Amazon.com: Acts of Faith (9780099208211): Erich Segal: Books

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24 Reviews

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

Average Customer Review

3.5 out of 5 stars (24 customer reviews)

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not Very Original But Rather Enjoyable, September 18, 2004

By

Timothy Kearney (Haverhill, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Acts of Faith (Paperback)

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.

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I loved it!, June 14, 2000

By

Racheli Flam (Israel) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acts of Faith (Paperback)

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...

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific!, January 28, 2000

By

Yuliya (Rochester, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acts of Faith (Paperback)

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.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Very pleased
The book was a gift for an elderly relative. It arrived quickly and was in great condition even though listed as used. Read more

Published 19 months ago by robcontheroad

1.0 out of 5 stars Cheap and Entertaining Romance Novel
This is a stupid, corny story, infested with trite cliches, but it's an entertaining read, especially if you're not fond of reading. Read more

Published 23 months ago by B. Wolinsky

4.0 out of 5 stars Unfairly reviewed??
Eric Segal's ACTS OF FAITH is noted to receive some very harsh and negative reviews here. I disagree with them. Read more

Published on July 28, 2009 by Cyborg1939

1.0 out of 5 stars Baseless relationships & ridiculous ideas of Catholicism
When I first read this book 13 years ago, I thought it was great. Re-reading it with a more mature and educated mind, I found it insulting. Read more

Published on March 20, 2006 by K. Evans

5.0 out of 5 stars A heart-wrenching love story
This is my favorite book of all time. I have read other books by Segal but this is the novel that stands out. Read more

Published on December 30, 2005 by bookworm

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
I'll be howled down by many of the other reviewers, but I found Acts of Faith to be an interesting read, touching heavily on both the Jewish and Catholic religions. Read more

Published on September 24, 2005 by Beverley Strong

3.0 out of 5 stars Predictable
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.

Published on January 28, 2004 by C Brunner

4.0 out of 5 stars Segal's most absorbing novel
I disliked the campiness of Love Story, was a bit bored by The Class, and was depressed by Oliver's Story. Read more

Published on June 17, 2003 by Aletheia Tamewitz

1.0 out of 5 stars A poor synthesis of greater works
Erich Segal's "Love Story" was decent enough; his "The Class" was tolerable, on a light reading level. But this book is really, really unfortunate. Read more

Published on April 22, 2002

2.0 out of 5 stars And I thought "Jepthe's Daughter" was preposterous!
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. Read more

Published on July 8, 2000 by J. Hauer

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Inside This Book (learn more)
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First Sentence:
I was baptized in blood. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Rav Luria, New York, Father Hanrahan, Erich Sega, Deborah Luria, Reb Vidal, Rebbe Schiffman, Rebbe Gershon, Father Ascarelli, Timothy Hogan, Mea Shearim, Father Hogan, Father Joe, Silczer Rebbe, Dom Ernesto, Uncle Saul, George Cavanagh, Holy Father, Holy Land, Father of the Universe, Rav Moses Luria, Kfar Ha-Sharon, King David, Rabbi Luria, Uncle Danny

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