Title: My Name is Asher Lev
Author: Chaim Potok
Genre: fiction
Pages: 384
Rating (out of 5 stars): *****
Description: Asher Lev is a Jewish boy in Brooklyn who has an incredible gift for art. Unfortunately, in his culture, artistic talent is viewed as futile at best and a curse from the "other side" at worst. His father is a very observant and dedicated Jew, and he especially finds Asher's "gift" revolting. Asher then has to struggle between his art and his religion, and he feels very strong pulls from both sides of the battle.

Thoughts: This is probably the most compelling book I have read in over a year. I felt helplessly drawn to it, almost like Asher is helplessly drawn to his art. It provides a glimpse into the life of a real artist who honestly can't help but be true to the art that is crying out from within him, despite traditions he might break and people he might hurt. For me, it was an excellent dialogue about the relationship between religion and any sort of passion (I have often wondered about similar conflicts, e.g. Can Mormonism and Thoreau's transcendentalism mesh?). It definitely had me torn. I read, eagerly hoping that Asher would be able to reconcile the dichotomy, not only for his sake but for my own peace of mind as well. The book also provided an interesting perspective on family, Christianity, and friendship.

Disclaimer: This book has some discussion about painting nudes. In my opinion, it was done tastefully enough, but don't say I didn't warn you. Nothing else is offensive.