The Chosen is a story of the friendship between two Jewish boys growing up in 1940s Brooklyn. Reuven Malter, the narrator of the story, is the son of a writer and scholar who follows modern methods of studying Judaism and he is Orthodox. Danny is the genius son of a Hasidic rabbi, whose people live completely within the bounds of traditional Jewish law.

The Chosen is a fascinating study on personalities, parenting, and discovering your children's unique gifts, talents, and skills.