The only way I can begin to describe this book is beautiful. I don't know what to discuss first.

The characters are so amazingly unique. Each one is perfectly spherical, with no holes or flat edges. You know each person, and each of them is so individual and different.

The plot is very interesting. The real part of the story doesn't even begin until halfway through the book, but it's not boring until then. It just picks up. Anyway, the plot is very flowing. The core of the entire work is the characters, and the plot revolves around them — I mean, they just exist, and interact. And that's the entire plot. You observe them living their life.

Something interesting about this book is its absence of a conflict. Well, technically, fine, there is always the transparent conflict of this mind of a genius which is the chosen one to inherit a life he doesn't want. But as I said, it's transparent. And this conflict, significant though it may be, comes only from the characters trying to each make their lives the best they can be. There is no maliciousness, at least not in the real conflict. In fact, the conflict is spurred on by love and devotion.

Part of Potok's genius is his ability to interweave so many topics and make each incredibly significant. Jewish history, Jewish culture, baseball, friendship, fathers and sons, growing up, learning, knowledge — each of these is shown to you, like a gift, in the most beautiful way.

One final thing to say: This book makes you feel. It makes you feel incredible depth of every kind. It makes you want to learn, it makes you want to read, it makes you want to cry. Honestly, I rarely cry at books. The climax scene, in which the actual conflict is confronted, is so powerful and loving that it will bring you to the same place the characters are, even if that is tears.