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Chaim Potok

The Chosen

Chaim PotokFiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1967

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Book Brief

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Chaim Potok

The Chosen

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1967
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Brooklyn, New York • 1940s

Publication Year

1967

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

The Chosen by Chaim Potok, published in 1967, follows the friendship of two Jewish teens, Reuven and Danny, in 1940s Brooklyn. Danny, expected to inherit his father's role as a Hasidic leader, grapples with his desire to become a psychologist, diverging from his traditional upbringing. Themes include the complexities of Jewish identity, father-son relationships, and the pursuit of knowledge. The book addresses traumas linked to the Holocaust and a father-son relationship that appears psychologically abusive.

Contemplative

Emotional

Inspirational

Melancholic

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.3

96,879 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Chaim Potok's The Chosen is widely praised for its deep exploration of friendship, faith, and cultural identity against the backdrop of 1940s Brooklyn. Critics commend its rich character development and insightful portrayal of the Jewish experience. Some, however, find its pacing slow and narrative somewhat didactic. Overall, it's a compelling, thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Chosen?

Readers who enjoy deep, character-driven narratives about friendship, ethical dilemmas, and cultural identity will find The Chosen by Chaim Potok intriguing. Fans of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye and Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn will appreciate the exploration of personal growth and family dynamics.

4.3

96,879 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Brooklyn, New York • 1940s

Publication Year

1967

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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