When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough

With Harold Kushner's patient, folksy, easy to follow style, this is an appealing book, if a little weaker than most of his works. As is pretty evident from the title, the subject is figuring out what is missing from your life when it seems like you should have everything needed for happiness. His anchor is the book of Ecclesiastes, which along with Job is one of the two most depressing books in the Bible. That said, they are the two books that show us that the authors of the Bible had some of the same doubts and fears we have today. Ecclesiastes searches for meaning and purpose in life, and doesn't really find it. In the end, Kushner does guide us towards an answer. I suspect that some readers will find his answer very rewarding, and show more others will be quite disappointed at the conclusion of the book and will think, "Is that the best he could come up with?" I fell somewhere between. The last chapter, which sums things up is the strongest. show less

Rated: B+
Commentary on Ecclesiastes. Kushner's insights are delivered in such a wise and truthful manner.

A simple, yet thought provoking book. I don't agree with his take on everything, but I liked it a lot.

Kushner has a unique way of presenting life in terms that make you rethink your priorities. Reading it just one time isn't enough.

A quote I kept from this book:

" I don't envy people who come into their forties without ever undergoing a serious illness, bereavement, or failure, because I know that sooner or later one will come their way; and I worry that they won't be able to handle it, never having had to do it before."

By A Customer from Amazon

The author takes you on a journey with Ecclesiastes to try to find the meaning of life. I will not spoil the outcome for you, but it is an outcome that many people who are monotheistic, agnostic or atheist eventually discover as did Ecclesiastes. The answer is applicable for any generation.
Although written by a Rabbi, the wisdom in this book is applicable to anyone of any belief. Although I don't believe that this is show more Kushner's most popular book, it just might be his best. He actually ends up answering several questions rather than just THE ONE - this is exceptional work. show less

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