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The Chosen

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( 96,547 ratings, 5,330 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Chosen by Chaim Potok is a compelling tale set in 1940s Brooklyn, exploring the friendship between two Jewish boys from vastly different backgrounds. As they navigate their cultural and religious differences, the story delves into themes of faith, identity, and familial expectations. Their journeys illuminate the broader struggles and richness of Jewish life in mid-20th century America.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are drawn to stories exploring the deep complexities of friendship, faith, and father-son relationships set against a backdrop of Jewish American culture. It brings to life the rich tradition of scholarship and community while delving into the struggles between tradition and change in a beautifully written narrative.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Following a baseball game that nearly became a religious war, two Jewish boys become friends. Danny comes from the strict Hasidic sect. Reuven is brought up by a father patently aware of the 20th century. Everything tries to destroy their friendship, but they use honesty with each other as a shield and it proves an impenetrable protection.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

New to Penguin Modern Classics, a timeless tale of divided generations and enduring friendship.

Following a baseball game that nearly became a religious war, two Jewish boys become friends. Danny comes from the strict Hasidic sect that keeps him bound in centuries of orthodoxy. Reuven is brought up by a father patently aware of the twentieth century. Everything tries to destroy their friendship, but they use honesty with each other as a shield and it proves an impenetrable protection.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Chosen by Chaim Potok is praised for its deep exploration of friendship, faith, and cultural identity set against the backdrop of 1940s Brooklyn. Readers have commended Potok's rich character development and his sensitive portrayal of the complexities within the Jewish community. The narrative's focus on the relationship between two boys from different Jewish sects has resonated with many for its heartfelt and thoughtful examination of the challenges and bonds of family, tradition, and personal growth.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141040776

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 November 2009

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 215g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Born in 1929, Chaim Potok grew up and was educated in New York. After being ordained as a rabbi, he took a Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania, and worked as a chaplain with the US Forces in Korea from 1955-57. His novels The Chosen, The Promise, In the Beginning, The Book of Lights, My Name is Asher Lev, The Gift of Asher Lev and I am The Clay, have all been published by Penguin. He is also the author of Wanderings, a history of the Jews; of a children's book, The Tree of Here; and of three plays, Out of the Depths, Sins of the Father and The Play of Lights. He died in 2002. Shalom Auslander is the author of the memoir, The Foreskin's Lament (Picador 2007) and Beware of God, a collection of short stories about growing up Jewish (Picador 2006). His work has appeared in the New Yorker, the New York Times, and theGuardian, among others, and he is regular contributor to Public Radio International's "This American Life." He lives in New York.

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