The Chosen

By: Chaim Potok

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

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)

How wonderful to revisit an old friend!

I first read The Chosen as a teenager. I loved it then. Listening to it now, 40 years later after raising children of my own, it had even more meaning to me. Jonathan Davis does a terrific job with the narration. The story of two Jewish boys in NYC at the close of WWII and the birth of the state of Israel is a compelling narrative of friendship, family and culture, with world politics woven in. The passage of time since the book was first published has only served to underscore its importance.

GREAT BOOK! Entertaining and informative!

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

LIFE, religion, personal-standards

Who was your favorite character and why?

I think my favorite character was the father of the main character. He combined reasoning with his religious beliefs, and he realized that one doesn't need to share your total set of beliefs and morals to be a good person and a personal asset.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Davis – was your favorite?

I don't know about my least favorite. There are aspects of the Hasidic Rabbi that I hated, but the performance did not suffer, and the character overall – as presented by Chaim Potok – was a good man. I personally don't have to like every aspect of him to understand where the character's coming from, whether or not I agree with you. I don't know that I had a least favorite…

Any additional comments?

As a JEWISH girl from a very nonreligious background, I found the descriptions and developments of Judaism overall and two main characters, both of whom will were Jewish, but neither of whom had backgrounds that I had any contact or familiarity with, educational, instructed, and entertaining. I loved the book: it did give me a more well-rounded familiarity with my religion and with different levels of beliefs. The book itself was fun, it wasn't just an "informational manual" or anything like that. Well done book!

Top notch audio book

Excellently written and narrated, one of my favorites out there. Definitely worth your time!

One of my favorites

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! It's a beautifully-written, eloquently-told, heart-warming story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It touches my heart in different ways each time I read/listen to it.

Great Performance and Story!

Loved this book so much! The story is really engaging, Informational, and well written! I would definitely read this again!

Great read

I loved the story and the narrater. I to read about Jewish history and found this educational as well as entertaining .

tender and beautiful

Wonderful book tender and insightful well done should be required reading for high schools thank you

Absolutely Profound

What an amazing book for every parent to read, and ponder their opportunity, their responsibility, and indeed their calling to mold the souls of their children. And what a great book for teenagers to read and ponder the value of real friendship.

The story is informative about Jewish history, and very thought provoking about the important and often overlooked issues of molding the soul and character of our children.

This book could be an amazing book for teenagers to read and discuss in small group settings with some wise and caring adults, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Inspiring True Friendship

This is a poignant story of how true friendship develops and the kind of friend that helps you become what you are born to be. Shows a true love for learning and passion for study leads you find your purpose in life. The thought provoking parts on parenting will teach you to be a better patent and understand that many times our views of someone’s parenting is not enough to judge their approach. Parents may do things that seem wrong out of love for their child. Wonderful book!

A modern classic!

regardless of your religion of this book doesn't make you think, you need to read it again