In this debut novel from Rachelle Decker, we are transported to a future that is not one we would want to live in; but there is hope even in this for a better one. We meet Carrington Hale, for whom life will be wonderful, every young woman's dream, if she is chosen. If she is not, that will be her fault, as will the outcome of not being chosen. She will spend her life as a Lint, the lowest level of this futuristic society, knowing that she is there of her own doing. If you like dystopian stories, this is one for you. I like them and I liked this book. I knew from the time I held it in my hands that I would enjoy reading it. The cover is a beautifully done satin finish heavyweight paper. The inside is printed on quality paper, making it easy to hold in your hand. It gave me that familiar feeling that I had a good read in my hands and I was anxious to start. I was not disappointed. It is absent of multiple plot layers, which can be a refreshing change. There is one story with multiple characters and Ms. Decker is able to keep the intensity going. Just when I thought I knew what was coming, I was surprised. I would like to see more development of the secondary characters plot line and see that woven into the big picture with more depth. This novel does have that, but not to the detail that I think makes an even more intriguing read. The writing lacks the maturity that a seasoned author would provide but this author will come to that maturity as she writes, I feel certain. It is easy to read, well written dialogue and narrative descriptions. My heart goes out to Carrington as she struggles to find her self-worth while having her unworthiness drummed into her psyche daily. You know that I will not tell you more. You will have to read it for yourself! I appreciate the references to God as our all loving Father and the assurance that we are worth being saved. I would like to see a little more about humanities need for salvation, and the perfect sacrifice, Jesus. I have a feeling that may be developed as these characters find their way. None the less, this is an excellent debut novel, and is also a good book for young adults. It would be excellent even if it were not her first book; it's that good.
I give The Choosing four stars!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Tyndale, in exchange for an honest review. These words are my opinion.
I am pleased to include some Q&A from Rachelle Decker as well as a picture of her. Enjoy reading some insight into her writing process.
The Choosing is the first of a three-book series. What can we expect in the next two books?
More struggles with identity, but in different ways. Familiar characters dealing with fear and worry and forgiveness. We’ll walk with our characters as they continue to understand the true way of Aaron’s Father. More excitement, more romance (of course), and more self-discovery.
Did you discover anything about your own identity through the writing process?
I will steal a line from Ted Dekker on this one: “I write to discover.” They are one and the same. Even when I think there’s nothing left to discover, if I let myself be open to discovery, it almost always comes. So yes, I did. And I told my husband, if nothing ever comes of this book, it would still have been worth writing because of the way it impacted my life.
What do you hope readers will take away from the story?
I hope readers are filled with joy and power as they either realize for the first time who their Father is and what they are really worth, or as they simply remember this truth.
Thanks so much for being here! See you soon!
Jeri~
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