It has been an extended period since I last delved into anything penned by Chaim Potok, and truth be told, I had no clear idea of what to anticipate.

"My Name is Asher Lev" chronicles the journey of Asher Lev as he grapples with the tug-of-war between two distinct identities. On one hand, he is a devout Hasidic Jew, deeply rooted in the traditions and beliefs of his faith. On the other hand, he is an artist with a burning passion for creating.

As he endeavors to untangle these complex aspects of himself, his story ebbs and flows, moving from a state of isolation to finding a sense of community, only to be thrust back into isolation again, culminating in a tension-filled resolution. (Evidently, there are additional books that continue Asher Lev's narrative. Perhaps there lies more finality and resolution for him in the later installments.)

Potok, in my opinion, excels in capturing the irresistible inner compulsion that Asher Lev experiences to create. He also does an admirable job of描绘 the pain, suffering, and isolation that this creative drive inflicts upon Asher Lev within the confines of his community.

Over the years, my Dad and I have had several conversations about this book. It usually goes like this:

My dad asks, "You have never read My Name is Asher Lev?"

I reply, "No, I haven't."

"You are so lucky! Now you still have the joy of looking forward to reading the book."

"We've had this conversation before, Dad."

"Then why haven't you read it yet?"

"Because as soon as I read it, you won't say I'm so lucky anymore."

I think the risk was worth it to be "less lucky" and I finally read the Asher Lev book. My reasoning is that I still have "The Promise" and "The gift of Asher Lev" that remain unread. I've already read "The Chosen" (twice), and "The Book of Lights".

Asher Lev is a practicing Hasidic Jew from a prominent Brooklyn family. He discovers early that art and drawing are very important to him, which is generally shunned in his culture. He has a pointed discussion with his father, telling him to never call his drawing foolishness again.

Asher becomes a world famous artist despite his father's wishes, and his masterpiece is an incredible piece. The description of the time when his parents see the painting is very moving. Asher is painfully aware that his painting will hurt the people he loves, especially his parents. The ending of the book was very powerful.

Powerful enough, that I'll read the sequel, The Gift of Asher Lev. Being a little less lucky isn't so bad after all.

The beginning of my review is all the funnier to me, because I had already written that part (in my mind) but before writing it here, my brother wrote the comment you can see below. Apparently, it runs in the family to be jealous of those who can still look forward to unread Chaim Potok novels.

This book has been constantly buzzing around in my head.

It explores the delicate balance between light and dark, which is both captivating and profound.

The concept of leaving a great work incomplete makes me wonder about the nature of art and the intentions of the artist.

The journeying of the mythic ancestor adds an element of mystery and wonder, taking us on a spiritual and intellectual adventure.

It makes me think about the power of art to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it.

The idea of being a master of the universe is both inspiring and daunting, making me question my own capabilities and limitations.

Dread also looms large in this book, as it forces us to confront our fears and uncertainties.

However, despite the challenges and difficulties, there is also a sense of good work, of something that is truly worthwhile and meaningful.

It feels too fresh for me to write any clear thoughts about why it was so powerful.

All I can say is to read this book for yourself. But be careful if you do; it is not a book to be read lightly. It will challenge you, inspire you, and perhaps even change you.

Not sure what to say about this book. But it's truly a great one.

It's a captivating story that delves deep into the realm of art, featuring artists and exploring the multifaceted nature of creativity, with both its joys and its pains. I'm not an artist myself; rather, I'm a writer. And yet, within the pages of this book, there were numerous aspects that I couldn't fully fathom. However, there were also other elements that I understood all too well. I firmly believe that whenever one sits down to create an original work, whenever one endeavors to express the truth of their own perception of the world, whether it be through images, words, or any other medium, they are bound to experience some of the emotions that Asher Lev feels.

That intense need to speak, to speak truthfully, about what lies within one's heart and soul, and to simply disregard what the world may think of it all. I can relate to that. This book truly gets to me. Asher Lev gets me, and I'm extremely glad that I had the opportunity to read his story.

"No one says you have to paint ultimate anguish and torment. But if you are driven to paint it, you have no other way." This powerful statement encapsulates the essence of the creative process and the inner turmoil that often accompanies it.

I really loved this book. It tells such a powerful story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Interestingly, the slowest part for me was when Asher wasn't painting and his life seemed to be dragging along. It was almost as if the story itself was moving at a slower pace during those moments.

Thankfully, there's a very useful Asher Lev vocabulary page available online. It helps a great deal with understanding all the Jewish vocabulary that is used throughout the book. This page is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to fully appreciate and understand the story.

Overall, this book is a must-read. It not only tells a great story but also introduces you to a whole new world of Jewish culture and vocabulary.

"A gift," is what Jacob Kahn told Asher Florence, Italy was. I thought this book was a gift too.

