The Chosen One

A Novel

By: Carol Lynch Williams

Narrated by: Jenna Lamia

Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated polygamous community without questioning her father's three wives and her twenty brothers and sisters. Or at least without questioning them much—if you don't count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her. But when the Prophet decrees that Kyra must marry her 60-year-old uncle—who already has six wives—Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family.

©2009 Carol Lynch Williams (P)2009 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Narrator Jenna Lamia brings passion and dignity to Kyra, her sisters, and even the strict elders who want all the girls for themselves...Lamia's voices sounds believably young and brings surprising gravity to this ripped-from-the-headlines story.” —AudioFile

“Narrator Jenna Lamia's searing, poignant performance will stay with listeners long after the book ends as she draws listeners in and never lets go, making them feel as if Kyra is living with them as they hear her story...Outstanding.” —Sound Commentary

“Jenna Lamia strikes just the right note between innocence and a growing sense of rebellion in her characterization of Kyra...” —Kirkus Reviews

Really interesting!

This book was worth the listen! It leaves you thinking long after the final chapter!

So good :)

I was looking for a new author as I had already exhausted all of my favorite author's (Meg Cabot, Sophie Kinsella) audiobooks. On a whim I downloaded this one and it was fantastic! When it started I wasn't so sure but I really got into it and couldn't stop listening. I can't wait to find other books by this author.

Surprisingly....great

I completely enjoyed this selection. I felt empathetic towards the character and it even felt like a 13 year old was telling the story.

Very well written. Very enjoyable. Hopefully unrealistic.

I definitely recommend and hopefully I'll find another one as good soon.

a new plot idea

I loved this book about a polygamist sect in a desert US state. The author did a great job of getting into the characters and show a strong sense of love of family, teen anxt and righteous indignation. It is one of the most disturbing YA books I have read recently. The reader was perfect--strong emotion in all the right places. At the end of the last disk, the author gives a great interview. Highly recommended.

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

This was a good story...hard to listen to at times. I just wish the aftermath would have been brought out more. The books seems to end suddenly and leave you with many questions.
I also have to say that since the book is all about a young girl, it would have added to the story if the narrator had a "younger" voice.

Bittersweet and perspective-changing

While I was listening to this book, I felt a sense of dread and fury that very few books have ever incited in me. Kyra’s voice is so authentic, and her story something that no child should ever have to go through.

The worst part about this was, while I was listening, I felt for all of the women who have had to go through these things in real life. And frankly, it made me angry! Religion has long-since been used to manipulate, steal, or coerce and, often, the victims of such heinous practices are the gullible and young.

This book was an incredible journey through the life of a girl who lives in a polygamist society. I wouldn’t say it was an enjoyable read, per se, but it was an illuminating one. If I could give it 10 stars, I would! The narrator was absolutely perfect!

This is a YA book, and I recommend listening to it with your child and talking through it with them.

A thought-provoking and engaging young adult novel

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes, especially younger women. The characters are well-developed and the story line is timely. The theme of empowerment and hope is woven well throughout the novel.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting aspect was the exploration of the ability of cult leaders to convince good people to do wrong things. The least interesting were the scenes of violence which were a bit too drastic to be believable.

Which scene was your favorite?

A well-written book overall.

Could you see The Chosen One being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes, it could be a "Lifetime" movie.

Any additional comments?

The narration was superb.

Awesome Listen

Thought provoking and extremely well written. Jenna Lamia is an awesome reader. She totally brought the story to life I could not stop listening.

Simple and straightforward story yet captivating

What made the experience of listening to The Chosen One the most enjoyable?

I was taken in by the seemingly unbreakable cycle that the main character and her family was caught in.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kyra, the main character of the story, for her bravery and her struggle to remain true to her human spirit. Despite countless cultural barriers to the contrary, Kyra was able to truly tell right from wrong as well as make the correct choices.

What does Jenna Lamia bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

You literally as well as figuratively HEAR the young girl's VOICE and struggles.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

...pretty sick story to have such maniacle control over an entire community! The punishments and edicts, all in the name of "god" and those who purport to represent god, are very disturbing.

Any additional comments?

I had some awareness of such communities. I found it very moving to see how it from such a personal perspective. I was distracted somewhat by a couple of elements in the book, that although made for a good story, seemed a unrealistic. Despite that, I would recommend this book.

Well done

I chose this book solely because I liked the narrator's work so much on The Help. This piece was equally well done and the story was captivating with a nice variety of interesting characters. Well worth the credit.