Sunday, August 30, 2009

Book review: The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams (Published by St. Martin's Griffin, May 12, 2009)

Growing up in an isolated polygamist community, thirteen-year-old Kyra never questioned much about her life. She accepted her father's three wives and her many siblings, the isolation of her life, and that the Prophet's word is law. She rebelled in small ways - sneaking out to visit the book-mobile so she could read books and learn about the outside world, and meeting with a boy she likes.

However, Kyra's acceptance of her life changes when the Prophet declares that she must become the seventh wife of her sixty-year-old uncle. Though she has been raised to obey the Prophet, Kyra cannot imagine accepting this fate. When she dares to defy the Prophet, she faces terrible consequences. Can Kyra find a way to escape?

The Chosen One is a unique and thrilling young adult novel. I haven't read anything like it before and I usually don't read realistic contemporary fiction and prefer fantasy and historical fiction, so I wasn't sure how I would like it. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find the book gripping and hard to put down. Even though Kyra's life is very different than that of most teens today, teen readers will relate to Kyra's desire to decide her future for herself. I highly recommend this novel. Even if you don't usually read this sort of book, you may really like it, just as I did.

2 comments:

~The Book Pixie said...

I really want to read this book. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for the review. :D

~Briana

Anonymous said...

It's a really hard book to put down! I wound up reading it at work, under my desk because I couldn't stop after lunch.

- Katie

 
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