The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

Williams, Carol Lynch The Chosen One 192 pgs St. Martin's Griffin
Language~PG, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG-13

It has only been a little over a year since the Texas government raided a polygamist sect on accusations of child abuse. In her newest novel, Williams approaches the topic of polygamist groups through the eyes of a 13 year old named Kyra. Kyra’s world is made up of helping her mothers take care of her siblings. The one bright spot in her life is the Iron County Book Mobile and the books it brings. Not long ago all books but the Bible were banned; as the prophet revealed that all other books are tools of Satan. Now Kyra reads in secret. Her world comes crashing down one evening as the prophet announces that Kyra is to be wed to her sixty year old uncle. She will become his 6th wife. Kyra knows in her heart this is wrong and refutes anyone who tries to make her submit. When she tries to flee she is beaten and warned not to try it again. Williams writing is engaging and so vivid I could feel Kyra’s disgust and panic. While an excellent and thrilling read, I wish the author had added an author’s note discussing the polygamy issue and/or citing what research she did to support her writing.


MS/HS ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library