The Chosen is the first novel written by author Chaim Potok back in 1967. It is about the developing friendship between two boys: Reuven Malter, the son of a Jewish modern orthodox scholar and Daniel Saunders, the son of Hasidic rebbe. Set against the backdrop of World War II Crown Heights, New York, Reuven and Danny fight for their friendship even as their family philosophies place obstacles in their path.