Acts of Faith

Rating:
Summary: Not Very Original But Rather Enjoyable
Review: A few weeks ago I was looking for an old book and stumbled across ACTS OF FAITH. It was a book that I read years ago, but perused it again. Even those who love the book will have to admit it is a canned, predictable story. Timothy is a stereotypical Irish potential urchin who later becomes a priest. As a youth he comes into contact with a Hassidic Jewish family. He befriends the son who is about the same age and falls in love with a young woman in the family named Deborah. Tim and Deborah are separated, meet one day and engage in a passionate moment that surprise: results in a pregnancy. Many years later, Tim meets his love child. Meanwhile Daniel, who is expected to follow in his father's footsteps as a Rabbi, but discovers he has to do so in his own way. Very Neil Diamond JAZZ SINGER, if you ask me.

The first time I read the book, I could not put it down. Yes I knew what would happen. What else could be expected from the writer who penned LOVE STORY which contains what may be the gaggiest line in the English language "love means never having to say you're sorry?" Well, just as LOVE STORY had something that compelled readers and moviegoers alike, ACTS OF FAITH does too. Segal knows his Catholicism and his male lead character of Timothy Hogan is not cliché. Deborah, the female lead character has her complexities as well. The characters are so compelling they move the plot, and somehow it all becomes believable. The characters do struggle with life, love, family conflict and faith, issues we all deal with in one way or another.

This is the perfect "waste time" book. It is just taxing enough for a vacation. It is easy enough to read on a hectic subway train or bus while commuting to work. It can make a sick day from work a bit easier to take. It's just an enjoyable read-nothing all that sophisticated but certainly not a waste of time.


Rating:
Summary: Predictable
Review: All of the characters appear to be stereotypical, and the plot is predictable, after the first 50 pages. It was a good read never the less, but not a very good novel.

Rating:
Summary: Predictable
Review: All of the characters appear to be stereotypical, and the plot is predictable, after the first 50 pages. It was a good read never the less, but not a very good novel.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: Even though I sort of expected what would happen in some parts of the book, other parts were sooo surprising that I was just blown away... I really liked this book especially becuase I am Jewish and Segal's portrayal of Judaism was very accurate. The insight I recieved to other religions was great. I loved it and reccomend it highly...

Rating:
Summary: You will finish the book
Review: Hi, everybody! Wow, this book was one of those inspiring ones. History, traditions, love, courage, will -- all seen through the prizm of communication of children with parents. FAITH is different for everyone. Erich Seagal let readers see how different people imagine faith. Even those who do not believe in any POWER(s), unconsciously act by faith and with faith. Very delightful book.

Rating:
Summary: Segal's most absorbing novel
Review: I disliked the campiness of Love Story, was a bit bored by The Class, and was depressed by Oliver's Story. Only Love made me want to give this novel a chance, and I'm glad I did. This is a book I read over and over. Rarely, if ever, does one find both love and characters so pure at heart and by action. Finally, here is a romance where I understand what the protagonists love about each other. Daniel could have been left out of the story, though - I'm not sure why a character so incidental to the overall plot was given sections from his point of view.

Rating:
Summary: An interesting twist on love and religion
Review: I would recommend this book if you would like to learn more about Judiasm and Christianity while reading a great book! A bit dull at times though. But it says a lot about love and passion.

Rating:
Summary: A poor synthesis of greater works
Review: I'm going to go out on a limb here and be a heretic by disagreeing with the other reviewers of this book. I thought it was an utter piece of trash. The book was entirely predictable. I knew from the third chapter that the Catholic Timothy would become a priest and he'd fall in love with the Jewish Deborah who would be tossed out of the family home by her one-dimensional father. In fact, I found all of the characters to be disagreeable, the plot tedious and the manipulation of religion to suit the storyline distasteful.

I suppose if you are looking for a good laugh, this book might be interesting. I, however, didn't even find it funny. I found myself exclaiming out loud "Oh come on! That's ridiculous!" at multiple times as the book progressed. If you value your time, don't waste it on this book.