The Rabbi

I’ll admit, I approached *The Rabbi* skeptical of yet another ‘spiritual journey’ narrative, but Gordon’s novel surprised me with its unflinching honesty. This isn’t a story about epiphanies or easy answers—it’s about the grind of seminary life, the bureaucratic absurdities of religious institutions, and the loneliness of feeling like an outsider in the very tradition you’re meant to uphold. Michael Kind is a protagonist who frustrates as much as he endears: his self-righteousness in early chapters had me rolling my eyes, but that’s the point. His growth isn’t linear, and Techosky’s narration sells every stumble. When Michael snaps at a professor or stumbles through a sermon, you *hear* the crack in his voice, the way his confidence wavers. It’s a subtle performance, but the emotional precision is remarkable. That said, the audiobook isn’t without flaws. The middle act drags slightly—Gordon’s deep dive into Talmudic debates and seminary infighting, while realistic, can feel overwritten in audio form. A tighter edit might’ve helped. And while Techosky excels with Michael’s introspective moments, his female characters occasionally lack distinctiveness, blending into a sameness that undermines their impact. Still, the final act’s payoff—a quiet, ambiguous resolution—lands beautifully. This isn’t a book that ties up neatly, and that’s why it lingers. If you’re looking for a sanitized portrait of faith, look elsewhere. But if you want a story about the cost of devotion, warts and all, *The Rabbi* delivers—especially in Techosky’s hands, where every hesitation feels earned.