Choices

by Gary Markman

Harper James died. He just didn’t know it yet. He walked – or so he thought – through a perfectly level, smooth dirt path in the woods. Had he not been lost in thought he would have realized that the setting, much like a postcard, was not real.He liked to reminisce and when he did he never failed to think of those five students. He had worried about Arianna, the sad, beautiful, lost girl from Iran with the sparkling, inquisitive eyes and unsmiling mouth, who struggled with adapting to American life. Harper saw her potential and her stifled intelligence. He knew she could have a happy, successful life, but then she had simply vanished one day without a trace.Devi, his passion, his drive, and his unyielding commitment to justice. Devi had fallen in love with Arianna and she with him. Harper knew it even if the two them didn’t. Harper had seen the devastation in Devi’s eyes when Arianna disappeared.He couldn’t think of Devi without thinking of Eddie. Eddie and Devi; Devi and Eddie. They had become the most incongruous salt and pepper set imaginable. Devi, a wiry 5’9” white, Jewish kid, and Eddie, huge at, 6’8”, black, and a basketball legend who had played in the NBA. They were inseparable to this day. It had taken Harper a lot longer to gain Eddie’s trust than Devi’s but the three of them were now fast friends.Harper felt the tension. He feared for his students. He had taught them acceptance. He had taught them to embrace their commonalities but respect their differences. He preached love and understanding in these troubled times. But what good had it done? True, his students would have a choice. But would they follow his teachings? Would they join the never-ending conflict that plagued today’s world? Or would they simply give up on life?

Genres: Fiction

359 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2024

Reviews

[Danae Southerland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and I was surprised by it. I became invested in the characters and the their stories and how they all were interwoven.

I love the relationship Harper had with his students and the relationships they had with each other. Once I got about 1/4 way in, I couldn’t put this story down.

[Mr. E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much better then expected

I have to say this is much better than i expected. Riveting and exciting story woth great characters. I can't wait for more from Gary.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promising

Three of these stars are for the book itself and the fourth is for the author’s potential. I especially like the message of the story; would that more people would take to heart and practice it in their lives. I also thin, for the most part, he did a good job with the students’ growth as they matured. And he has a talent for evoking a mood.

The things that detracted from the story for me were the pacing, the sense of timing, and in a few cases, ignoring areas of a character’s life. Especially for the first third of the story, events moved so quickly and perspective changed so frequently that it was hard to keep track of whose story I was reading. My problem with time had to do with how much time was passing between events and that things weren’t necessarily related in chronological order. For example, it seemed to me that, even though Eddie was a couple years older than the others, the funeral took place while the Eddie, Devi, and Arianna were recent college graduates, they all seemed well advanced in their chosen careers. And, as the oldest of the group, it seemed odd to me that Eddie apparently had the least mature personal life. I also had an issue with shifting points of view. For the most part, the POV was third person limited based on whose story was being told. However, Markman occasionally lapsed into a third-person-omniscient POV, which was jarring.

The other thing that bothered me about this book was purely mechanical. It was hard to tell who was speaking during conversations because the book didn’t follow the rule of changing paragraphs when you change speakers.

Would I read another book by this author? I don’t know.

[Ella English · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a teacher named Harper James who dies unexpectedly. It's all about finding yourself, seeking justice, and dealing with complicated relationships. Five students share their personal struggles and dreams in the shadow of their late mentor.

Markman's character development is incredible, it really sucks readers in as they face society's problems and their own struggles. The story will totally keep you hooked with mystery, romance, and life lessons. This is a super cool book with lots of interesting ideas and different cultures. The book's clean writing and smart take on modern problems make it really stand out.

The story gets more intense as it goes on, and the characters' journeys all come together in a really powerful and moving way. It leaves readers feeling hopeful and understanding the importance of the choices we make.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Choices” by Gary Markman is a story that made me think. For the most part, the diverse characters of the story found a family amongst themselves instead of letting their differences divide them. A good message for today! I recommend others to read.

There are a few places a further edit would be good for spelling, etc. (example, sated should be seated -I believe). Minor compared to the story.

I received this ebook as a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity.

[chlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STARS

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I am so so happy that I did! it takes a lot for me to give a book 5 stars but this one deserves it. I loved the characters and the development of those characters throughout this book. as a teacher, I loved seeing the extent to which Harper was able to reach the students and how students of different backgrounds and cultures survive our society and make their mark on it.

[Nikkiya Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads Giveaway win for me. Thank you to Gary Markman and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this amazing story. I offer a voluntary spoiler-free review.

I became totally invested in the story and characters about 1/3 of the way into this book. This book had me laughing and crying (mostly crying). I highly recommend this modern tale of love, loss, and loyalty with a touch of redemption.

Happy Reading!

[Gary Markman]

This story is an amazing. Not only an exceptionally entertaining book, but it also provides a real insight into today's cultursal strife and how the choices we make in our lives influenece outcomes. I felt like I knew the characters, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. One other thing, the ending is exceptionasl on many levels.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written. The character development was amazing and the build up of the storyline was really good as well. This was an easy 5 star read for me. The ending of the book was very heartwarming and I was glad it ended the way it did.
If you have any triggers I’d check the trigger warnings in this book.

[mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

whoa

This story will stay with me for a while! I was pulled in so fast and read this in one whole day! I have to tell people about this book!

[David Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly good

Not my usual reading, but I quickly fell in with the characters. This is the type of book that needs to be read by many these days.

[Carole Yost · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a verry good story about Harper James, a teacher and others in his circle of friends and students. We all have to make choices, whether they are right or wrong we just don't know until after whether they were right or wrong and the consequences that come with the choices. I really loved this book and all the characters. I really had a hard time putting it down once I started reading.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

💯💯💯💯💯💯