Author: Carol Lynch Williams
Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2009
Personal Rating: 4.25/5 (very good +)
Yearly Count: 78
Kyra, at the age of 13, has been officially ordered by Prophet Childs (leader of the cult) to marry her 60-year-old uncle - in turn, becoming his 7th wife. Kyra is emphatically opposed to the idea and does whatever it takes to prevent it from happening. Does she succeed?
This book has watered the seed of curiosity in me. I am now, more than ever, ready and eager to learn more about the polygamy culture.
The Chosen One was well-written, and it opened my eyes to what may actually take place in a polygamist compound, but not knowing where truth and fiction blur, it wasn't easy for me to just accept what was happening. The characters and Kyra's home life seemed realistic, but once the tension began to build and reach an alarming state - I questioned the validity of the practicing cult members. I know it's fiction and my questioning didn't change my thoughts about the book, but I want to know the truth behind the fence.
I'd like to read a memoir of an escaped cult member. Any suggestions?
I would suggest Shattered Dreams by Irene Spencer. I'm looking forward to The Chosen One.
ReplyDeleteI too am interested in reading books about cults, especially polygamist cults. I would love to hear about any memoirs you hear about and/or read.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ I'm sure you'll like The Chosen One and thank you for the suggestion. I'm going to look into that one right now. :)
ReplyDeleteKristie ~ The only one that I knew of was Escape by Carolyn Jessop. On Amazon there is a rating of 4.5/5 with 357 reviews. Sounds like it may be a good choice, huh?
When I looked up Escape on Amazon, I found Shattered Dreams (the one Bermudaonion recommended above) and it has a 4.5/5 rating with 108 reviews. I also found Stolen Innocence that has a 4.5/5 rating with 103 reviews. So - according to Amazon reviewers, we really can't go wrong with any of the three!
If you are interested in purchasing any of them, on Amazon Escape is Bargain Priced for $8.47, Hardcover and Stolen Innocence is Bargain Priced for $8.81, Hardcover. Shattered Dreams is $10.97, Paperback. (And, no - I don't work for Amazon. I just thought I'd let you know while I have it up on my screen.) :)
I already put a hold on the audiobook of Escape to put on my iPod, so I'll be listening to that one.
I have read all three mentioned above. Shattered Dreams, Escape and Stolen Innocence and highly recommend them all. Unfortunately, Carol Lynch Williams got the story pretty much right on with everything else that I've read. The validity of the practicing cult members was really accurate. I'm still looking forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to this book but as I recently read The 19th Wife I'm waiting a bit before starting it. Have you read The 19th Wife? Very good book. It is fiction but it blends in the true story of Ann Eliza, one of the wives of Brigham Young.
ReplyDeleteMaw Books ~ Oh my. I guess I'm in for a rude awakening when I read the other books, huh? Thank you so much for your insight.
ReplyDeleteIliana ~ No, I haven't read The 19th Wife - yet. I have it on my iPod, but decided to read a memoir first. After I know more from others that participated in a polygamist cult, I'll go back to that one. I'm trying to get fact and fiction straightened out in my mind.
That sounds like a really interesting book. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI got an email from the library yesterday - this one is waiting on the hold shelf for me. I'm really looking forward to reading it. I'm also on the hold list for Lost Boy by Brent Jeffs (Nephew of Warren Jeffs). That one is from the male perspective. No idea if it's any good or not, but I'll find out as soon as I get to the top of the hold list.
ReplyDeleteAngie ~ Definitely interesting. It's a quick read with an intriguing topic.
ReplyDeleteSuzi ~ Oh yes! I saw Lost Boy somewhere, but didn't give it a second thought. I wasn't that curious at the time, but this book has sparked that interest. Reading about the cult from a male's perspective would be great. Thank you for bring it back to my attention.