Jacqui

Why have I never read any Chaim Potok until now? This is a simple book of one boy's coming of age, trying to find his place like any other kid. And yet. It is a conversation about obligation: of the artist to his work and to his loved ones, of parents to child and vice versa, of religion to its adherents and vice versa, of humans to God and to our ancestors and to our dreams and to ourselves. And it is beautiful.

Caveat: the main character is a Hasidic Jew and if you aren't Jewish, in the beginning the prayers may be confusing. Hang in there; I think it's still worth reading anyway.

Confession: I am biased because the author is a friend, but if this book doesn't leave you cheering for the good guys, hating the bad guys, in love with the boys, and craving sticky rice balls, you are a soulless demon. And if you are a soulless demon, you can read it anyway because there are other scary monsters for you to identify with.