him. The resolution, like life, is messy and tragic, but there is a glimmer of hope that makes the conclusion even more poignant.
This was a fantastic book, though slow-paced and introspective. The characters were well-crafted and empathetic, the descriptions through an artist's eyes were evocative, and it ended as it should. There were also many interesting secondary characters and themes about art and being an artist. What I liked most was that there were no bad guys. His father, though unable to understand Asher's art, was a devoted family man with a compassionate view on humanity. At the end of the book, I was gladdened to see him take pride in Asher's accomplishments, and I still hold out hope for their reconciliation in the sequel.

My Name Is Asher Lev vividly portrays the life of the eponymous character, an artist, from his early childhood through to young adulthood. He grows up in a religious Hasidic community, where his passion for drawing and creating art begins at a very tender age.

However, Asher encounters numerous obstacles along the way. Firstly, his mother struggles with severe depression following the loss of a loved one, which impacts their family life. Secondly, he faces disagreements from others in his community, especially his father, who is opposed to his chosen artistic path.

I found this book to be an enjoyable read, although it may not appeal to everyone. Similar to Potok's other works, My Name Is Asher Lev is not highly plot-driven nor does it have a particularly fast pace. Just from a brief summary of the storyline, one might easily assume that the book is dull. In fact, while reading it, I myself had that thought on a couple of occasions.

Nevertheless, I was compelled to keep reading. The characters in the book are so realistically depicted that it feels as if it could be a true story. After completing the book and having the full experience, I ended up rating it slightly higher than I initially expected.

Every one of us has something that ties us to the past and our roots. It could be family, traditions that may have lost their significance, religious constraints, the rhythm of our daily lives, unsupportive partners and colleagues, or a countless number of other possible limitations. For each of us, it is a life-long battle to free ourselves from whatever is preventing us from fully developing our true selves.

This is the story presented in "My Name is Asher Lev." A Hasidic Jewish boy is born into a family that places a great deal of pressure on his artistic talent, not the least of which is the overbearing love of his parents. With love, they repeatedly attempt to deny their son's remarkable gift, believing they are acting in his best interests. However, the power of that gift is stronger than any human effort to suppress its expression.

Young Asher is a prodigy. Art is his life force, and his talent blossoms early and progresses by leaps and bounds into his young adulthood. He follows his instincts and his passion, and as he nurtures his gift, his family, especially his father, distances themselves further and further from him. Asher has broken with tradition. He has exceeded the religious beliefs within his family, if not with outright courage, then at least with respect for what burns so brightly within him. He redefines his own boundaries, even when they must conflict with those set by his parents and religious authorities.

Is this a sin?

The reader can decide for themselves, but for Asher, art is what he holds most sacred, and it is difficult to imagine a supreme and loving being would deny the gift that He, after all, has bestowed. We feel the pain of his mother, torn between her husband and her son. Asher is not oblivious. His greatest painting ultimately depicts his mother being torn apart - as if on a crucifix, an image that horrifies his father. His father is a good man, working hard for those in need and under religious persecution, and so it is nearly impossible for him to understand why his son would choose to pursue art forms that, on the surface, seem to disrespect what he holds in such high regard. Each, after all, is following their own heart and remaining true to their individual values. It creates a captivating conflict.

Author Chaim Potok writes with his own obvious talent. His passion becomes the passion of his characters. Perhaps the main message the author intended to convey is that we should all be true to who and what we are, and in doing so, we have done the right thing. We have followed the path that is meant for us to walk. His story is uplifting without minimizing the struggles involved.

Highly recommended.

This is a book that I came across in Marlborough, NH, at a small used bookstore, also during my New England vacation. I had heard numerous people rave about how much they adored this book. So, when I discovered it sitting there on a step stool, just waiting for me, I thought to myself, "Why not?"

I guess it's quite a coincidence that "Any Bitter Thing" has so many Catholic themes, while "My Name is Asher Lev" depicts the life of a Hasidic Jew who has a passion for painting. With that little aside, let me now share with you my thoughts on the book.

