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

Great book, slightly disturbing

I really enjoyed this book - it moves very quickly and I found myself looking for opportunities to keep putting my headphones back in to listen to more. The narrator is fantastic.

Some of the content in the book was rather disturbing, perhaps more so for a parent than for a teenager reading the book.

Fantastic!!

I recommend this book 100 times over, kept me interested the whole time - was definately a book where I waited in my car to end a chapter before I could stop listening!

Hard to put down

Would you listen to The Chosen One again? Why?

Yes.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kyra, of course. The author did an excellent job of writing about Kyra's transition from child to young adult.

What about Jenna Lamia’s performance did you like?

There isn't anything I've listened to featuring Jenna Lamia that I haven't enjoyed. Her narration was superb, thoroughly believable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes - luckily I had a 10 hour drive that day. It tells you something when you have that far to drive and resent having to stop and get gas because you'll have to stop listening.

Any additional comments?

Although is a book intended for teens, I think most adults will also enjoy it. Only occasionally was I reminded that this book was actually written for a much younger audience. Just a thoroughly intriguing, thought- provoking novel.

Although fiction, it is quite an insight

Would you listen to The Chosen One again? Why?

It is worth it however, I usually don't because why repeat a book when there are so many other titles available.

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

It made my angry that they believe child abuse is "ok in the eyes of the Lord" because the "prophet" says. I felt happy for Kyra that she was able to free herself from the compound but longed for her family.

Wow, I loved the whole book.

What did you love best about The Chosen One?

The author captures the voice of a 13 year old perfectly.

What about Jenna Lamia’s performance did you like?

Jenna Lamia performance is perfect. Listening to the audible provided a new layer to the story. We hated for it to end.

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

The book awakens you to issues and life styles very different from your own. You are angry and sickened.

The Chosen

Like other reviewers, I liked this book a lot. My only complaint was it was too short, but it was a great listen, and I well worth the credit.

You will want to weep.

The Chosen One is the story of Kyra, a thirteen year old girl who was raised in a polygamous sect by her father and three mothers along with an abundance of brothers and sisters. Despite her unusual circumstances, Kyra has dreams that any thirteen year old girl could relate to. She is in love with a boy whom she hopes to marry one day. This dream is shattered when The Prophet announces that Kyra is to marry her 60 year old uncle instead.

Kyra must now face some heartbreaking choices. Does she honor the word of The Prophet or follow her own heart? Is she prepared for the devastating consequences of choosing the latter? You will hold your breath as you watch Kyra struggle to choose between family and freedom. You will want to weep when you realize, along with Kyra, the high price that her freedom will cost.

This book is beautifully written and narrated. Writer Carol Lynch Williams perfectly captures the voice of thirteen year old Kyra and narrator Jenna Lamia brings Kyra to life.

ADDED BONUS: At the end of this book, you will enjoy an interview with Williams that covers topics ranging from finding Kyra's voice to Williams' writing process to her advice for other writers. If you enjoy reading YA fiction or aspire to write it yourself, you cannot miss this interview.

Sad, but Good.

This book is so hard to read. It's raw, real, and painfully sad.

It was hard to get through, but also a great listen and I thoroughly recommend it.

Interesting

Pretty good description of life in a religious cult society. The heroine is strong and smart and she sees the big picture. She wants a bigger life.

eh... kinda slow

As a fan of some of the latest shows and hype around polygamy, I was stoked to find this - and as an award winning book. But, the plot was slow... really slow. She kept repeating things, obviously trying to tap into what a young girl was thinking - but it got to the point where it became annoying.
However, the narration is great... and the end was alright.