<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<GoodreadsResponse>
	<Request>
		<authentication>false</authentication>
		    <method><![CDATA[]]></method>
	</Request>
	
<book id="28948">
  <title><![CDATA[Gimpel the Fool: And Other Stories]]></title>
  <isbn><![CDATA[0374530254]]></isbn>
  <isbn13><![CDATA[9780374530259]]></isbn13>
    <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167958436m/28948.jpg</image_url>
    <work>
  <best_book_id type="integer">28948</best_book_id>
  <books_count type="integer">10</books_count>
  <default_description>&lt;div&gt;Isaac Bashevis Singer&amp;#8217;s first collection of stories, &lt;i&gt;Gimpel the Fool&lt;/i&gt;, is a landmark work that has attracted international acclaim since it was first published in 1957. In Saul Bellow&amp;#8217;s masterly translation, the title story follows the exploits of Gimpel, an ingenuous baker who is universally deceived but who declines to retaliate against his tormentors. Gimpel and the protagonists of the other stories in this volume all inhabit the distinctive pre&amp;#8211;World War II ghettos of Poland and, beyond that, the larger world created by Singer&amp;#8217;s unforgettable prose.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</default_description>
  <id type="integer">2562120</id>
  <media_type>book</media_type>
  <original_language_id type="integer" nil="true"></original_language_id>
  <original_publication_day type="integer" nil="true"></original_publication_day>
  <original_publication_month type="integer" nil="true"></original_publication_month>
  <original_publication_year type="integer">1978</original_publication_year>
  <original_title>Gimpel the Fool: And Other Stories</original_title>
  <rating_dist>total:238|5:101|4:86|3:42|2:8|1:1|</rating_dist>
  <ratings_count type="integer">238</ratings_count>
  <ratings_sum type="integer">992</ratings_sum>
  <reviews_count type="integer">319</reviews_count>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">18</text_reviews_count>
</work>

  <average_rating><![CDATA[4.17]]></average_rating>
  <ratings_count><![CDATA[212]]></ratings_count>
  <text_reviews_count><![CDATA[17]]></text_reviews_count>
  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28948.Gimpel_the_Fool_And_Other_Stories]]></url>
  <authors>
        <author id="14444">
      <name><![CDATA[Isaac Bashevis Singer]]></name>
      <role><![CDATA[]]></role>
      <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14444.Isaac_Bashevis_Singer]]></url>
      <average_rating><![CDATA[4.08]]></average_rating>
      <ratings_count><![CDATA[2670]]></ratings_count>
      <text_reviews_count><![CDATA[242]]></text_reviews_count>
    </author>
      </authors>
    <reviews start="1" end="20" total="318">
    <review id="72365360">
    <user id="2772548">
    <name><![CDATA[Anne]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Northridge, CA]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2772548-anne-eggebroten]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 1992</read_at>
  <date_added>Thu Sep 24 12:45:08 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Thu Sep 24 12:52:28 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[The story &quot;Joy&quot; in this book is unforgettable, rich with spiritual meaning, about a rabbi whose children die, who lives in despair without faith for many years.  I read it many years ago, decided to use the book this semester in teaching RS 310 Religion &amp; Literature at California State Uni...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/72365360">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/72365360]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="4725901">
    <user id="278955">
    <name><![CDATA[gretl]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Atlanta, GA]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/278955-gretl-glick]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>2</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Sat Aug 18 05:46:47 -0700 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sat Aug 18 05:48:06 -0700 2007</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[i liked it so much i named my dog after the author.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4725901]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="76524053">
    <user id="1336770">
    <name><![CDATA[♥Eva♥ ]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Middletown, DE]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1336770-eva]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>1</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="b-fiction" />
        <shelf name="essays-diaries-stories" />
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[Singer fans ]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[myself - read Enemies and loved it ]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Tue Nov 10 00:00:00 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Nov 02 16:21:41 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Nov 11 06:27:40 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count>once </read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Absolutely adored this! I adore Singer's writing! There was one story that I wasn't overly fond of but every single other one was fantastic. Talent just flows from each of the books I've read by Singer so far. I can't wait to read more! ]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76524053]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="39191496">
    <user id="976372">
    <name><![CDATA[Dlynn]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/976372-dlynn]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Wed Dec 03 08:20:28 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Dec 03 08:21:41 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[at first look, his stuff is harsh. but the more you read and think on it - it is really interesting. jewish mysticism, culture, etc. very revealing.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/39191496]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="71278706">
    <user id="1722253">
    <name><![CDATA[Lisago5]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1722253-lisago5]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 -0700 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Sep 15 07:22:13 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Sep 15 07:24:59 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Everything he writes is a wonder -- he could not invent these characters -- they are all around us if only we can see as he has seen.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/71278706]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="52626674">
    <user id="1779830">
    <name><![CDATA[Andrew]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Midland, MI]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1779830-andrew-christ]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 1998</read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Apr 14 07:47:10 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Apr 14 07:48:17 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I very much like the story of Gimpel the Fool. Singer's other stories I didn't read until much later.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/52626674]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="58947323">
    <user id="1357119">
    <name><![CDATA[David]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Astoria, NY]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1357119-david]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Fri Jun 12 00:00:00 -0700 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Jun 08 20:44:10 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Jun 17 20:51:03 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Forgot how good Singer can be, last story is annoying though]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/58947323]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="539472">
    <user id="46684">
    <name><![CDATA[Michele]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Brooklyn, NY]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/46684-michele]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[Jews and gentiles alike!]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Apr 02 18:21:55 -0700 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Apr 02 18:25:31 -0700 2007</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[IBS is the master. You never know in this collection whether a story will contain supernatural elements, or abruptly go completely modern on you, seeing an entire family pack up and move to America. I love the sprites, the imps and the demons - the torment and the passion. Also, the fantastic descri...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/539472">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/539472]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="20492838">
