Genre: Young AdultCopyright: 2009
Pages: 213
Book Source: Own audio
Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in her isolated community without ever questioning the fact that her father has three wives and she has twenty brothers and sisters; without ever questioning the strict rules imposed by 'the Prophet who leads them. But now Kyra has started keeping secrets. She reads books that are forbidden and sneaks away to meet Joshua, the boy she hopes to choose for herself, instead of having a husband chosen for her. Kyra knows that it's only a matter of time before her two secret loves are discovered. And when the Prophet decrees that she is to become the seventh wife of her sixty-year-old uncle, Kyra is forced to make a desperate choice. But saving herself means endangering everyone she's ever cared for. How far should she go for freedom?
Review:
This was an incredible book to listen to on audio and I was hooked from the opening sentence "If I was going to kill the prophet, I'd do it in Africa." Superbly read by Jenna Lamia (of Shiver fame) this small book is brimming with emotion and the tense atmosphere makes it almost impossible to put down.
13 year old Kyra has been raised in the polygamist sect The Chosen Ones, a community that has become oppressive under Prophet Childs' guidance control. Kyra's family are more lenient and loving in comparison to others, but fear encourages a culture of obedience and these weak parents permit abusive acts of discipline to be carried out on infants who cry or children who are disobedient, making for difficult reading.
Fortunately Kyra has a mind of her own, I cheer her on as she visits the mobile library bus and finds a friend in Patrick and as she develops 'normal' feelings for Joshua, a boy her own age. When she is "chosen" as the 7th wife to her father's brother, 60 year old Uncle Hyram, her spirit and courage give her the strength to do what she knows in her heart is right.
"I take real excellent care of my wives," Uncle Hyrum says when we get to my front porch. He pulls me close to him. His arms are like steel rods. "I'm gentle with the new ones." ... VOMIT!
I can't recommend The Chosen One highly enough, heart-stopping suspense, poignant, disturbing, hopeful.
Glimpse, Carol Lynch Williams' latest book was released June 2010 and I can't wait to read it.
This month on The Eclectic Reader one lucky reader will win one of four books. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.
Great review. The book sounds so strong, and heartbreaking. Would not wish that upon anyone
ReplyDeleteI won this book a while ago and I've really been looking forward to reading it. Your wonderful review definitely bumped it up on my list Sheree!
ReplyDeleteAh, I want this book so much. I'm counting on your giveaway though, since I can't find it anywhere here :(
ReplyDeleteGood review.
This sounds like a creepily compelling story.
ReplyDeleteew! uncle Hyram needs his face smacked. Thanks for the review and I will add this to the tbr.
ReplyDeleteI dont think I can read this through. Its a compelling story but I just cant.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that she already had another books out. Will have to go check it out. Thanks for the heads up! Agree with your review completely!
ReplyDeleteOn one hand, I'm intrigued by the synopsis of this book and because of your review but on the other hand I can't help but feel repulsed-obviously because of what happens in the story-but I don't know if I'd be able to read it. I'm 50/50 about it.
ReplyDelete(I think I may have to change my choice for the giveaway lol)
Your review was really good and gave great insight.
Great review, Teddyree :) I really want to read this book.
ReplyDeleteHi Teddyree!
ReplyDeleteI had this book all ready to read, and then, I saw the polygamist part. And how she was chosen and to whom she is chosen for, caused me to shudder. I hope she gets away!! I still may pick up and read, but religious zealots scare the hell out of me, though, in this one it sounds like THEY got their dues. (you'd think with all the vampire/shifter/zombie books I read that I could stomach anything....lol) Religious zealots so much more scarier...
Dottie :)