A coming-of-age classic about two Jewish boys growing up in Brooklyn in the 1940s, this “profound and universal” story of what we share across cultures remains deeply pertinent today (The Wall Street Journal). It’s the spring of 1944 and fifteen-year-olds Reuven Malter and Danny Saunders have lived five blocks apart all their lives. But they’ve never met, not until the day an accident during a … accident during a softball game sparks an unlikely friendship. Soon these two boys–one expected to become a Hasidic rebbe, the other at ease with secular America–are drawn into one another’s worlds despite one father’s strong opposition.
Set against the backdrop of WWII and the creation of the state of Israel, The Chosen is a poignant novel about transformation and tradition, growing up and growing wise, and finding yourself–even if that might mean leaving your community.more
An immersion in another world. I love this novel.
Wish I had found Mr Potok sooner.
Loved it. The publishers description gives all the info you would need to know if you are interested. I am not Jewish, yet it is one of the most memoriable books I have read.
A friend recommended this book and I was quite happy she did. Very good.
I love the parallel relationships between the two fathers and the two sons. I’ve had my students read the book and then see the movie–both of which are fine works independently. Author Chiam Potok appears in the film as a teacher of Talmud. The historical context was particularly powerful as in our community there have been recent incidences of antisemitism, so my students were affected by the fact that old horrors are still with us. Although the young adult audience is particularly well suited for this novel, adults will appreciate it, too, I think.
It’s not often that I read literary fiction, and when I do, I often don’t like it. But this one was different. Chaim Potok created a friendship between two Jewish boys that rightly deserves its place in the halls of famous fictional friendship. There’s such a depth to these characters that I feel that I could read the book again and learn something new from them and about them.
On top of the great writing, it was also an informative read, covering a period of history (Jewish history from the 16th century to WWII) that I don’t know much about.
My son was reading this book for his 9th grade English class. I picked it up to read along with him and was drawn in by the characters, the unique young male point of view during a coming-of-age story, and in-depth discussion of a culture I’m unfamiliar with. A wonderful tale of friendship and of learning who you are.
beautifully written
A classic, especially for thinking people who are interested in expanding their world.
fantastic read
I wouldn’t call it a great book, but it certainly got me thinking about the different Jewish worlds we inhabit, and how we choose which one to live in. The ending feels somewhat unfinished, probably due to the fact that this book is actually two books combined. Nevertheless, I recommend it for people who want to get insight into the lives of others.
One of the best!
This is a beautifully written book. Everyone should read The Chosen and The Promise. Then read My Name is Asher Lev.
Boring. Stopped reading long before it ended. Wanted to learn about Jewish communities found it just dragging on and in.
I loved this book when i first read it 40-ish years ago and I loved it just as much now
I read this book a long time ago and very much enjoyed it. I learned a lot about Jewish laws, customs and traditions. I was fascinating. I went on to read every book in the series.
I loved this book. I learned so much about the Jewish religion, the time period, and both friend and father/son relationships. The book includes lots of extras at the end of the novel – reviews and commentaries, including some by the author.
I just finished this book and am so glad I read it. The characters were believable and the story was interesting. I cheered on the rabbi’s son hoping that he would be true to himself and not give in to to the preordained position he was supposed to take. Not being Jewish I was unaware of many of the customs and beliefs of the Hasid group so learning about this was interesting.
It’s been 40years since I read this book, and it still stays with me. Glad to see it brought to readers attention again. I think I would like to read it again. Thank you
Simply one of the best books I’ve ever read!