    <user id="259137">
    <name><![CDATA[Mia]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/259137-mia]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="read-2008" />
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Fri Apr 18 00:00:00 -0700 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Apr 18 17:18:50 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Apr 18 17:25:27 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Wonderful as a set of tales of Yiddish Poland; problematic in the frequent themes of the stupidity and duplicity of women and how easily men are led astray.  It seems honorable men out-number similar women.  The last couple of stories are particularly good, and the last one speicifically is poignant...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/20492838">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/20492838]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="7161262">
    <user id="388792">
    <name><![CDATA[Jennifer]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Winchester, VA]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/388792-jennifer]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="childrensliterature" />
        <shelf name="classics" />
        <shelf name="religious" />
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 1980</read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Oct 02 14:02:52 -0700 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Oct 02 14:05:40 -0700 2007</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I read all the &quot;Chelm&quot; stories as a child, and found them absolutely delightful. The stories of the not-too-bright but well-meaning residents of the town of Chelm give a wonderful insight into Jewish life in small towns before the War. Highly recommended. ]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7161262]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="11081254">
    <user id="636557">
    <name><![CDATA[Karin]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/636557-karin]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Mon Sep 01 00:00:00 -0700 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Thu Dec 27 08:22:16 -0800 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Sep 29 07:47:30 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I've never read anything by Isaac Singer that I did not like. His writings take us to another world, another time, another culture and makes it come to life. I am always glad to have spent that time with him there.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/11081254]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="22635351">
    <user id="1176031">
    <name><![CDATA[Jenelle]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Portland, OR]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1176031-jenelle]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Tue May 20 14:00:48 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue May 20 14:02:39 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Love Singer! His stories are a wonderful blend of magic, mysticism and a rich tapestry of Yiddish culture. I relish all of his stories. ]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/22635351]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="6585869">
    <user id="268137">
    <name><![CDATA[Josh]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[moscow, Russian Federation]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/268137-josh]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[anyone]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sat Sep 01 00:00:00 -0700 2007</read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Sep 21 21:07:32 -0700 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Sep 21 21:08:32 -0700 2007</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[such a fantastic storyteller. i'm reading this book for the second time in my life, and still i find so much new and thrilling in it.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6585869]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="35773866">
    <user id="422305">
    <name><![CDATA[Nina]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Montclair, NJ]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/422305-nina]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Oct 20 11:53:10 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Oct 20 11:53:36 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I wish I could read this in the original Yiddish.  I've got a feeling it would be even better.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/35773866]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="17481385">
    <user id="162028">
    <name><![CDATA[Sharon]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Rexburg, ID]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/162028-sharon]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="fiction" />
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 1984</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Mar 10 19:43:22 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Mar 10 19:43:22 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[This book is a surprise read. I recommend it to anyone.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/17481385]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="15766714">
    <user id="914808">
    <name><![CDATA[Carrie]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/914808-carrie]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Feb 18 22:50:43 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Feb 18 22:51:33 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Read this book or regret your wasted life.  <br/><br/>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/15766714]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="35773219">
    <user id="924121">
    <name><![CDATA[rachel]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Iowa City, IA]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/924121-rachel-thomas]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Oct 20 11:44:16 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Oct 20 11:44:47 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[moderately misogynistic; still enjoyable.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/35773219]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="20086895">
    <user id="1080480">
    <name><![CDATA[Patrick\]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Tucson, AZ]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1080480-patrick]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
        <shelf name="judaica" />
        <shelf name="short-stories" />
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Apr 13 17:35:35 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Apr 21 23:30:09 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Wonderful story telling by a master.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/20086895]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="78995383">
    <user id="1476262">
    <name><![CDATA[Sandra]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1476262-sandra-platt]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>5</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Wed Nov 25 16:50:27 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Nov 25 16:50:27 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78995383]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="78757082">
    <user id="1646407">
    <name><![CDATA[Brian]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1646407-brian]]></url>
  </user>
      <rating>0</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <sell_flag>false</sell_flag>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Nov 23 11:36:55 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Nov 23 11:36:55 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78757082]]></url>
</review>
    </reviews>
  <popular_shelves>
        <shelf name="to-read" />
        <shelf name="fiction" />
        <shelf name="short-stories" />
        <shelf name="shortstories" />
        <shelf name="mythology" />
        <shelf name="currently-reading" />
        <shelf name="literature" />
        <shelf name="author-male" />
        <shelf name="judaica" />
        <shelf name="barthelme-syllabus" />
      </popular_shelves>
  <book_links>
    <book_link id="8">
  <name><![CDATA[WorldCat]]></name>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book_link/follow/8?book_id=28948</link>
</book_link>
  </book_links>
</book>
</GoodreadsResponse>