The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

Thirteen year old Kyra Carlson resides with her family in a polygamist community. She loves her family unconditionally and has never questioned the fact that she has “three” mothers and 20 brothers and sisters with two more on the way. Although her sect is set with their strict way of living - Kyra has found a way of slipping out to visit the Mobile Library on Wheels where she reads forbidden books, or her meetings with the boy she hopes to choose for herself - instead of having a man chosen for her. But all in all, she is respectful and listens to her father and the Prophet Childs.

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.

This was such a powerful and intense story. It’s based on a subject that, although very real, it’s something that never really crosses my mind. To actually read about these religious sects - their beliefs, the lives they choose to live, etc., just blows my mind. I actually opened this book and did not put it down until I was done with it. It definitely piqued my interest from the first sentence. Kyra was such a strong and determined character. I loved that reading was such a big part in the story as well as the book-mobile.

I can definitely see where the story might be considered controversial, especially when reading about the life that Kyra has been brought up in. But I recommend that you try to overcome this, since this is a story that will leave you astounded and hopeful that Kyra can overcome her fears and do what must be done.

It was powerful, intense, surprisingly action-packed, but most of all, an unforgettable tale.