I must admit that while I was captivated by Chaim Potok's writing style, where every Jewish character seems to repeat what another Jew has said, the message of the book is one that I struggle to identify with. I found myself more in tune with Aryeh, Asher's father, rather than with Asher himself. Asher had this intense urge, you might say, to paint, to study art, to explore the artistic world, which was vastly different from the world of Hasidism. He couldn't control it, and in the process, he created magnificent art that, albeit unintentionally, but knowingly shocked, offended, and hurt many of the people he loved. This is something that I have great difficulty understanding, and so I'm a bit conflicted as to how to relate to the author's message. Asher had the opportunity to avoid causing this pain, and one wonders if remaining unyielding to what you believe is necessary truly justifies your actions.

What I truly loved about the book was the exploration of artists' motives and personalities, some of the history of art, the spirituality of Hasidic Jews, the dedication to the Torah within the Lev family, and the author's vivid imagery and use of emotion.

The climax of the book is an incredibly tense read, my friends. It's not unlike that well-known train wreck that you know is bound to happen, yet you can't tear your eyes away from it. The last chapter of the book is simply fantastic.

I delved into this remarkable book and discovered a wealth of knowledge. It enlightened me about art, which is a pure and honest expression of the world and its profound meanings. Religion, on the other hand, serves as a means to bring balance to a world often filled with pain and terror. Both art and religion have their own ways of dealing with pain, but they exist in different realms of meaning that can be challenging to connect. The dogmatic understanding of universal duty provides a simple way for one to make sense of their actions and purpose. This book is a powerful cry for the liberation of one's gifts, regardless of what they may be.

Asher Lev is not the sole hero in this story. The Rebbe, Jacob Kahn, and especially his mother all stand out as exemplary souls, each fulfilling their good part in the grand play of life. Being Christian, I found it fascinating to learn that some Jews believe the Romans killed Jesus because he claimed to be the Messiah, and they feared a revolution. These Jews feel that much Jewish blood has been shed due to the misunderstanding that the Jews killed Christ. They also believe that Jesus could not have been the Messiah as the world is still filled with suffering, and the Messiah was supposed to liberate his people from oppression. This is a new perspective that I had never heard before.

The book is filled with excellent quotes that offer deep insights. For example, "All the Jewish people are one body and one soul. If one part of the body hurts, the entire body hurts--and the entire body must come to the help of the part that hurts." This quote emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual support within the Jewish community. Another quote that struck me was "The gift was making me ill and causing everyone around me to suffer--and I hated it, despised it, wanted to burn and destroy it, felt toward it a mountainous rage." This shows the complex emotions that come with having a special gift and the conflict it can create within oneself.

Overall, this book has been a thought-provoking and eye-opening experience for me. It has expanded my understanding of art, religion, and the human condition. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in exploring these themes.

Easily one of my favorite books of all time is this remarkable work. It truly stands out among the countless books I have read. There are so many striking parallels between the author's experience in his Jewish sect and that of being a Mormon. The details and nuances of both these religious experiences are explored in a way that is both fascinating and enlightening. It makes one think deeply about the similarities and differences between different religious traditions and how they shape a person's life and perspective. The author's ability to draw these parallels and present them in a vivid and engaging manner is truly commendable. This book has not only entertained me but also made me gain a greater understanding and appreciation for different religious cultures. It is a must-read for anyone interested in religion, spirituality, or the human experience.

A New Favorite

In life, we often discover new things that quickly become our favorites.

It could be a new hobby, a delicious food, or a wonderful book.

These new favorites have the power to bring us joy, excitement, and a sense of fulfillment.

They can also change our perspectives and open up new possibilities.

For example, if you discover a new sport, it might not only keep you fit but also introduce you to a new community of like-minded people.

Or if you find a new cuisine, it can expand your taste buds and give you a new appreciation for different cultures.

So, keep your eyes and ears open for those new favorites, because they might just be the thing that makes your life even more amazing.

Who knows what wonderful new things are waiting for you to discover?