Kaddish by Leon Wieseltier

"Kaddish" is a profound exploration of grief, tradition, and spirituality, centered around the author's year-long journey of reciting the Kaddish, the Jewish prayer for the dead, following the passing of his father. The book delves deeply into the origins, history, and meaning of the prayer, while also reflecting on the broader themes of faith, identity, and the challenges of adhering to religious practice in the modern world. Through this personal and philosophical narrative, the author seeks understanding and solace in the ancient rituals of his faith, confronting his own sorrow and the complexities of the human condition.

The 10011th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 33

Since this book was first published in 1998, there is a penalty of 38.4%. The age adjusted score is 20.33.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.