I loved Potok's earlier book "My Name is Asher Lev" and hoped/assumed that the very moving story would continue into "The Gift of Asher Lev". I was disappointed in the read, though. It does not captivate as the first book did. I am not finding fault with the writing; Potok was incredibly gifted with words. It's the story which was a let-down.Asher Lev's artistic and spiritual confusion, aimlessness, and lethargy brought us a dark and mysterious story overall. I felt empathy for the pressure put on Asher by family, the Rebbe, and the community. Mostly, though, from the moment in the story that I guessed what Asher's "gift" might be, I really, REALLY hoped I was wrong. But I wasn't wrong, and the revelation left me feeling cold and empty.I truly wish I had not read the book.