I really can't say exactly why I liked this book so much but I was completely absorbed in it. First off, it was fascinating to observe how a child copes with his artistic "gift" when his family and those around him label it as foolishness. The family dynamics were both heart-breaking and realistic. The end, when Asher had to make a choice between being true to himself and his art, and his religion and what his family would approve of, was truly heart-wrenching.

And although it is stated on the back of the book that his "extraordinary talent leads him away from his family and his faith," I'm not entirely convinced that he was turning his back on his faith. I believe he did what he had to do to be true to his art and himself, given the tools he had. It might have seemed that way to the Jewish community, but I think he was caught in the middle. Just as his mother had been stuck between Asher and his father. The image of the crucifix painting at the end brought me to tears. I'm not sure why, but it was incredibly powerful. It was sad to see the parents supporting and loving their child throughout his challenges and still loving him at the end, because that's what parents do.

I'm glad I read this one. It made me think deeply about the conflict between art, faith, and family, and it left a lasting impression on me.

I really had high hopes for this book.

Even three-fourths of the way in, I was still hopeful. Sadly, after finishing, I deeply regretted having devoted so much time to it. The first 100 pages were excruciatingly dull. I felt pity for the child, but for most of the book, I wasn't overly invested in his outcome. The plot is far from being gripping. Although, admittedly, I did stay up late the other night just to finish it and be done with it!

In all fairness, the skilled writer portrays mundane life with flowing prose. Had I rated this book merely on the author's competency, I would have had to give it a much higher rating. However, I just couldn't get past the slow, meandering plot.

I wasn't able to follow the book historically—mostly due to my ignorance of the treatment of Jews (particularly the Ladover Hasidim) in the 1940’s and 50’s. At times, Jewish terms are loosely tossed around. Other times, terminology is explained. I still can't figure out if the main audience for this book is the Jew or the Gentile (or goy—had to use that newly discovered word!). However, I don't see how a religious Jew could read this and not be upset by many parts.

I was determined to get through this one for book club, but probably would have abandoned it otherwise. Several people had said they found the book to be particularly insightful. I didn't notice it to be so.

The most redeeming part of the story is the boy’s metamorphosis as an artist. The writer really captured what it feels like to develop an eye for expressing art. Remembering my days as a college art student, many of his experiences were accurate and relatable. One definitely starts to look at the world differently when you are trying to copy it onto paper or canvas. I also had a professor who reminded me so much of Jacob Kahn.

**SPOILER ALERT**

I think what bothered me most about this story is that I really hated the main character by the end. I really wanted him to have some type of moral conviction. Instead he is driven by artistic impulse, regardless of consequence. Had he stood up for what he believes within his artistic expression, I would have given this book at least 4 stars. Then, it would have been worth the read.

This book truly broke my heart.

It was as if a storm had ravaged through my emotions, leaving me in a state of turmoil. The story within its pages was so poignant and powerful that it reached deep into the recesses of my soul and tugged at my heartstrings.

But even in the midst of this heartbreak, something unexpected began to happen. In the crevices of my broken heart, courage started to flow. It was like a tiny stream at first, but it gradually grew stronger and more resilient.

This book, which had initially caused such pain, had also become a source of inspiration and strength. It taught me that even in the face of heartbreak, there is always the potential for courage to emerge and for us to find the inner strength to carry on.

Without question, this is one of the finest pieces of literature I've ever read. It is incredibly powerful and has left a lasting impact on me. The story revolves around a young prodigy artist who, in my opinion, had the great misfortune of being born into a very ultra-orthodox Jewish family. However, I must admit that I hold a similar view about any religions. The protagonist is driven, almost helplessly, to draw and paint, despite his father's wishes. His father believes that his son's artistic efforts come from the "other side," which creates a significant conflict within the family. This book is written so well that it keeps you engaged from start to finish. You become so invested in the characters and their story that you hate to see it finally come to an end. It is a truly remarkable piece of work that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys reading.

"My name is Asher Lev" is a highly successful bildungsroman. The protagonist is a young New Yorker born into a Hasidic family of the Lubavitch group.

Hasidism is an ultra-Orthodox and Kabbalistic Jewish movement founded in the 18th century in Poland. The members live in separate communities from Christians. They follow the medieval Jewish dress code. Men wear sidecurls and married women wear wigs. From the outside, the goal of the Hasidim seems to be to resist modernity at all costs.

I highly recommend "My name is Asher Lev" to all those who want to understand the American culture of the 20th century. The importance of the Hasidim far exceeded their very small number. By existing, the Hasidim greatly disrupted the majority of highly assimilated American Jews because they sowed doubt among them. The Hasidim forced other Jews to ask themselves if they were practicing Judaism in the right way. At the same time, by their fervor, they greatly disrupted the Christians in the U.S. who were becoming increasingly lukewarm in their practices. When it was published in 1972, it was thought that "My name is Asher Lev" was addressing all of America.

