This is a fabulous book. Asher is an extremely gifted artist growing up in an hasidic community that does not understand nor value his gift. Written in first person, the reader gets a small glimpse of what it might be like to have such a gift and the curses associated with it. Potok brings to the surface so many questions about God, Orthodox Judiasm and Christianity. THe book forces the reader to look at the way you have defined God from a very different perspective. I love a book that makes you think, helps you understand someone else and yourself just a little better. My Name is Asher Lev definately accomplishes that. My book club recently read this book and it is great for discussion. Via the internet, I learned that Asher Lev is the character that Chaim Potok most identifies with and even were able to see a painting that Potok did representing the 2nd crucifixion. I highy recommend this powerful book. Its even better than The Chosen.