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When Bad Things Happen to Good People  By  cover art

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

By: Harold S. Kushner
Narrated by: Harold S. Kushner
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Publisher's summary

Offers a moving and humane approach to understanding life's windstorms. Raises many questions that will challenge your mind and test your faith regarding the ultimate questions of life and death.
©2009 Harold S. Kushner (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"This is a book all humanity needs. It will help you understand the painful vicissitudes of this life and enable you to stand up to them creatively." (Norman Vincent Peale)
"Whether religious or not, this book will speak because it touches - profoundly, but simply - on questions no parent and no person can avoid." (Harvey Cox, Harvard Divinity School)
"A touching, heartwarming book for those of us who must contend with suffering, and that, of course, is all of us." (Andrew M. Greeley)

What listeners say about When Bad Things Happen to Good People

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Finally something that pricks my heart

Has been one year since my four-year-old passed away. I have attempted to seek out religious instruction from members and leaders of my own faith (I am not Jewish). Looking back at the challenges I have had to go through in the past tear I should've read this book 1st. I shouldn't have attempted to answer the question why so quickly. Instead I should of been looking for the answer to the question what now. Thank you for your insight and God bless

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11 people found this helpful

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Could be comforting to many, but not me

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

For those who believe in an all-powerful God, Kushner describes a theology in which God does not prevent bad things from happening, but He is great at helping those who have had bad things happen to them. This permits those who are suffering to continue their belief in God while not believing that they deserve the suffering.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator is the author. He sounded like the rabbi from an episode of Seinfeld. Most likely the rabbi on Seinfeld deliberately sounded like Kushner.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

Once I understood Kushner's beliefs about God, there was little additional value obtained by listening to the rest of the book.

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8 people found this helpful

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A profound and honest book about the power and limitations of god

In my eyes, this book is a deeply religious book, but also a religion agnostic book. If you believe a god (any god) exists, but life or circumstances make it hard to believe in his goodness. If you are part of a tragedy, if you believe the world is unfair because of it, this will book will offer you an answer, a response as Mister Kushner eloquently phrases. It is the power of love, the power of human goodness and its humanity that will bring you relief. I just finished this book and i feel that it has planted a new perspective on life and the world around me that can only be recognized by someone who has seen suffering, loss and pain, and I know that this idea will take root, until it fills my heart with love.

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7 people found this helpful

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Wonderful

An excellent life altering account of how to live a truly wonderful life. Not overly religious.

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A spring of fresh water amidst the desert of uncertainty

I recommend this book to everyone who is engaged in the mother of all battles: the battle to keep your faith in God. I am Christian but I found Kushner's argument consistent with my views on God and Jesus Christ. I find that his take on God, life, and the issue of bad things happening out of nowhere is one that is helping me by opening my eyes to a more spiritual view of God. A view that is consistent with God's infinite love, his gift of free will, and the nature of the world he allowed us to live when Adan and Eve made the wrong move. If you are struggling with faith because you are witnessing something bad happening to someone good or loved one, if you find yourself in fear and terror because that uncertainty that seems to disrespect righteousness; then this book will help you. May God bless you with his presence, peace, and faith.

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4 people found this helpful

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Enlightened

As someone who lost her son to suicide., I have not had the best relationship with God or my faith. Harold Kushner opened my eyes and heart to a new perception of God, Life and Universe. I will be forever broken, but I feel I have begun to feel a strength I hadn't felt before. I am grateful for his words and Love of God.

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3 people found this helpful

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Changed my life

This book changed my life and it will change yours as well. Our world is full of pain and full of people who don't know how to cope with such pain. Rabbi Kushner explains the limitations of our understanding while also giving us tools to help cope with painful tragedies that befall many people. This book is one written from the heart and its one I will cherish for a long time to come.

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Timely

Current & past experiences motivated me to seek a new perspective on my current attitude. This selection renewed my former concepts & allowed me to reconsider some questionable concepts. I plan to audio more Books by Harold Kushner. Thank you!

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2 people found this helpful

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A must read, this book explains the human thinking

Just wow, this book will not let you down. Explains the human thinking side of life, in common sense terms. Everyone will find something they can relate to. josh shoemaker

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  • MD
  • 07-05-16

Best book I have ever read or heard.

I recommend this book to everyone. It brought me comfort, strength, hope, understanding and a renewed faith in God.

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