The Chosen One
, by Carol Lynch Williams was inspired by a true story told by a girl who escaped from a Polygamist compound, and while this book is a work of fiction I fear the story itself rings true to much of what goes on in this type of cult.In this story thirteen year old Kyra has one father, three mothers and some twenty brothers and sisters with two more on the way. Books are banned in here are books are the work of Satan. Kyra sneaks off to the Mobile Library on wheels where she learns she can borrow books. She only takes (1) book to start so that she will be able to hide it from everyone. Kyra also has been sneaking off to meet a boy she comes to adore, and the two are planning for a future together despite the risk of meeting in secret. One day everything changes.
Kyra and her family learn that the “Prophet” will be visiting. Everyone suspects that this means her father will be chosen as an Apostle, but that is not what happens. The Prophet tells them he has had a vision and that Kyra has been chosen to be the “seventh” wife of her 60 year old uncle in just four weeks!
Does Kyra try to run off with the boy she loves, even though she may never see her family again? What happens to her and her family if she gets caught?
This story brings up important moral questions that we seem to be hearing about more and more. It seems to me that this one make an excellent book for classroom discussion at the high school level as the story contains various important themes: personal freedom, religious cults, and societies norms.
The Chosen One was an excellent audio book. I did find the ending a bit disappointing but I would still recommend this book as a very good choice for both young adults and adults alike.
RATING - 4.5/5 - COMPLETED - 6/12/09
WHERE FROM: My Stacks (for review)
This sounds like one I would enjoy. I love the series Big Love and this sounds as if it has some of the same themes.
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds REALLY good. Normally I'm not one for reading YA fiction, and I've noticed that Mormon fiction (or indictments of Mormonism through fiction) has become more popular this past year, but this just sounds really good. I'm going to see if my library has a copy!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine a life without books.
ReplyDeleteI had this as one of my Friday Finds this week and added it to my TBR list. It sounds fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED this book. Carol lives locally to me and I was able to listen to a reading. Was great. I'm glad you liked it despite an ending that you didn't like.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you enjoyed this one!! Too bad the ending didn't quite measure up...
ReplyDeleteI'm reading this now and just loving Kyra's voice.
ReplyDeleteThis is one I'd love to read. I've been trying to win a copy, hopefully I will. It sounds like one I'd like for sure.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to read this for awhile now, and have only heart good things about it. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I look forward to reding it as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to buy, borrow or win a copy of this one! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it even if the ending disappointed you a little. (I hate it when that happens!)
ReplyDeleteHi Diane!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the link to your review! Great review! And what a great book! Thanks for stopping by my blog and saying hello!
Suzanne
www.chickwithbooks.blogspot.com