The Chosen

By: Chaim Potok

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Though they've lived their entire lives less than five blocks from each other, Reuven Malter and Danny Saunders exist in very different worlds. Reuven blends easily into both his secular Jewish faith and his typical American teen life, while Danny's conservative Hasidic clothes and appearance make him stick out in any crowd. Their improbable friendship teaches them that the differences separating people through cultures and generations are never as great as they seem.

©1995 Chaim Potok (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Anyone who finds it is finding a jewel. Its themes are profound and universal." (The Wall Street Journal)

Even Better The Second Time Around

I read this when I was young(er) in the 60's. I knew I thoroughly enjoyed it but could not remember why. It was fun going through the story again, discovering the fun parts! There are some parts of the story that drag on and certain situations are, well, I wonder about.

This is a story of two sons with two fathers. Although both are Jewish, their faiths take on very different lifestyles. The fathers, and how they are raising thier sons, are also very different. Reuven and his father are very close. In fact, their relationship seems too perfect. But that is besides the point. Danny and his father have a strained relationship, but it is still a positive one. How thse two boys meet and grow together as friends is a fascinating tale.

The narration is very well done. Davis differentiated between characters seamlessly and distinctly. He was a joy to listen to.

If you have never come across this classic, you will be ever so glad you found it. If this is not a new title, you will be thrilled to rediscover it!! Enjoy.

The movie was great. THIS was exceptional!

This book touched me deeply, in too many ways to be expressed here. It is beautifully written, with rich dialogue and descriptions that transported me across place and time--eventually landing me gently into Rubin and his father's home or Danny's father's study.

The narration was magnificent. I don't believe I have ever listened to someone bring out the voice AND PERSON of the characters in so strongly a way before. I felt as if I were truly listening to that person speak.

Memorable and touching

Compelling story, concise language, yet adept descriptions of characters you felt you had already met.

Powerful

This is a powerful story of the love of fathers and sons, and an unlikely friendship.

Worth your time and attention

This book is profoundly eloquent and moving. The intimate journey of two friends has a scale as monumental as real life in all its complexity. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

really should read

a profound sorry of family, love and suffering. I will listen again, the narration added to the experience.

Recorded composition

This was an unexpectedly good story. Read it as part of a book club. My only complaint is that the recording was done in 9 “chapters” when the book actually has 18. It made it quite difficult to go back and forth between audio and hard copy.

Absolutely enchanting

Boys from different Jewish sects learn to embrace one another. young boys becoming men... loved learning about Hasidism

Fascinating historical fiction

I learned a lot about the Hasidim. I believe that now, in 2022, the Satmar oppose the existence of Israel. From the book it seems that the Hasidim widely opposed the establishment of a Jewish state in the late 1940s. I just loved Reuben’s father, the ideal modern Orthodox.

Great story, well performed

If you could sum up The Chosen in three words, what would they be?

Memorable

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Chosen?

The last scene where Danny's father finally speaks to him.

What does Jonathan Davis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Excellent narrator

Who was the most memorable character of The Chosen and why?

Both boys and both father's are equally memorable for the contrapuntal roles that they play which illuminates and give dimension to the other character.

Any additional comments?

This is a modern day classic. A wonderful story, well told, and well narrated, with a great "punch" ending.