Potok begins by analyzing the drawbacks of being Hasidic. First, the Hasidim are ridiculed on the streets because they look strange. Asher Lev is highly embarrassed by the looks he attracts during his visits to the Metropolitan Museum. A more serious problem is that Asher has a gift for painting and while his religion prohibits him from representing human beings.

Asher's father is furious when Asher neglects his studies to devote all his energy to painting. Fortunately, the father is away most of the time in Europe where he organizes new Yeshivas (Jewish schools). Left alone, Asher develops his talent and becomes a famous artist.

Asher's father immediately walks out of his first exhibition because of two paintings with nude women. The second exhibition causes a definitive break. This time, Asher represents his grandfather assassinated at Easter by a Christian as Christ crucified. His father is beside himself and the Rabbi expels Asher from the community. At the end of the novel, Asher realizes that he will have to make his own way.

Potok is torn by his protagonist. He defends his right to follow his star. Also, he insists that Asher's intentions were good. Nevertheless, Asher's deviations are extremely serious. "My name is Asher Lev" does not offer easy solutions. It has lost much of its topicality but it is still a very powerful novel.

Wow. This book was truly remarkable, leaving me completely speechless.

Asher, with his Hasidic Jewish family and life, his passion for art, his youthful days, and his experiences of sadness, all come alive on the pages.

The characters are so vividly drawn, and the pacing is just perfect, keeping me engaged from start to finish.

I truly believe it is a perfect book.

I recall reading this during my junior high or high school years, and at that time, it meant very little to me. It's astonishing how one can simply read and understand the words, and be able to regurgitate ideas to pass a test, yet not truly understand the essence of it. However, upon re-reading it as an adult who has lived through life, raised children, and studied art, it's truly amazing to not just read it, but to feel it deep within. It's as if a whole new world has opened up, and I can now appreciate the beauty and depth of this wonderful book in a way that I never could before.

4.5 stars

Chaim Potok's writing is truly remarkable! As a rabbi, his works delve deep into the lives of Hasidic and Orthodox Jewish subjects and their struggles. These struggles often occur internally or within their religious community rather than in the exterior world. "My Name Is Asher Lev" is a prime example of the central character's own intense struggle.

In a religion that is firmly grounded, filled with numerous rules, and demands a great deal from its followers, Asher Lev discovers a different sense of potential within himself and develops a passionate love for art. Potok's writing style is such that any Jewish reader can find a profound sense of connection, while a non-Jewish reader not only has the ability to connect on an emotional level but also gains a greater understanding of Hasidism, its rituals, and how its adherents serve their G-d.

Asher Lev, a Hasid born in 1943, grows up with his parents, Aryeh and Rivkeh. Aryeh devotes his life to serving the Rebbe and frequently travels, believing that it is essential to meet the people he is helping face to face. As he mentions, "To touch a person's heart, you must see a person's face. One cannot reach a soul through a telephone." In a modern era where people are constantly texting and using their cell phones, this line is truly a breath of fresh air and a reason why this novel can be considered a modern classic.

Aryeh accepts a position in Europe, which creates a significant strain in his relationship with his son. This strain has already begun to develop due to Asher's status as an artist who paints what he sees in the most honest way possible. Aryeh views art as pointless and often scolds and chides Asher for his actions. Asher's mother, on the other hand, does her best to meet the needs of both her husband and son. She studies Russian affairs to assist her husband while also providing Asher with the support and materials he needs to paint, although most of this Asher acquires on his own.

As time passes, Asher begins to establish himself as a painter and comes under the guidance of Jacob Kahn. This new association creates an extreme situation that is completely opposite to what his parents would desire. However, Asher seems to find a middle ground. He wants to paint things as he sees them, yet at the same time, he eats kosher, prays three times a day, loves his parents, and cares for those within his Hasidic community. This aspect of the book is one that I truly appreciate, as it makes Asher a complex and relatable human being.

"My Name Is Asher Lev" is a remarkable accomplishment in how it explores the bridge between religion and art and how they should be perceived and accepted. As a reader approaching this objectively in terms of religion, I find Asher to be a very determined individual who means well, even if his actions cause grief to his deeply religious parents. I like the nature and development of each of the characters and how they all have good intentions, despite being firm and passionate in their beliefs. The pacing of the story is also excellent, flowing in a way that provides just enough information about each event in Asher's life and highlights the important periods of time. While there were a few moments when I wished that more information had been provided, overall, it was a very good piece.

I am definitely eager to read more by Chaim Potok, including the sequel to this novel, "The Gift of Asher Lev."