The Chosen by Chaim Potok, Centered Around Two Jewish Families in WWII

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The Chosen takes place in Brooklyn, New York in the 1950’s. It was the time where everyone has their radio on all the time, just to keep up with recent news on World War II. It is centered mainly on two boys and their families. Despite both families being devotedly Jewish, they treat their religion in a very different way and end up influencing each other.

Reuvan Malter is one of the main characters and he also narrates the book. His dad teaches at the school he goes to, which makes Reuvan very smart and friendly with most of the students. His household is not strict, but he is still very educated in the Talmud (the book of ceremonial law for all Jews.) Reuvan plays softball on the school team and is the player that guards second base. He is very clever and to keep his glasses from sliding off, he bends the ear pieces down right before a game. This ultimately results in an accident later on, but it is how he will meet the other protagonist named Danny.

Danny Saunders is the other main character, who lives under the shadow of becoming the next rabbi (the preacher of our culture.) He...

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