When Bad Things Happen to Good People

by Harold Kushner
When Bad Things Happen to Good People cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Religion and Theology
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 7959
  • Added: 2025-12-19
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781400034727
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2004-08-24
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

When Harold Kushner's three-year-old son was diagnosed with a degenerative disease that meant the boy would only live until his early teens, he was faced with one of life’s most difficult questions: Why, God? Years later, Rabbi Kushner wrote this straightforward, elegant contemplation of the doubts and fears that arise when tragedy strikes. In these pages, Kushner shares his wisdom as a rabbi, a parent, a reader, and a human being. Often imitated but never superseded, When Bad Things Happen to Good People is a classic that offers clear thinking and consolation in times of sorrow./n/nThis book is not just a personal memoir but a profound exploration of theodicy, the question of why a good God permits the existence of evil. Kushner's approach is both compassionate and intellectually rigorous, making it accessible to readers from all backgrounds. The book has been praised for its moving and humane approach to understanding life’s windstorms, offering a beacon of hope and understanding in times of despair.

Reviews
Beloved Geliebt · 2024-06-15
uplifting 4.50

The book is recommended for those going through tough times, offering comfort and a way to find meaning in suffering. It is seen as a valuable resource for personal growth and understanding.

This reviewer highly recommends the book for anyone struggling with life's challenges. They find it to be a comforting and insightful read that helps in understanding and coping with suffering. The book is praised for its ability to provide solace and guidance, making it a valuable resource for personal growth and resilience. The reviewer appreciates the author's personal experiences and the practical advice offered, which makes the book relatable and impactful.

Quick quotes

    If you are not doing well, here's a book I recommend reading.

    It is entitled When Bad Things Happen To Good People by Harold S. Kushner.

    I highly recommend this book for anyone going through a tough time.

The Washington Post · 2023-05-09
profound 4.00

The book offers a comforting message on how to face life's unfair challenges by focusing on finding meaning rather than seeking answers. It is seen as a timeless and profound work.

The reviewer finds the book to be a timeless and profound work that offers a comforting message on how to face life's unfair challenges. They appreciate the author's approach of focusing on finding meaning rather than seeking answers to life's tough questions. The book is praised for its ability to provide comfort and guidance, making it a valuable resource for anyone dealing with suffering or loss. The reviewer also notes that the book's message is as relevant today as it was when it was first published.

Quick quotes

    On a superficial level, yes, this is a comforting message about how to face the unfair vicissitudes of life by focusing not on why such things happen.

    The book offers a comforting message on how to face life's unfair challenges by focusing on finding meaning rather than seeking answers.

    It is a timeless and profound work that provides comfort and guidance.

Difficult Run · Nathaniel Givens · 2017-10-03
disappointing 2.50

The book is seen as a good read but the reviewer did not finish it due to disagreeing with the author's thesis. They found the book's perspective not helpful in understanding suffering.

The reviewer acknowledges that the book is well-written and offers valuable insights, but they ultimately did not finish it because they disagreed with the author's thesis. They found the book's perspective on suffering and the nature of God to be unconvincing and not helpful in their own understanding of these complex issues. While they appreciate the book's popularity and impact, they feel that it ultimately falls short in providing a satisfying explanation for the problem of evil.

Quick quotes

    It's a good book.

    I didn't finish the book primarily because his thesis is not acceptable to me and therefore not helpful in understanding.

    The book's perspective on suffering and the nature of God is unconvincing.

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