The Chosen One by Carol Williams Lynch

Lynch, Carol Williams. The Chosen One. New York, NY: St. Martin's Griffin, 2009. ISBN-10: 0-312-55511-3

Summary
Kyra and her family are part of an isolated religious community. When Kyra finds out that the prophet has forseen her marriage to her 60 year old uncle, she wonders is it's because of her sins. Kyra has been secretly meeting Joshua, who is her own age, to talk and kiss. Kyra also visits the mobile library, hiding the forbidden books that she checks out. As the marriage date approaches, Kyra's father tries to intercede but he's told if he can't keep his family in line his family will be taken away. Joshua steps forward suggesting that he marry Kyra but the community beats him out and drives him out. Even Patrick the mobile library driver offers help. Kyra considers running away but doing so would but the rest of her family at risk.

Critical Evaluation
Written with respect and sensitivity The Chosen One is about the internal conflicts of tight knit communities. Kyra has a loving, encouraging family that is a model by any standards. Nonetheless, by choosing to live in a community the parents have given up control of their own family. Kyra must choose between her own safety and that of her family, including her younger siblings. Readers will see that it isn't an easy choice. The presence of the bookmobile sends mixed messages. On one hand it represents the liberating power of forbidden literature. On the other hand, the bookmobile librarian is portrayed as a savior willing to sacrifice everything for one girl, which is an unrealistic expectation for young adults. Recommended with reservations.

Reader's Annotation 
Is Kyra being punished? Are Kyra's sins that she thought were secret the reason the prophet has forseen her marriage to her uncle?

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness
Awareness of different culture, especially isolated polygamous communities.

Genre and Subject 
Realistic fiction. Polygamous religious communities.

Why I read it
Although this book isn't specifically about the FLDS, I thought it would give me insight into the group.