Rating: 
Summary: Magical; appealing as both fantasy and coming-of-age drama
Review: It is hard to describe this book. It is beautifully written. Pete Hamill has a terrific narrative style, a strong ear for character and dialogue, and a fertile imagination, all of which create an imaginative, evocative work. But what exactly is SNOW IN AUGUST? Chaim Potok meets Herman Wouk's CITY BOY and then takes a journey into stories about Captain Marvel, the Incredible Hulk, and Frankenstein-- that just about sums it up, and it still doesn't give a sense of what is actually there.I really liked this book and would/will read it again. It is a fitting companion piece to Hamill's more recent FOREVER: the man
is in love with New York, and that emotion is contagious. As both a coming-of-age drama, a slice-of-life journey, and an amazing fantasy/adventure, SNOW IN AUGUST is both magical and appealing.
Rating: 
Summary: Standing Out
Review: The major theme of the book is about the hardship of standing out. Like snow in august, we must all learn to make our differences affect the lives of others. We must make sure that what happens in our lives will become concerns of the authority that we, the people of the United States of America, created to represent us. Michael took responsibility to care for the Rabbi because he felt the same responsibility that his father had for all the Jews, which he died fighting to protect.
Rating:
Summary: An Epic
Review: This book, about a boy living a rough life in New York is truly touching. The way the main character met the rabbi was so realistic it's scary. The way Hamill shows how the rabbi shows the boy Europe and the Jewish religion is marvelous. The depth that the rabbi goes into unlocks some secrets of the Jewish religion even I didn't know. The relationship the mother and son had was heart warming. They lived and worked together to stay alive and keep well. When the mother was hurt the boy looked out for her and vise versa. The book was a little tough for the average seventh, but I recommend it for everyone 8th grade and above. I loved the language used by Hamill and how well he elaborated everything. While the main character was in the hospital Peter Hamill triumphed as he showed the agony of being alone. Over all this book was terrific. I give it two thumbs up.
Rating:
Summary: An intellectual renaissance!
Review: Hamill has combined a fine human-interest story and the re-education of humanity with this book. He has joined with this, different cultures, religions, and races, all in one book, plus educating us to the nuances of each. His description of the Jewish "Golem," a protective "superhero" created by a rabbi from clay-mud and prayers, out of desperation caused by the endless persecution of Jews, is fascinating(and he shows graphically the mindless reasons for Jewish desperation and for the equally senseless hatred of blacks). His young hero, Michael, 13, is not only young, innocent and pure, but he also has a burning need to learn, learn, learn, and the Jewish rabbi friend of this intelligent and highly moral young Catholic boy binds them in deep friendship and mutual education of cultures and language. Indeed, need of each other in their loneliness is most poignant. The book not only describes miracles, but is a miracle. I read Hamill when he was a newspaper columnist in my younger years, and never forgot him. His sensitivity has captivated me again, as it always did. In fact, the very day I read in this book about the "Golem," a magic word I never had heard, I heard it again on a television show! I had to explain the meaning to the neighbors with whom I was watching the program! This taught me that if I read the right authors, at age 69 I need never go uneducated. And Hamill can educate me any day.
Rating:
Summary: Will Someone Please Make The Movie? I Want To See The Movie!
Review: Wonderful story, wonderful descriptions of 1940's Brooklyn, and I finished the book thinking of what a wonderful movie it would make - and I am much more a reader than a moviegoer & have never particularly thought that of any book before. Ever. I hope some head honcho from some major motion picture studio reads this, reads the book, and agrees!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful read
Review: I picked up this book and could not put it down. This
is the finest novel I have read in years.
Rating:
Summary: A great book
Review: This book was addictive and enriching at the same time (very hard to find in a book). The story of Michael is truly inspiring and quite exciting. Would reccomend to anyone who enjoys inspirational stories and happy endings.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful dialogue, broadly educational
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read. The dialogue is as beautiful as the relationship that is formed. The reader is painted a vivid portrait of the tensions between Christianity and the Jewish faith, Jackie Robinson, post-war Brooklyn, and Irish poverty. Those who don't like the ending have obviously missed the point of the story and should stick to the latest Grisham novel (whatever it is this week).
Rating:
Summary: Golem vs. Superheroes
Review: Snow in August is a book mixing fantasy with reality from beginning to end. Michael loved reading his Marvel comics (first page, first chapter). Superhero figures, such as, Superman and Spiderman who always "save the day" were created by Jewish men (Siegal, Shuster, Leiber-Stan Lee) who grew up with the "golem" as their superhero. I believe that the golem represents for Michael his superhero that he idolizes in his comics. Good vs. evil with evil always being conquered. Some reviewing comments felt that the ending was violent but remember Superheroes conquer evil in whatever fashion it takes.
Rating:
Summary: ReKindled my Love of Reading
Review: This book rekindled my love of reading - couldn't put it down - It made me laugh and cry.
Was recommended by the Governor of Colorado and I hope more people read it
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