The Chosen One
| The Chosen One | |
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Author |
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Publisher |
St. Martin's Griffin |
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Date |
2009 |
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Pages |
213 |
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ISBN |
0312555113, 9780312555115 |
The Chosen One is an award-winning young adult novel by Carol Lynch Williams. The book is about a thirteen-year-old girl, Kyra, who lives in a polygamous sect called the Chosen.
Contents |
[edit] Inspiration and Origins
Williams has said that she was inspired by hearing a story about a girl in a small polygamist group who had run away from home several times to avoid marrying a relative.[1]
[edit] Plot
The Chosen One tells the story of Kyra, a thirteen-year-old girl who lives in a polygamous sect called the Chosen. When she learns that she is to become the seventh wife of her 60-year-old uncle, she decides to run away from home.
[edit] Critical Reception
National reception to the book was positive. Writing for The New York Times, Jessica Bruder said, "Williams, herself a Mormon, unveils life among the Chosen (a fictitious theocracy) with spare, evocative writing and an honest sense of character that helps bridge the rift between Kyra's world and ours."[2] Ilene Cooper's Booklist review noted "Williams' portrayals of the family are sharp, but what's most interesting about this book is how the yearnings and fears of a character so far from what most YAs know will still seem familiar and close."[3] Kirkus Reviews said "Kyra's terrible dilemma . . . is heartbreakingly real, and the final scenes are riveting and suspenseful."[4]
Mormon critics also responded positively to the book. Angela Hallstrom said "The plot is riveting and the writing is strong."[5] Emily Milner said "Of all the 2009 Whitney finalists, this one had the most powerful writing."[6] The Association for Mormon Letters especially noted the book's "startling and powerful first line."[7]
The Chosen One won the 2009 AML Award for Young Adult Literature and the 2009 Whitney Award for Youth Fiction.
[edit] Awards
2009 AML Award for Young Adult Literature
2009 Whitney Award for Youth Fiction
[edit] References
- ↑ Pearson, Mary E. "The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams." YA Authors Cafe, May 4, 2009
- ↑ Bruder, Jessica. "Tightening the Knot." The New York Times, June 14, 2009, section BR, p. 13
- ↑ Cooper, Ilene. "The Chosen One." Booklist, vol. 105, issue 12 (February 15, 2009), p. 69
- ↑ "The Chosen One." Kirkus Reviews, vol. 77, issue 7 (April 1, 2009), p. 397
- ↑ Hallstrom, Angela. "Segullah Suggests: Books to Buy This Christmas." segullah.org, November 19, 2009
- ↑ Milner, Emily. "Top 10 Books of 2010." segullah.org, January 17, 2011
- ↑ 2009 AML Award: Young Adult Literature
[edit] External Links
- The Chosen One at carollynchwilliams.com
- The Chosen One in association with Amazon.com
